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Now the slog of Christmas shopping is over, the real fun begins, with many retailers offering deals in heavily discounted sales from Boxing Day through January; a small consolation for the money we spent in December.

But it’s too easy to get trigger-happy when rifling through racks or creating bargain-filled baskets online, treating ourselves to things we wouldn’t usually buy and definitely don’t need.

To get the most out of the post-Christmas sales, why not only stock up on the items you know will pay off? We’re talking staple pieces, the ones you actually need — not new versions of the items that are lying dormant in your wardrobe, sad, lonely and ignored. 

So, go on, shop your wardrobe before shopping the sales to make the most of the Boxing Day bonanza. Here’s how.

How to shop your wardrobe

What do we mean by shopping your wardrobe? Put simply, you need to rifle through your clothes and evaluate what you already own.

As stylist Oriona Robb puts it, it’s about, ‘restyling and rediscovering pieces, and curating outfits from your existing collection rather than rushing to buy new items.’ 

It’s sort of like how we check our cupboards before we go to the supermarket — because no one wants three bags of sprouting potatoes.

It’s also a good time to declutter.

‘By decluttering,’ Oriona tells Metro, ‘you’ll not only free up space but develop a clearer understanding of what’s missing, helping you shop smarter during the sales.’

She has four major tips for effectively shopping your wardrobe: auditing, mixing and matching, accessorising and altering. 

First, Oriona says, ‘take everything out and review what you own – you may find forgotten favourites that can be brought back into rotation.’

Then, mix and match, experimenting with ‘combining items in new ways, such as layering summer dresses with turtlenecks or pairing blazers with jeans’ before using like belts, scarves and jewellery ‘to refresh outfits and create new looks’.

Finally, commit to having damaged or ill-fitting items fixed or altered. Often, you’ll find there’s no need to replace them when a quick trip to the tailor will do just fine.

Six items to look out for in the Boxing Day Sales

Now we have that out of the way, it’s time for some (responsible) retail therapy. 

Oriona says: ‘The sales are ideal for investing in high-quality essentials that might otherwise be out of reach at full price.’

In terms of a plan of action, she recommends going for ‘neutral colours, classic silhouettes, and versatile items that work across seasons,’ adding: ‘Avoid buying trends that might not carry into the next year.’

There are six categories you should focus your search on, and sticking to them should help you mitigate the worst of the buyer’s remorse come December 27.

Outerwear

It’s winter, so it makes sense to invest in a decent coat. However, according to Oriona, your best bet is either a wool coat of a tailored trench, which ‘can last years if you choose neutral colours like black, navy or camel.’

Workwear

If you work in an office or somewhere that requires you to buy your own uniform, the sales could be a great opportunity to stock up on things like shirts, suits, blazers and shoes. 

Ideally when it comes to workwear, you want to buy things that last, so Oriona recommends purchasing items made of ‘durable fabric’ – think linen, wool and cotton.

Knitwear

You can’t go wrong with a good jumper or cardigan — and why not splash out on some cashmere while the prices are low?

‘Luxurious yet practical, cashmere jumpers or cardigans can elevate any outfit,’ says Oriona. 

Jeans

‘A perfect-fitting pair of high-quality jeans is worth every penny,’ says Oriona, ‘and sales are a great time to upgrade.’ 

Try them on if you can, but if you’re shopping online, it can be handy to take your measurements so you don’t fall victim to different retailers’ wildly irregular sizing.

Shoes

It’s no secret how expensive shoes have become, and so many fall apart so quickly these days, too. 

If you’re after a new pair, Oriona says: ‘Look for leather boots or versatile flats, which are often heavily discounted but will remain wardrobe staples.’

Occasion wear

We all know the pain of running around like a headless chicken before a big event looking for an outfit that is not only cute but appropriate and also timeless enough that you’ll wear again, without paying a fortune. 

If you know you’ve got a fancy occasion coming up in 2025, it makes sense to plan (and buy) your look in advance. Oriona also recommends looking out for jewellery and clutch bags, which are often on sale. 

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