What To Buy In The European Sales (That Will See You Through The Summer)

Slipping on a light linen jacket might be hard to imagine right now, particularly if you’re shivering in a southern state. But there are bargains to be had in the European sales, so it’s worth contemplating what you’d like to wear once the weather warms up.

“It’s always great seeing what’s popular overseas, just as the seasons are changing here,” says stylist Lucy Wood, who selected this week’s shopping picks. “We’ve seen playful crochet hats, strappy wrap-around sandals, belted linen blazers and bold stone rings, such as the Loren Stewart signet ring I chose (below).

“Accessories in particular are great to shop in the sales, as they freshen up your look and you don’t have to worry about sizing so much.”

full-img — The perennially chic straw bag (Loewe, this time)

Of course, sales shopping for clothing can be hit or miss unless you’ve previously shopped that brand. “If possible, I always watch the video of a model walking in a piece I like,” says Lucy. “Often you’ll get a truer sense of the item – its fabrication and fit – when you see it moving. Perhaps it hugs a certain area, or the seams sit oddly, which can often be disguised in an image.

“If you’re not sure of a brand’s sizing, I try to look for that item on alternate sites. Each offers a different way of describing the fit of a piece, so doing a little extra research can pay off.”

Lucy’s favourite stores? All the big hitters, such as Matches, Net-A-Porter, Farfetch and The Outnet. “Plus, great overseas brands like Frankie shop, Tibi, Ganni, Everlane and Reformation.”