The Style Hawker: Working the January Sales

Itching to hit up the post-Christmas sales, mama? Here are tips from our celebrity stylist on what will last…and what will end up in the back of your closet

The January sales can be a style minefield.  We’ve all done it — the impulse buy on a brilliantly discounted trend item that we realise a few months later is hopelessly out of favour and never sees the light of day.

The cleverest sales shopper has an eye on the next season whilst shopping the departing one. It makes sense to do our homework: Before hitting the sales this January, know which trends and key pieces from autumn/winter won’t be going anywhere in 2016. If based in a city with only one season (hello Singapore) this is even more key, as pieces have a potentially longer lifespan. Let’s face it, none of us want to spend our money on a trend that’s heading for the bargain bin.

So here’s a shortcut to the 2015 trends that are here to stay:  That you can wear both in our tropical temperatures and well into 2016 and still look on point. What’s stopping you?

1970’s

2015’s favourite era, covering everything from the hippy to the mismatched geek.  Next season the luxe boho angle steps up a notch, surprisingly wearable on this side of the world. Look for wide leg trousers, metallics and pussy bows. A hint of geek chic. Job done.

Wardrobe Classics

Classic pieces are a seasonal mainstay, and easy to interpret wherever you are in the world. Cherry pick pieces such as the white shirt, the leather jacket and the easy day dress. Next season you’ll be grunging them up, s0 think mid-90’s Glastonbury styling.

Flat shoes

An autumn winter trend that isn’t going anywhere, the flat shoe in all its guises will be a sound investment for 2016. Plus in a hot climate, it just feels more right than towering stilettos. NB: Look out for sliders to be fashion forward for the new season.

Colour and Print

The international catwalks were surprisingly colourful for autumn, perfect when we live somewhere where the ‘groutfit’ (that’s grey outfit for the uninitiated) doesn’t cut it. Head for bold bright pieces in the sales as come spring colour ramps up to positively rainbow hues.

Ruffles

Already on the scene in A/W 2015, ruffles rule for Spring Summer. Easier to nail in the sunshine, cast aside flamenco doubts and bag this trend in the sales, safe in the knowledge it will last you well into 2016.