The Best Times of Year to Buy Clothing for Less

Is it just us or does scoring a great piece for a
ridiculously affordable price also make you feel weirdly
victorious? It’s that feeling of somehow cheating the system or
being let in on an insider secret. It’s the reason why we always
take the time to tell you about the latest sales from our
favorite stores and sites, both online and IRL, and why we never
hesitate to
share our favorite places to find affordable items.

Today, though, we’re taking the guessing out of it to bring you
our ultimate guide on
which items to buy to maximize your savings while minimizing
the time and research that goes into hunting down sales and
clipping coupons. We devised this handy guide detailing the most
opportune times to buy certain items. Not only will it make you
feel like a delightfully savvy shopper, but you’ll save a pretty
penny too.

January:
Suits. Since January is considered a slow month for suit sales,
retailers lower prices to boost business. Featured: Etro Crepe
Blazer and Cropped Stretch-Crepe Straight-Leg Pants (both
sold-out)

Shop
the matching Orette Pleated Checked Woven Wide-Leg Pants
($310).

February:
Jewelry. Whether or not you have a special someone on Valentine’s
Day, you can still make off like a bandit thanks to the jewelry
promotions pegged to the holiday. Featured: Stella McCartney
Gold-Tone Heart Pendant Necklace (sold-out)

March:
Luggage. Come spring break, you’re likely to find suitcases on
sale, making it a great time to snag a new carry-on. Featured:T.
Anthony Medium Structured Suitcase (unavailable)

April:
Raincoats. Retailers take the phrase, “April showers bring May
flowers,” seriously by stocking up on raincoats, yet making sure
they’re priced to move since there’s a limited time to get rid
of them before sunny May rolls around. Featured: Valentino R.E.D.
Clear Petunia Raincoat (unavailable)

April/May:
Thrift & Consignment. You have spring cleaning to credit for
the influx of gems to be found at thrift and consignment stores
during these two months. Featured: Tamara Mellon Leopard-Print Goat
Bomber Jacket (unavailable)

May:
Athletic Apparel. Whether it’s because it’s finally warm enough
to exercise outside or the impending arrival of beach season,
you’ll find fitness gear at a generous discount. Featured: T By
Alexander Wang Rainbow Cotton-Terry Sweatshirt and Rainbow
Cotton-Terry Shorts (both unavailable)

July/August:
Summer Apparel. Sales on summer collections are in full swing
during these months, making it the perfect time to pick up seasonal
essentials such as sundresses, sandals, and shorts. Bonus tip: Sale
stock will be more plentiful in July, but come August, the
discounts will be steeper. Featured: Marni Cropped Denim Top and
Marc Jacobs Printed Wool-Twill Shorts (both unavailable)

August:
Swimsuits. Stores want to clear out summer leftovers to make room
for fall merchandise. Translation: The price on that bikini
you’ve been stalking is likely to take a swan dive. Featured:
Mara Hoffman Garlands Lace-Up Swimsuit (unavailable)

September:
Sunglasses. With Daylight Savings looming on the horizon, sunnies
(priced at their highest during the summer months) get a tidy
markdown. Featured: Sunday Somewhere Pearl Sunglasses in Mushroom
(unavailable)

October:
Denim. After the back-to-school rush has died down, retailers cut
prices, and jean stock tends to be at the top of their list.
Featured: Acne Studios Roc Light Vintage 34” L Jeans
(unavailable)

November:
Luxury Items. Since Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions often
feature store-wide sales, this is an ideal time to treat yourself
to luxury items, like cashmere sweaters, that don’t often go on
sale. Featured: Bottega Veneta Contrast-Trimmed Cashmere Top
(unavailable)

November:
Pajamas. Retailers often put PJ sets on sale in late November in an
attempt to convince shoppers to give the gift of loungewear.
Featured: Equipment Lillian Polka-Dot Washed-Silk Pajama Set
(unavailable)

November:
Sneakers. Incoming shipments of winter boots and shoes means
sneaker prices will be seriously slashed. Featured: Asics Grandest
High Top Sneakers (unavailable)

December:
Outerwear. With the winter season well underway, stores are looking
to clear out their inventory to accommodate spring collections.
That means a steep discount on that boyfriend coat you’ve been
eyeing all season. Featured: Rochas Oversized Wool-Blend Coat
(unavailable)