Let’s face it — most of the time, you’re buying whatever catches your eye on a whim while occasionally waiting for monthly sales to drop on items you’ve been saving on your wish list. But what if I told you there is a yearly pattern to sales drops that you can memorize and wait for so you can become the ultimate strategic buyer?
I knew my shopaholic tendencies would come in handy one day: now I can combine my observations with research I’ve picked up on over the years to give you this ultimate month-by-month shopping guide. Get ready, because you’re about to save big!
January – suits
Trying to get yourself a power suit? The first month of the year is the time to do it. While formal wear is accessible all year round, January tends to be a slow month for suit sales so you will find deeper discounts. If you are interested in getting something more luxurious than a blazer or two-piece suit from H&M or Zara, definitely be sure to take advantage of the January sales so you can get sleek and kick off your girl-boss look!
February – jewelry
Love is in the air… and so are some delicious post-Valentine’s Day sales! Whether you’re single or spoken for, there is no reason to sleep on the opportunity to treat yourself to some brand new glamming bling. Pandora is an especially great place to find discounts on some gorgeous silver pieces for you and your loved ones, but Ottawa has some great affordable options at the Flock Boutique and Pilgrim too!
March – Lugaage
Planning on taking a trip any time soon? Don’t miss some great deals on suitcases and duffel bags in March. New luggage styles often drop this month to prepare for summer vacations, so you can definitely expect some price drops on luggage that’s been lining the shelves over the last year — and for those whose reading week falls around the time of spring break, you can bet you’ll get to whip out your new digs if you’re planning on taking a trip!
April – Raincoats & Trenches
This might seem a bit counterintuitive considering this is the month before the rain begins to pour, but the high stocks in anticipation for the spring season actually get you a really good deal! Stores will want to push the coats out afterward so get them while you can — a good trench, in particular, is an absolute must-have staple for any wardrobe.
May – Thrifting & Consignments
It’s the month of Spring Cleaning, so you know what that means — lots and lots of new selections at your favourite thrift stores and consignments. You can always snag great finds throughout the year, but the onslaught of newly donated clothes in May definitely isn’t something to miss if you want to spruce up your wardrobe with something special.
June – Athletic Wear
It’s getting warm again and that means people are back to hitting the pavements after months of being stuck in the gym. This also may seem counter-intuitive, but you’ll actually find lots of deals on athletic wear around this time because of increased stocks — plenty of non-serious athletes are also looking to buy joggers and sneakers around this time so sales are perfectly scheduled to meet demands.
July – Spring Collections
You’re in the heat of summer by this point, right around the time when fall collections start to appear for those looking to get a head start on the newest trends. But for those who don’t quite want to let the flowery season go, this is the perfect opportunity to snag some great spring collection items which will be put on a steep clearance. It’s not too late to still wear some cute spring dresses and cardigans!
August – Swimwear
Summer’s winding down and so are all the pool hangouts and beach vacations — but for those who want to plan in advance for a potential fall trip or even on to the next year, this is the perfect time to get your hands on some exciting new swimsuits. Stores are cleaning out summer collections by this point, so you can also catch deals on flip-flops and sandals!
September – Sunglasses
September has a LOT of deals on a variety of back-to-school-related items such as backpacks and phone/laptop technology — but for the purposes of keeping this list fashion-centric, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the much-needed pair of shades. You’ll find lots of markdowns on designer sunglasses around this time, so if you wanted to get your hands on something a little more luxe, this is your time to do it!
October – Jeans
This isn’t only Spooky Season, but it’s also Jeans Season! The back-to-school sales will have wrapped up by this point, so you’ll find endless deals on all sorts of denim, sometimes up to half off! If you really want to take advantage of these sales, I’d recommend checking out Levi’s for a pair of sturdy jeans that will last you years — normally they’re quite pricy, so you won’t wanna miss them while they’re marked down.
November – Luxury Items
The sky is the limit in November. Why? Black Friday and Cyber Monday, baby! Splurge on everything your heart desires, from boots, evening dresses, handbags, and more. Stores often give out these special deals only once a year, so this is your chance to buy that beloved piece you’ve been pining over (just be sure not to break the bank doing it!)
December – Outerwear
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to snuggle into a gorgeous new coat. Let’s be honest, most of us have been wearing a single winter jacket for a few years now because, darn it, those things are expensive! But if you want a special something to pull out for dressy occasions, this is the best time to find a great deal. Winter is well underway so discounts shouldn’t be missed if you want a new staple winter coat!
Hopefully, this list makes your shopping woes a little easier to manage throughout the year. At the end of the day, what’s most important is to be sure the items you’re buying are worth your money and aren’t simply a means of satisfying your shopping itch just because they’re cheap. Think carefully and make sure it’s something you will love for a long time, because it’s no less than what you deserve.