How To Ace Winter Holiday Shopping & Packing (And The Black Friday Sales)
So I know back home in the U.K. Festivities and winter weather are in full swing, so you’ll have to excuse the summery outfit post, but reality is these days more and more of us escape for a little winter sunshine to ease us into the darker months. And I’m no different. The last couple of years have included winter breaks in November to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and this year Thailand. There’s nothing like a little vitamin D boost especially after such a lame British summer.
Whilst a winter escape is easy enough to plan, it’s the summer wardrobe that’s a slightly bigger challenge. Whilst the high street is promoting and releasing all their AW16 gems, a good bikini or summer dress feels a little harder to come by. But fear not, with a few years experience under my belt, Ive got some fail safe tips and tricks to pulling together a summer wardrobe during the winter, and with Black Friday on its way, some bargain deals for you to make the most of if you’re shopping for a winter break too.
THREE TOP TIPS FOR WINTER HOLIDAY SHOPPING & PACKING
End of Summer Sales
First things first, if you’re an organised holiday goer with your trip booked ahead of time then maximising the end of summer sales is a must. From discounted summer dresses and bikinis, to end of season summer sandals, there’s tons of bargains to be had at the end of the British summer when most people are transitioning to an Autumn wardrobe. Equally even if you’re looking for some last minute bargains, check out the sales pages of the likes of ASOS as they’ll have old summer stock available waiting to be snapped up.
Shop Foreign Sites
Just because it’s winter in the U.K. It doesn’t mean it’s winter everywhere else, global sites like Nordstrom, Revolve and Shopbop cater for a global market so finding summer clothes in our British winter is no issue. Whilst you’ll need to balance shopping costs and time with your overall order, shopping global, Australian, US and Asian sites is always a good idea.
Recycle
Some people like to buy a whole holiday wardrobe when they take a vacation, but my preference is to ‘top up’. I’m not a seasonal shopper, I’m an all round snacker, and that means my holiday suitcase is packed with my all time favourites, old summer dresses and trusted bikinis, and topped up with a few new staple pieces to update my wardrobe without breaking the bank. A new bikini (the airport is always good for this, Ive picked up some great ones in Accessorisze) and perhaps one or two new dresses ordered online (ASOS, Net A Porter & French connection have good summer options all year round).
In case your in market for a bargain or looking to buy a few new pieces for your summer wardrobe I’ve pulled together a Black Friday ‘winter holiday’ shopping edit (below) and linked to a few fab sites which have some great discounts on offer right now). Happy shopping!
ASOS 70% (GOGOGO) | WHISTLES 25% | SELFRIDGES 20%
MATCHES FASHION 50% | SHOPBOP 25% (GOBIG16)
SHOP MY WINTER SUN EDIT
I’d love to know if you’re escaping to some winter sunshine this season? Or whether you’ll just be making the most of the black friday discounts for your winter wardrobe?
Frances says
Shop foreign sites- duh! Why did I never think of this before! Summer shopping in the winter is something I’m going To be dealing with in a couple of months so this was super helpful!
Charmaine Ng says
I LOVE end of summer sales! It’s perfect for where I live in Hong Kong, where it basically doesn’t get too cold.
– Charmaine
http://charmainenyw.com
Abigail says
This dress is gorgeous! Love the photos.
Abigail Alice x
Dash | Mode Lily says
Such a lovely post! I must admit, I didn’t even want to read it because I really miss summer and I’m now full of cold as well but after reading your post, I might start planning my next year holiday! I also tend to shop in sales and living in Britain, there is always an offer flying around. I absolutely adore your embroided summer dress, it’s so sweet.
Dash Xx | Mode Lily