Don’t forget to look fab in the snow! Whether you ski or snowboard, or just enjoy hanging out with others who do – make sure that you do it with style. This is the time to be kitted out in practical, comfortable and flattering gear that keeps you looking posh and polished as you hit the slopes.

It’s a good idea to buy a capsule of gear that you can mix-and-match. In this way you won’t get bored wearing the same outfit 5 days in a row.  Winter white, black, red and bright colours are my personal preference for snow gear simply because they stand out brilliantly against white snow. While you’ll certainly need enough room to maneuver, select inner and outer layers with a bit of shape – you’ll always look slimmer that way.

Stores like REI, Roots, Columbia, Patagonia and Helly Hanson are also on sale at the moment. With the best months for snow sport ahead of us – you might want to update at least part of your winter sporting outfit.

Hard and soft shell jackets, ski pants and wooly hats – all from REI. Winter sporting gear is expensive, but if this is something that you like to do, make sure that you have fabulous gear for the sport that you love.

The apparent absurdity of the retail cycle holds true in both Northern and Southern hemispheres. Those of you in the middle of a freezing winter will soon see flimsy Spring dresses displayed in store windows. If you are experiencing a sweltering Summer, Autumn knitwear and lightweight coats are about to appear in your favourite stores.

The next few weeks are your last chance to buy for your current season. Don’t expect to find cashmere pullovers, knee high boots and scarves when the weather is at its coldest. And don’t expect to find shorts and swimwear when Summer is at its peak.

Additionally, store stocks are purposefully low in January as retailers put their entire season’s collection on markdown. With a good few months of Winter or Summer left, now is the time to buy up the items you still need for this season.

How many coats should you have? The answer to this question depends entirely on where you live. You might live in a country where the weather is mild – in which case a lightweight trench is all you’ll need. Or, you might live in a city that has a cold, wet winter, which means you’ll need more than just a casual cover-up.

If you live in a country with a real winter season, consider a basic 3-coat complement for your wardrobe:

1. Lightweight trench coat – for transitional seasonal weather, dressed either up or down
2. Smart coat – for work, going out, date-night and occasions
3. Casual parka – for walks, playgrounds, going to the movies and running errands

Once you have these versatile options in your wardrobe, you can flirt with other styles that tickle your fancy. Coats for me are like shoes are for most women – I never feel that I have enough of them. Luckily I can justify my indulgences with the cold and wet climate of the American Pacific Northwest.

I recently spent a few days in Vancouver, Canada and was surprised to see that European chain stores had slashed their prices ahead of the new year (European stores usually go on sale in January and not the day after Christmas). If you live in California, the East Coast of America or Canada – it might be worth your while to have a look at the following stores for bargains galore:

• Zara (Spanish) – everything is 50-80% off. You’ll pick up coats for $80, pants/skirts for $40, ball gowns for $100, shoes for $30 and t-shirts for between $5 and $15.
• Le Château (French Canadian) – their cocktail wear is going for a song! Coats, knitwear, jackets and knitted tops have also been dramatically reduced.
• French Connection (British) – this store is particularly nice for men. Polo-necks, zip through knitted tops and collared shirts are good items to consider buying at half the price.
• Esprit (German) – both casual and smart casual items for ladies and gents are always a good choice here. Knitwear, casual jackets, denim and suiting have been reduced by 40%.
• Mexx (Dutch) – business casual attire for both ladies and gents are good choices on sale. Smart item jackets, collared shirts, romantic blouses and pinstripe suiting are fantastic purchases at half the price.
• H&M (Swedish) – few items will be cheaper than those on sale at H&M. If you can brave the crowds and queues – head straight for their jacket, jeans and knitted top selections. You’ll be able to buy an entire outfit for below $50.

Designer brands like Hugo Boss, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Chanel, Versace, Prada and Gucci are also on sale. If you are still looking for your statement piece this season – you might find it reduced right now!