is it best to buy end of season or pre-season? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

is it best to buy end of season or pre-season?

Sally

Veteran

I haven't been on here much as I have been frustrated with the weather and there hasn't been a lot of time to think about clothes. The cold weather just makes me reach for my merino sweaters and I tend to grab my black trousers or black boyfriend jeans and throw a scarf on. I also wasn't shopping for various reasons.
One of the things I noticed I could have done with was a puffer this year but held off buying one as I managed with my coat. I will get one for next year but wonder if i should get it now as there could be sales or early next year before winter? Also wondering if a jacket length or long coat size is more versatile.

Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from Sally

bj1111

Veteran

Great question! I try to buy at the end of the season for something ahead of the Main Street trends—something more designer-ish that I would balk at full price.

Pre-season, I usually am still wearing out the current season and don’t feel up to shopping for icy weather when it’s 90f . But I recently bought a cashmere sweater in the most delicious milk chocolate and a a new to me cashmere /puffer hybrid in anticipation of cooler weather.

So there’s that!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I tend to get at end of season also. Because sometimes you can still wear the items a bit, like the grey pants I bought yesterday which were 60% off (not why I got them, but it was nice) and which I will wear a lot I predict before it is too hot. Also the items may be on sale.
It works if you are sure you will still like the style the following year and not be worried it isn’t the latest version.
I bought my first and only puffer half off in late winter 2019, it is knee/coat length, 52 wears in 4 years. Still so happy with it.

Sally

Veteran

Thank you Bj1111. I think if I look around now the price might start to get reduced as it gets into warmer weather.
Thank you Jenni. I think a puffer should be reasonably stylish year in year out especially as I am not going to get anything too stylish, maybe just a practical colour. Good you mention the longer one as I haven't tried one but they look really warm.

Sal

Veteran

I do often have a wee look at the end of winter. Something new in August will get worn for six weeks. Successes have been boots, knitwear and hopefully this year a shirt.

I have a short puffer- I find it warm enough for me. Whilst mine is not the trendy boxy style - I get frequent compliments on it. It’s the Moke brand which I do recommend. I have had mine for three winters now.

Star

Veteran

Definitely more economical to buy at the end of the season where I live.

Dee

Veteran

If I see something I REALLY like at an end season sale I'll definitely go for it. There's no guarantees that you'll find something better later. And you'll get some bonus wears in if its not too late in the season.

However, I'm far more hesitant about any so-so items though, because if I didn't like it enough to buy at full price, why should I suddenly want it just because it's cheaper.

I tend to wear mid-thigh length coats/ puffers. I find them very useful, they offer good coverage and aren't too cumbersome.

Helena

Veteran

Hmm depends ... If it's a real essential piece in a style that I'm confident will stay current then yes ... But I have definitely bought pieces on sale end of season that for whatever reason weren't as useful/necessary as I thought they'd be. Very much depends on your shopping style I'd say ...!

LJP

Veteran

I find this a tricky issue . I’ve experimented with both “systems” and actually have best results buying during , or mid-season . Sure , there is the argument that the best stuff has already been scooped up by the time the season starts , but I’ve never gone without nor not been able to find what I want playing a waiting game . Sometimes it takes me a few weeks / months to decide what I want in a specific item in terms of cut and style .

Irina

Veteran

The end of the season sales might be an opportunity to save money but buy only if you really like something. One thing I noticed for myself if I have an emotional connection to an item, if it evokes good feelings, I will like it year after year. If I buy because I need to fill a hole, I might regret it down the road.

unfrumped

Veteran

I have had success with both and fails with both ( or, any system, really). Probably more depends on always being aware of my sales - goggles, over- duplicating, and imaginary lifestyle goggles.

I worry more about buying way ahead of season than I used to, because i feel less sure of where I will be style- wise and fit- wise, and since I need less of everything, really. Whereas when going to work, I had to “ get dressed” for days and days in each season.

I bought some black linen pasts not long ago on sale because they ticked a lot of boxes. Then had to get them back from hemming. So I’ve missed spring and early summer, I won’t wear them for nearly 6 months once it gets really chilly, But I calculated on their looking black more than “ linen” , and able to wear things from the lightest T to various LS and light jackets, so, hoping Will wear through fall and still love next spring.

One thing that’s helpful about something I can “ wear now” is that I start getting immediate feedback on how it works. Even multiple tryons don’t substitute for actual wearing. That can help me see if I was on the right track, and if it fills a hole, before I might buy more ( over- duplicater) or even, regrettably but it happens, see it isn’t working how I wanted.

Runcarla

Veteran

Nothing lost in doing a browse! Only get something if you love it though. I got a mid-weight puffer on super duper discount at the end of our winter season and it went into rotation. Unfortunately, someone took it from the coat rack at the gym when I was doing a workout. I ended up replacing the jacket at full price when it (thankfully!) came out again the next season. It’s a pretty basic shape and navy colour.

It’s end of summer here, and I picked up 3 tank tops (basics) and a Hawaiian shirt (wildcard) and they are all racking up wears despite it being the end of our hot weather season.

View Info

Carol

(website)

Veteran

In terms of puffer lengths: my two very stylish cousins from Chicago, sisters, have lately chosen coat-length (knee-length) puffers for the winter. In a very cold climate, like Chicago, I suspect this is practical and welcome in all establishments. It can probably be worn into early spring, at which point you move to your fleece or whatever.

In my milder winter Albuquerque climate, I opt for a hip-length puffer, which is totally fine when winter mostly hovers around 40 degrees fahrenheit.

Anonymous

It depends if your actual season coincides with the retail season! Here they consider Labor Day end of summer, but realistically it's often 80 in October. Buying summer things now is still a good idea here.

Re: coats. I like short puffers for mild winter- like 40-50ish degrees, and longer for cold days. My long very warm puffer gets low use, but needed for bitter cold.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I do everything, Sally! ALL yield successful results:

I buy pre-season (ahead of the curve and I enjoy the risk)

I buy early in the new season. (The most exciting!)

I buy later in the season (sales)

I buy off-season.

I buy new items that are several seasons old (from yoox.com).

I believe that if the item is RIGHT for you and your style - you will wear it when the setting and weather co-operates.

rachylou

Veteran

I’ve got such specific requirements for a puffer, lol. I start shopping pre-season, but it may continue all the way to end of season sales…

Sally

Veteran

Thank you everyone. So much useful advice. I will start looking for one. That moke website looks good Sal and I see they have some on sale now. My lifestyle looks to be becoming more casual next year so I am looking at buying more basics eg puffer, tanks for my yoga and walking shoes. I'll get more into details when things are confirmed. Looking for recommendations on good yoga clothes, and walking shoes but will start a new thread on that soon.

Sloper

Veteran

I’m an emotional buyer and usually buy pre-season. I’m looking forward to the weather change, the new clothes are enticing, and my (larger) size is available.

That said, I live in a temperate climate, so don’t really have too many seasonal needs like coats, rain boots, etc.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

For me, it's not either/ or. It's both/ and!

I buy select items pre-season if they are on sale, i.e. at the NAS or similar pre-season events.

I buy early in the season items I know I want and will happily pay full price for. These tend to be items that I'm hoping will "move my style forward" somehow -- new to me silhouettes, colours, etc.

I buy later in the season on sale -- esp. items that are tried and true, classic pieces that I'm confident I will wear. Often essentials that are upgrades or replacements for worn-out favourites.

I buy off season in the same way -- only items that I know for sure will work and be useful.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I buy when things show up, in season or off season. I prefer hip length but I have very mild winters.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I buy when I find the item I want at a price I am willing to pay. If an item is very trendy I might not buy it at the end of a season if I think it might look dated, but that type of item is a rare purchase. I also might not purchase at the end of a season if I expect or hope to be a different size by the time I would wear it. But laughs on me as the best predictor of desired weight loss is finally having a complete wardrobe.

With a longer puffer check for a two way zipper.

Bijou

Veteran

I am much like Angie. I tend to buy off season with online items, as I buy from websites that are more focused on the Northern Hemisphere. I don’t have a trendy style, so I am quite happy to buy in end of season sales because I am likely to enjoy wearing the item in the future.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I do a bit of both. If it’s a HEWI, I will buy it whenever I find it!

Sally

Veteran

wow looks like a lot of people are pretty flexible as to when to shop. I saw a ridiculously cheap puffer in navy which I ordred online. It might not be cold enough for the real cold weather we get here (well it feels pretty cold to me) so will look out for a warmer one for next year.
Barbara Diane I also lose weight when I have my wardrobe all sorted or I put it on.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

My puffer is polyester and was warm enough for here. Just for street walks or parks/playgrounds.

Sally

Veteran

I think that would be sufficient for me too Jenni