The best investment pieces to pick up in the sale

Sale season is a great opportunity to stock your wardrobe with staples, but beware the trap of buying items merely because they are half price, or because they ‘might’ prove useful one day. Instead, invest in quality foundations that will last for years. Here’s our sales shopping list…

Synonymous with luxury and warmth, good quality cashmere carries a price tag that reflects these qualities. You can learn exactly how it is made here.) So when it goes into sale, it’s the perfect moment to pick up a luxe hoodie, cardigan or sweater that will see you cosily through to the green shoots of March. Take good care of cashmere and it will last for many years. 

Feel-good, well-fitting sportswear has the power to actually make you want to head out for that weekend jog or get up for that online morning pilates class. With the correct uniform that performs as it should, there’s no excuse. If price has been a barrier to entry then this is the moment to build a capsule of basics: think a well-fitting sports bra, comfortable performance leggings and a new pair of running trainers to get you out of the blocks.

Tailored cuts and premium fabrics are a recipe for a long-lasting coat which will top off any outfit. And the good news is that as the shop rails need to be cleared to make way for the spring collections, there are plenty of bargains to be enjoyed. Consider what sort of style you need: casual style for walking the dog? Quilted that offers pure warmth? Or maybe that teddy coat that you’ve always wanted but rejected as too frivolous? Fill in the gap in your outerwear collection and you can make the most of the outdoors this winter.

From the forever coat to the failsafe jacket that you’ll reach for time and time again. First, the leather biker. Trust us when we say this is a coat that suits everyone – and does the handy job of adding cool factor to any outfit. It’s also good for between seasons so you’ll get plenty of wear out of it. The other investment in this category is a tailored blazer. Find the right one and you’ll wear it forever. Also ideal for throwing on for a work video call that requires polish.

Despite being the daintiest of items, the cost of lingerie and hosiery quickly adds up. But quality pieces do stand the test of regular wear, machine washing and drying, so seek out what you’re low on and enjoy the feel-good factor of a new bra or pants at half the price.

Arguably, you can never own too many ankle boots. From the chunky-soled styles that continue to trend (and are great if / when the snow arrives), to knee-high, block-heel boots and ankle-high buckled biker versions, there's something to suit every occasion in the footwear stakes. Which makes treating yourself to one more pair justifiable. Again, determine what’s missing from your collection and pick up a steal.

This one is practically a no-brainer. Handbags, purses and quality leather accessories can be expensive but, as we use them daily, it’s an item that’s worth investing a little extra in. Perhaps there’s a piece you’ve had your eye for a while, but couldn’t justify the price. Or your everyday tote bag or trusty cross-body design could do with an upgrade. Either way, if you can get a great deal in the sale it's a practical purchase that comes with a daily dose of joy. 

Now this one involves a little more thought and self-restraint. However, this is not the moment to rush out and buy an impractical, hard-to-wear item simply because 'it's designer’. Take a moment to choose wisely; there are investments to be had from designers you revere, which might ordinarily sit outside your price range but that you will actually make use of in your daily wardrobe. 

The items our mums would call 'smart clothes' are often the ones we overlook in favour of seductive trend-led pieces or our go-to casual designs (hello 17th Breton top). The elegant blouse or the expertly cut trousers, in navy or black are, however,  investment pieces. They're the wardrobe classics you will always find an occasions for, and that you’ll return to over again.