You still have bruises from the festive shopping frenzy. Can you face the high street again for a full-on schlep round the sales?

I’m guessing that the answer is no. At least, that’s what you tell yourself. But resistance is useless – you can’t be a hermit for the whole of January, so eventually you’ll take a sneaky peak, which leads to another sneaky peak, and before you know it you’re struggling home with fistfuls of carrier bags, mumbling to yourself that the fuchsia pink coat with Day-Glo buttons was a snip at 70 per cent off and is truly a timeless classic.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. This year could be different – really – provided you promise to think before you grab. A useful mantra is “Buy less, buy better”, which means not digging around in the £5 dregs-bin of flammable chiffon slivers, and instead buying something that might survive three washes.

Begin by taking a good, hard look at the clothes you already own – it’s a fine excuse for a clearout – and make a list of the gaps in your wardrobe. What’s needed? Perhaps a belt that could spice up a few dresses, or some go-with-anything patent pumps.

Be specific. There’s no point in telling yourself that you need a coat. What sort of coat? Is it something to sling over a cocktail dress, or a classic everyday one for work? Should it be knee-length or three-quarter-length? Will it be worn mostly with trousers or more with skirts?

Once such issues have been decided, make a list and work out your budget. It’s also a good principle to vow to eradicate from your wardrobe at least as much as you haul home from the sales. Stay focused, avoid the high street if you can (prices there are so competitive that anything worth having generally sells out at full price; the sales are full of items that were passed over for good reason) and try to do battle early, when the genuine bargains are still to be had. Towards the end, the rails are stuffed with “fillers”.

Forewarned is forearmed, so try to remember these pointers.

Visit a few favourite shops at a time
There’s no point in trying to cover a whole city in a day; you’ll just end up cranky, exhausted – and almost certainly with the wrong purchases.

Start at the top end of your budget
This sets a benchmark for quality, and the savings you make will be proportionately greater.

Don’t panic
Try to stay patient. Although expensive style statements are often snapped up at the start of the season, plenty of variations on the “It” bag or shoe can be found in the sales. So what if the press went wild for a slightly different version?

The one you’ve found may have greater staying power. If you have yearned for a designer bag or shoes but have been priced out of the running, now is the time to reinvestigate. Accessory trends don’t move as quickly.

Save the best for last
Sometimes – just sometimes – the last few days can produce a gem. Certainly, that’s when the markdowns are greatest. Bear in mind, for instance, that sports and skiwear doesn’t date quickly – and that the sales are a rewarding hunting-ground for wedding attire: you will often find sizea-ble reductions on brides’ or bridesmaids’ dresses.

Get back to basics
According to conventional wisdom, basics are the best sales buys. That’s true, up to a point, but only if you buy top-quality fabrics in colours that match those of your current wardrobe. It’s often easier to buy your basics throughout the year from tried and tested shops where you know that the fit is good. If it’s a great basic, why is it in the sale bin?

Look ahead
Sadly (or perhaps fortunately), fashion is bracing itself for a change of tack. Not much about this season’s “warrior woman” look or minimalist lines will work with next summer’s draped, feminine tailoring, which carries a hefty dose of florals and an abundance of ruffle and flounce.

There are a few things to look out for, though, that should stand you in good stead for the next eight months. Blazers are still key, especially any with contrast piping to add a groomed edge to wispy summer dresses. Tuxedo detailing, high-waist skirts or trousers and voluminous sleeves are still big news, and if you spy a shiny cocktail dress in a bold colour, then grab it.

And finally . . .

You can never have too many/much of these:

— Quality cashmere
Why not splash out on the funkier brights, rather than classic neutrals.

— Lingerie
The more luxurious, the better. Sleepwear styles don’t date much and you’re getting a real saving on fantastic quality.

— Animal prints/Nautical
These are perennial trends that come and go every few seasons and are classics in their own right. You can’t really go wrong with a pair of wide-leg, Hepburnesque boy pants or a leopard print cardi.

— Boots
Classic riding boots that fit properly are never easy to find. Grab with both hands.

— Pashminas
A wardrobe staple.

— Swimwear
Everyone wants well-cut bikinis and one-pieces that don’t sag or shrink in the wrong places. Again, look at designer alternatives made from hi-tech fabrics that won’t lose their shape in the wash.

And forget the following

— Fetish shoes, unless this is really your style.

— Jodhpurs, unless you’re going riding.

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