I’m the first to admit that I’m rubbish at Sale shopping on the high street. If I walk in to a store covered in red and white signs promising 30, 40 or even 50 percent off, nine times out of ten I will bypass the messy Sale rails in favour of the pristine looking new stock (at full price of course). But online it’s another matter – no elbowing past other shoppers to get to the goods or fighting over the last skirt in my size. However, it’s easy to be seduced by a seemingly good bargain only to realise a few months later as said item still hangs unworn in the wardrobe that, factoring  in ‘the cost per wear’, you would have been better off buying the full price shoes/bag/dress you wanted in the first place. That’s not to say that there aren’t good deals to be had but it’s important to keep a cool head and remember that often pieces are on that Sale rail for a reason. So without further ado, here is my short but sweet guide to Sale shopping:

As a general rule Sales tend to fall at the end of a season (or at the very least mid-season) so try to steer clear of one-season wonders. There’s nothing worse than wearing something that is blatantly Spring 13 when everyone has moved on to Winter 13/14. Go for pieces that are not defined by a particular trend and won’t date so easily. Classic is an overused word and often confused with traditional or old-fashioned but to me it doesn’t mean twinset and pearls, but rather items that you will turn to again and again, like that jacket in the perfect biker-cut or the skinny jeans that fit just so.

Wrap skirt by Diane vin Furstenberg, was £300 now £180; Striped dress by Clu was £280 now £140; Striped sweatshirt by Marc by Marc Jacobs was £150 now £75

Black and white stripes and other monochrome patterns are trans-seasonal and can easily be paired with whatever colour is the flavour of the moment.

J Brand 811 striped skinny jeans was £225 now £112; Citizens of Humanity Avedon jeans was £210 now £147; Cottonblend sweater by Dagmar was £200 now £100; Duffy turtleneck was 250 now £150

Think beyond the here and now. Come October you ‘ll be pleased that you invested in some versatile jeans and sweaters for the colder weather.

J Crew tweed jacket (on left) was £410 now £205; Michael by Michael Kors leather biker jacket was 515 now £309; Leather trimmed tweed jacket by IRO was £662 now £463

When it comes to jackets, think more about the shape than the material or colour. A blazer (long or boxy) or biker jacket will always look right.

Pierre Hardy pumps was £465 now £279; Jimmy Choo Pence sandals was £250 now £125; Jimmy Choo Pavlova sandals was £495 now £346; Bloch ballet flats was £125 now £62

Let’s not forget the accessories. If you’ve always wanted a pair of Jimmy Choos, now is a good time to buy them.

Chloe Alice tote was £2,205 now £1,544; Michael Kors Gia shopper was £655 now £328; Alison shopper by Chloe was £665 now £399; Zebra print clutch by Jummy Choo was £495 now £248

A classic bag shape like a clutch or tote will see you through for many years.

All items available from Net a Porter