Sale season is one of our favorite times of the year. Nothing’s more exciting than diving into racks of clothes at marked-down prices. However, it’s easy to get carried away and overdo things. When the thrill ends, you can be left with feelings of guilt and buyer’s remorse.

Fret not – there is actually a right way to do sale season shopping. You can take a more mindful approach. Here are some of our best tips to keep in mind:

Review your closet

Start the sale season by doing a quick (but thorough) review of your closet. See what you have too much of and what you’re lacking.  Evaluate what pieces you constantly reach for and those you rarely do. Doing this review will give you a clear picture of what items you should keep an eye out for.

Create a list

After scanning your closet, create a list for better guidance. We suggest making a double column kind to separate “needs” and “wants.” This way, aside from knowing what to shop for, you also get a better idea of what to prioritise.

Put quality at the forefront

Just because something is on sale, doesn’t mean you have to accept lower-than-normal quality. Go about your quality check (examining the fabric, looking at the seams, and etcetera) as you would with regular items. At the end of the day, mindful shopping means looking for pieces of timelessness and longevity – you shouldn’t compromise that.

Take your time

Sale season doesn’t mean shopping in a frenzied panic. Take your time to have a look around, examine the selections, and make your final decisions. Allow yourself the time you need to make your best judgements. Besides, shopping should be a joyful process – don’t let any type of pressure get in the way of leisure.

Have allowance for fun

Although you’re going shopping with clear goals and a concrete list, accept that plans can change. You really never know what hidden gems you can find during sale season. If you come across a piece that’s unexpected, allow yourself to enjoy it! Stay focused, but always make room for some justified fun.