Is it really a bargain? How to shop the sales

We’ve all been there; you give in to the lure of an irresistible bargain in the sales, and six months later you’re wondering why on earth you have this piece of clothing that doesn’t suit your colouring, lifestyle, or personality, hanging in the wardrobe with the tags still on.

Luckily, we’re here to help! With Kettlewell’s golden rules for sales shopping, plus a little styling inspiration for good measure, we’re going to show you how to get maximum mileage out of your sales shopping.

Of course, our golden rules can be applied to any purchase, but they’re particularly important to keep in mind while sales shopping, when a low price point can cause all sense of reason to evaporate!

Firstly, the golden rules:

1. Does it suit your colour palette? Every new addition to your wardrobe should be in a colour that makes you look and feel amazing (bonus: sticking to your best palette means all your clothes will mix and match too!).

2. Does it align with your personal style? Sales shopping can be a great opportunity to experiment at a lower price point, but do a sense check – can you actually envisage wearing this item in your real life?

3. Can you style it at least a couple of different ways with what’s already in your wardrobe? Bonus points if you can style it for a range of temperatures/levels of formality.

4. Would you buy it if the sale price was the full price? This can be a good way of identifying whether you love the piece itself, or the ‘saving’ of X amount of money.

So, does that sale piece you’ve been eyeing up pass the test? If it’s a yes, it’s time to get sales shopping!

And if you need a little sales styling inspiration, I’ve styled five of my personal sale favourites below, complete with the lessons we’ve learned about these hidden gems and how to style them.

Emerald Zebra Safari Dress |  Festival Fuchsia Suzie Wool Jacket | Silver Dazzle Necklace and Earrings | black ankle boots

Style notes: Although we designed the comfier-than-pyjamas Safari dress with an hourglass body shape in mind, we’ve found it is a genius waist enhancer (even waist-creator) for apple and inverted triangle body shapes. This warm, jacquard knit dress doesn’t need a cardigan or wrap for wearing indoors – simply throw on Suzie for instant elegance when you leave the house!

Deep Pine Albany Coatigan |  Marine Navy Lauren Jersey Trousers | Sea Green Classic V | Navy Celt Sheepskin Shortie Boots | Rusty Blue Woven Print Scarf

Style notes: The Albany Coatigan has been flying off the shelves in our Colour Studio (why not come and visit us in 2024? Book your visit here), where customers have the opportunity to try on a range of sizes. We’ve noticed that sizing down results in a much smarter finish, while sizing up feels gloriously snuggly and cosy. Go true to size for a casual but cosy top layer for any occasion. Pair with Lauren Trousers and a Classic V for elegant loungewear.

Lipstick Pink Robyn Jacket, Crystal Silky Roll Neck | Garnet Classic Leather Belt | Rio Red Cashmere Gauze Stole | Celtic Notched Flat Ankle Boots | flared jeans

Style notes: The Robyn Jacket is a go-to part of my own casual, outdoorsy feeling wardrobe, and feels smarter than a wrap or a cardigan without sacrificing an ounce of comfort! I love the slightly 70s Charlie’s Angels vibe it gives any outfit, especially flared jeans and a fitted and flattering Silky Roll Neck (opt for a Silky Scoop if you prefer a lower neckline). This jacket, which suits every body shape, comes into its own in transitional weather, but is also soft and fine enough to layer under a coat during winter. 

Royal Blue Velvet Wrap Jacket | Bright Navy Lauren Jersey Trousers | Canary Yellow Sleeveless Two Way Top | Gold Star Earrings | heels

Style notes: Because velvet isn’t just for Christmas! Although this piece will come into its own next festive season, it also makes the perfect evening cover up for parties and cruises, and adds instant elegance to simple trousers or jeans and a tee for dinner out. Small shoulder pads add just enough structure to make this jacket feel tailored and elegant – don’t forget to size down if you want it to feel really neat.

Santorini Blue Longline Scoop | Papaya Bud Athena Skirt | Royal Blue Cashmerino Tank Top | Coral Tassel Necklace | Gold Free Spirit Earrings | tan ankle boots

Style note: A hero basic for any wardrobe, the Longline Scoop was reintroduced this season because, quite simply, Melissa and I had worn our previous ones so much that we needed replacements! Scoop necks are fabulous for larger busts as they visually minimize, but are also brilliant layering pieces for every shape and size as the low neckline makes for a warmer alternative to a camisole. In a thicker fabric than our Silky Scoop, the longer length makes the Longline Scoop perfect for tucking in during cold weather, but also means it will layer over lightweight trousers when the temperature rises.