The 6 Golden Rules Of Sales Shopping

We don't want to get too excited but...** the sales will soon be upon us**! In fact, some have already begun. Yes, those Valentino Rockstud sandals might finally be within reach, as long as they have the right size and right colour in-store (please*...*universe...).

Successful sale shopping, contrary to popular belief, isn't about luck. It's about planning. All successful sale shoppers will have a plan, a formula, to make darn sure that that Christopher Kane biker jacket (with their name on it) is retreived by its rightful owner.

But you don't have a plan – and find yourself, perpetually, the one that loses out to proper bargain shoppers – take heed of our tips below...

Top 6 Sales Rules

1. Shop at random hours of the day

Come pay day shoppers will be out en mass, ready to bash down store doors as soon as the clock signals the start of trading hours.

Do not do be one of those people. Because in an exciteable shopping frenzy, it is difficult to remain focused on the task in hand, i.e. finding the pieces you want.

Amidst pushing and shoving and grabbing, the temptation is to swoop up everything you set eyes on – even things you don't want – just to stop the person next to you getting their mitts on them first. You'll end up with lots of things you don't want, in various sizes, and none of what you do.

So, head to the sales at random hours to avoid the crowds. Good times are last thing at night, or first thing on Monday morning. Imagine the time you least feel like shopping, and go then.

There's far greater chance of finding what you want – in a clearer space with no barging.

2. Know your sizes, in all measurements

There's nothing worse than finding the exact item you want, checking its size, and finding it says something like: 'EU 38'. Because, what the heck size is that?!

And don't even get us started on trousers... 'Waist: 28, Leg: 32'. Does anyone know what that means?!

Know your size in UK, US and EU measurements – including bust, waist, hips and legs. That will mean less time faffing around in changing rooms and more time searching out those hidden gems.

ASOS have a good size guide to help you out if you're not 'in the know'. Take a look at it here.[

](http://www.asos.com/infopages/SizeGuide/pgesizechart.aspx?r=2)

3. Identify the missing pieces in your wardrobe

We've all done it around sales time... bought that pussy bow blouse and tried it on for Boyfriend/Housemate/Mum at home, only for them to say: 'Isn't that just like that other one you've got already?'

We all have an individual style so it's little wonder we get repeatedly drawn to the same items.

Here's an idea: go through your wardrobe before you shop, to identify what's missing. You might have ten pairs of black jeans, for instance, but not one pair in blue. Or ten short LBDs, and not one of showstopping floor-length.

Really think about what will be a good investment and a useful addition to your wardrobe.

4. Make a list

You may not stick to it, but making a list is never a waste of time. Yes, it sounds basic and pretty obvious, but it's often an overlooked step. We forget that sales shopping can be an overwhelming experience; sometimes we're tempted to rush for the exit, the moment we step foot through the door.

Feelings of anxiety and stress can be elimintaed by a simple list. Because a list equals a plan. And at the very least, you have a good place to start.

5. Don't be afraid to check the floor

No one likes seeing clothes on the floor, even less, picking them up to try on. But that pile of denim on the ground might just be the dress you've been looking for... in your very size. Pick it up and see (and then put it back on the rack because that's kind and helpful).

6. Set up a queuing system with your shopping pal

If the queues this sales season are anything like they've been all year, you might find you spend more time queuing to pay for stuff than you do finding and trying it all on.

Avoid this by going with a friend and working as a team. If there's something you want, and you know the right size, get your friend to head straight to the till to start queuing on arrival. You can then whizz round to find it, and by the time you do, your friend will be nearing the front. Then, like an A-lister, swoop in, pay and leave.

Simples.