Sale survivor strategies

Whisper a certain phrase in any fashionable woman's ear and you're bound to get a wild reaction. Her heart rate will go up, she may pant and it's highly likely she'll run out of the room as a result. That phrase? Fifty Per Cent Off.

Other similar pieces of retail-related poetry guaranteed to get the same response include Heavily Discounted and Summer Sale. Unfortunately, besides getting shoppers excited, what these phrases may also do is cause some accidental shopping.

As in, you went out to get some bread and when you returned, you had a new dress, a new pair of shoes and a dent in your credit card the size of a second-hand car.

Possibly the most unfortunate side effect of this behaviour - besides that credit card bill - is the danger of buying something you might never wear because it's immediately dated, it doesn't suit you, it doesn't fit or because it makes you look like a fashion victim.

However as any clever shopper knows, with a little preparation, there are genuine bargains to be had. Besides a sharp pair of elbows you need a good shopping strategy. Do your research beforehand and you'll find that there are certain flattering items that will not only work in well with next season's trends and get you ahead of the victims but that can also be worn when the colder weather comes around. Read on before you head out to this summer's sales (again).

Bohemians versus ladies

The biggest difference between this season's trends and the next is a swing away from that sort of free and easy, mismatched Bohemian look towards a more restrained, simple and tailored style. Ladylike and grown-up, they're calling it. Which means that the floppier, danglier items on sale are not going to make it through the next few months.

Tiered skirts

Look around. Can you see anyone wearing one of these? Exactly. In fact, perhaps you already own one, along with the rest of the country's females. If you must have it, make sure it's all in one colour, not some mix-and-match madness covered in sequins.

All that sparkles

Along with the ladylike comes the old fashioned glamour. Gold, silver, velvet and satin are fancy highlights of winter. But beware the attack of the cheap sequin - next season's looks are subtle.

Sheer tops

The translucent blouse or top slips comfortably through the next few seasons unscathed, particularly if it has that secretly-sexy-librarian thing going on.

Victorian styles and lace

Those high necked, lightly lacy blouses go nicely with ladies looks. And they also work with that slightly more romantic or gothic look. Same goes for lace of any kind.

Floral prints

Especially if they have a sweet Laura Ashley or romantic old-fashioned feeling to them. Same goes for paisley or other lovelier prints.

Animal prints

Unless they're subtle or very minimal expressions of bestiality, forget'em.

Black or white

Apparently next winter black will actually be the new black. Then next summer, white will be the new black. Which is why - if you're not too confused - investing in monotone items on sale is a fine idea.

Fine knits

Light knits, many with some sort of lace, also come in handy for next season. Cardigans, in particular slightly cropped cardys, do the trick. Shrugs, on the other hand, should be ignored.

Vests

Either in wool or knitted, tailored or denim, the vest makes a comeback over the next few seasons. Cropped jackets continue on through to next summer too.

Dresses

The well-designed and very flattering summer frock was the highlight of many a designer collection as well as chain store range. These could prove to be a bargain for local shoppers. If you've found a dress shape that flatters you and the price is right, then it would be hard to go wrong. Satin, velvet or tailoring of any sort is a bonus. Only one cautionary note: avoid anything that screams boho princess.

Kaftans

They may be comfortable and cute but they should now be relegated to the beach. Next season's look is much more uptight and kaftans don't really get a look in, no matter how pretty they are.

Big wooden beads

Leave the wildly coloured, gigantic wooden beads and rows of pastel shells behind. But if it's in black, white or any other more sedate colour, then go for it.

Belts

The waist is the place to emphasise, either with a wide belt or sash. Avoid the vivid bohemian belts but if you find something suitably subdued, it will come in handy this winter.

Platforms and wedges

Forget the clumpy, beach-going hippy sort of shoe, the wedges you want are slightly more refined and grown up for next season. Ballet-style flats also keep on keeping on.