How to shop at sales like a pro

MAKE LIKE A STALKER

Trawl your favourite online stores and bookmark your wish list. Then, watch like a hawk and hit ‘Add to cart’ as soon as you see the sale tickers flashing.

Photographs: Imaxtree.com/Alessandro Lucioni (international runway), Shivaji Juvekar (Indian runway)

COVER YOUR BASES

Head straight to the basics sections – normcore isn’t going anywhere. You’ll need to stock up on slouchy T-shirts, tailored slacks, boyfriend sweatshirts and directional sneakers.

 Sanchita (pictured above)

GET PENNY WISE

Discounts mean savings – but that’s really up to you. Slashed prices have a tendency to make us overspend, especially on things we never needed in the first place. Always have a budget in mind, and stick to it.

“Since sporty chic is still very big and brights are making a big comeback this fall, it would be wise to keep an eye out for that pair of neon sneakers or a red bomber.”

Aparna Badlani, Co-owner, Atosa

Nupur Kanoi (pictured above)

FILL UP ON EXTRAS

Sales are the ideal time to stock up on your accessories. Chunky sandals, coloured pumps, boxy evening clutches and roomy shopper bags – the key is to make sure they look anonymous; they’ll tide you through another season and a half.

THINK AHEAD

Touching anything warmer than cotton at the moment might make you break into a sweat, but grin and bear it. Look out for knits, warm jackets and parkas – come fall, you'll be happier for it when everyone else will be scrambling to buy winter basics at triple the rate.

Use your newly-acquired skills with sales at Tarun Tahiliani, Ensemble and Le Mill. 

“Hit the stores first thing in the morning, when racks are still organised and lines outside trial rooms and at checkout aren’t crazy.”

Anjana Sharma, COO and Fashion Director, Stylista.com 

“It always helps to identify what items will help update your current wardrobe: flat sandals, a great work bag or a fun evening skirt!”

Malini Banerji, Fashion Director, ELLE 

“The savvy sale shopper’s best friend is the retail store manager. They can have pieces put aside for you, and help you jump the queue.”

Aashni Shah, Founder and creative director, Aashni + Co