The Ultimate Sales Shopping Guide To Help You Get Through It In One Piece

A Saint Laurent skirt for half price, you say? Oh, go on then. But where do you find these bargains, we hear you scream? Follow our 16-step guide and have the most hassle-free sales shopping session you ever had...

1. Plan It Out

If you have your eye on those Chloe jeans, the trick is to go now, a few days beforehand and make sure your size is available for a trying on sesh. Then come sales time, just grab them and smugly step in the queue without any of the fuss of the changing room.

2. Get Your Timings Right

Decide on either the early shift or the late one. Queuing up at 5am doesn't sound that appealing but you are likely to get the best stuff. Or try your luck late afternoon when all those early birds have gone home and you have free reign to pound the pavement.

3. Don't Get Dressed In The Dark

Sounds obvious, but dress accordingly. Keep the layers to a minimum and keep your hands free with a cross-body bag - but do keep an eye on your belongings at the same time. We love this Alexander Wang printed bag from Harvey Nichols, just big enough for the essentials and in the SS15 must-have tones.

4. Bulk Buy Your Staples

Sale shopping isn't all about half price Stella McCartney sandals you know, fashion insiders invest in their basics at the sales. Think premium denim, designer luxe cotton tees and lingerie - all wardrobe essentials that you can find in the sales. 

5. Decide On Your Route

The chances of you being able to visit all the major department stores on Oxford Street are unlikely.Let's be honest it can be overwhelming, so pick one and go hard or go home. Also, go on your own, you don't need your partner/bessie mate/child hanging off your arm, too. So cut your losses and go it alone.

6. If You Love Something, Don't Hang Around

At the start of the sales you will find the best pieces but reductions are not at their highest. But if you have had your eye on that special something then this is the time to pounce. You will only kick yourself if you miss out.

7. Failing That, Wait It Out

Two to three days later can often be the best time to go. The crowds have died down and you can actually pick something up and think about it without someone else grabbing it out of your hands. Better still, wait until the following weekend when the returns are back and on the shop floor and you may just find yourself a bargain.

8. Do Your Research 

Invest in next season's trends now and top up your wardrobe at bargain prices. Think 70s, head-to-toe florals and tailored denim as well as utilitarian pockets and dropped hemlines - still a must-have shape for SS15 FYI. We have our eye on the J Brand flared jeans below - were £260 now £130 at Matches - to tick off just a few of next season's key details.

9. Know Your Policies

We are talking refunds, ladies. At most stores you can get a refund on sale items for up to a week. So if you're not 100 percent convinced on something, we say buy it anyway.

10. Stock Up On Gifts 

Find birthday presents galore in the sales. Think coin purses, iPhone cases, nail sets and statement jewels.

11. Snap Up Next Season's Partywear 

Yes, we know you may have another 11 months to wait to wear them but you will be glad when you have the ultimate party piece for half the price. Sparkles, lace and LBDs never go out of fashion. We have our eye on this sparkly lame dress by Victoria, Victoria Beckham at Harrods, was £699 now £419.

12. Do It Online

More rational decisions are made this way, plus its a lot calmer. Hello, MatchesFashion.com

13. Steer Clear Of The 'It' Bag 

Look for timeless, classic styles like this Chloe bag from Selfridges at 40 percent off from £1235. Something that doesn't shout out a particular season is a lot more chic and will keep you looking more fashion editor than fashion victim.

14. Buy Buy Buy... Or Not

Just because something is heavily discounted doesn't mean it will work in your wardrobe. If you know you wouldn't take a shine to something at full price, put it back and let someone else enjoy it.

15. Think High Fashion 

You can easily grab yourself a high fashion bargain. Timeless classics are always good to buy in the sales but more directional pieces usually have the biggest markdowns.

16. Get These Dates In Your Dairy: MatchesFashion.com - 15th December

Whistles - 16th December Warehouse - 16th December

Avenue32 - 18th December and new lines added on the 2nd January

Rupert Sanderson - 20th December

Urban Outfitters - 24th December

Beyond Retro - 25th December

JOY - 25th December online and 26th December in-store

Selfridges - 6am on the 26th December

Debenhams - 7am 26th December

Harrods - 26th December

Harvey Nichols - 26th December

Farfetch - 26th December

Alexander McQueen - 26th December

House of Fraser - 26th December

Damaris - 26th December Fenwick Bond Street - 27th December

Toast - 27th December (but there will be a flash 48 hour sale on the 17th December)