Summer sales are in full swing, with some retailers offering up to 75% off! This is a great opportunity to refresh your look and stretch your budget. However, it can be very tempting to overspend. How do you know if you really are getting a good deal?

Here are 10 smart tips so you take full advantage of all the summer sales:

1. Focus on shopping smart, not cheap. Think the pieces you buy will work with what you already have and whether you really love them.

2. Make a list of what you need before you shop, so you will avoid buying stuff that is unnecessary.

3. Just because it’s a steal, it doesn’t mean it’s a great deal. If you won’t ever wear it, you paid too much.

4. Try before you buy. Make sure any clothes you are buying fit well and aren’t damaged.

5. Find out about the store’s return policy before you pay. The biggest markdowns might be final sales, so choose carefully and check for any damages or imperfections.

6. As soon as you buy something new, take an old item out of your closet and donate it to charity. This way you’ll avoid cluttering up your closet.

7. To find out whether you are really getting a good deal, calculate the cost per wear. If you’ll be wearing a certain pair of shoes every single day to work, it pays off to spend more money on them than a flashy pair of sandals that you could probably only wear to the next wedding you’re invited.

8. Now is the time to buy quality designer clothes. They can be very affordable during a sale. Brand clothes should be good quality and have the advantage of remaining chic and beautiful for many years.

9. Look out for basic and classic items. Quality basic clothing items such as summer T-shirts and skirts are a great investment. They are timeless assets to your wardrobe. You can be sure you’ll wear them next year.

10. Winter in January? Well, yes! Don’t be afraid to buy off-season if an item is great quality, is classically styled and you can wear it for years to come.  Before you know it, winter will be here.

Make sure that your insurance policies are up to date before you hit the shops! Visit www.indwerisk.co.za or call 0860 13 13 14.