Gold rules on balances: “It is important to define what you need”

“Hwho sees the summer sale as an excellent opportunity to renew the wardrobe, but actually this is one of the times when we most easily buy by impulse. The generous discounts offer the sense of reward and often, we buy parts just because they're cheap and not because we need them to improve our wardrobe. 

In this sense, there are some strategies that can be adopted to help save money and acquire new pieces of clothing more consciously: 

1. Make a list before starting

Before entering a store or opening a shopping app, it is important to define what you really need. A wedding dress, sandals or a statement wallet are examples of concrete goals that help prevent impulsive purchases. Having a list does not mean being adamant, but it offers a starting point and reduces the likelihood of returning home with parts we will never use.

  Liliana Correia is the creator of LC Fashion Consultancy. © LC Fashion Consultation  

Read Also: Balances at the door! Write down these recommendations and pieces you should take advantage of

2. Buy quality, not just discounts

A 70% discount doesn't make a bad purchase a good one. Balances are an excellent opportunity to invest in better quality pieces that, outside this time, could be above budget. Natural fabrics, good finishes and timeless cuts tend to last much longer than purchased parts just because they were on sale. A good buy is the one you keep using in two or three years. However, it is essential to buy the parts in the right size and not fall into the error of acquiring sizes above or below just because they are on sale. 

3. Ask: “Would you buy this without a discount?”

This is probably the most important question during balances. If the answer is “no”, perhaps the discount is influencing the decision more than the part itself. Buying because it's cheap often ends up expensive, especially when clothes remain forgotten in the closet. The price should be an additional benefit, never the main reason for the purchase.

4. Take advantage to experience trends but in moderation

Not everything needs to be a classic. Balances are the ideal time to experience a trend you like, but about which you still have some doubts: a different color, a striking accessory or a bolder model. As investment is lower, the risk also decreases. Still, make sure that these purchases represent only a small part of the budget.

5. In doubt, let it stay

There is a simple rule that rarely fails: when you hesitate too much in front of a play, you usually end up using it little. The best purchases are those that make us feel good when we experience them and that we can easily imagine in different coordinates of our daily lives. If we need to convince ourselves too much, maybe we should wait for the next chance.

Balances don't just exist to spend less. When we choose parts that really match our style, they have quality and meet our needs, the discount becomes just a bonus. In the end, the best purchase is the one that keeps coming out of the locker station after station.”