Until the global financial crisis hit, there were those who sale-d and those that didn’t. The former were easy to spot. Crawling without dignity, along dirty shop floors, they often resembled dangerous jungle predators. Non sale-ers, in comparison, would lift their noses above every sale rail and proceed in disgust past the entire debauched scene. Historically, sales divided shoppers. But the economic downturn has changed things. Pre-credit crunch, overzealous fashion buyers ordered too much stock - only a fool wouldn't pounce. These days, you don’t even need to crawl.

You do however need foresight. Knowledge is power in sale situations; rock bottom prices can do terrible things to a person’s sense of fashion clarity and a sale success does not include items that have languished unworn since arriving home, even if they did cost £3.49. Your sale item needs to become a wardrobe staple or worn yearly until 2030, such is its specialness. The good news is that trends currently evolve at a snails pace so a lot of what will go on sale in the next few weeks will slot neatly into your winter look. This is when sale shopping gets interesting. Attack next season’s biggest trends with this summer’s fashion dregs and you’ll feel the kind of satisfaction reserved for ice-cream eating children on a hot day. Here is what to look for.

Slim trousers

So what’s new? Well, in terms of trousers, not that much really. Our continuing obsession with leggings has again helped determine the dominant silhouette for winter. As with this season (read: sale items), winter will be about looking slim on the bottom half and slouchy above. This means dark trousers – preferably black – with narrow dimensions around the thigh and ankles will remain a winner. The longer the better, they’ll keep the December chill out.

A perfect holiday outfit

I am going on a motorcycle holiday to France and have very little packing space. How do I look chic and crease-free for three weeks? I am 57 and a size 14.

BACKGROUND

• How to choose the perfect sunglasses

• A perfect holiday outfit

• What to buy in the sales

• The 8 trends you should buy in the sales

Live chat: how to dress for not quite summer

Times fashion writer Alice Olins answered readers' questions on what to wear for the British summer

Blazer

The blazer trend, another rollover from summer, could be viewed as a by-product of the slim trouser craze. Blazers offer some degree of decency around the bottom area and they help enhance shoulders too, which is another trend keeper. If you can’t get your hands on a blazer, look for anything with a bit of oomph around the top. Double-breasted coats will be big news, but could be harder to find.

Daytime shine

This sounds like one of those daft fashion sayings that journalists like to bandy around at the beginning of each season. And frankly, it probably is. But don’t let that stop you searching out some luxurious silks. The daytime bit comes in when you mix the silks with soft cashmeres jumpers and chunky scarves. If you look at Balenciaga’s winter collection, it’s all about the drapy, silky skirt. There are hundreds around, just don’t keep them for best.

Super bright brights

Marc Jacobs is a man to listen to when it comes to trends, and he is liking colours that make you stop in the street for next winter. These colours – bubblegum, emerald, peacock and Big Bird yellow – started appearing earlier this spring. And considering that anyone past 30 years of age will find it a tricky one to pull off, hopefully they’ll be plenty left on the shelf. If you want to go the whole Marc Jacobs hog, buy some Elnett hair spray and a fine toothed comb and find your inner Cyndi Lauper.

Ankle booties

No, they aren’t an obvious find in the summer sales, but fashion doesn’t take any notice of the weather when a fierce trend has taken hold. If you want to be at the top of your game, look for tyre treads on the sole. If you can’t be bothered to be a pioneer, any kind of chunky boot-come-sandal with a big heel will do. Laces up the front are an extra bonus. Once purchased, wear with skinny trousers – see above.

Leopard print

This is an easy one. You can wear leopard print anywhere you fancy according to the catwalk. D&G had it on bags, D Squared on shoes, Oscar de la Renta on just about everything. See, it’s simple. Just don’t wear the leopard print with the neon brights. Unless you idolise Pat Butcher.

Across a shoulder

The one-shouldered look might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you are keen, it will be back again next season and there are plenty of examples waiting for their discount tags. Even Balmain went one-shouldered, so it’s probably best just to follow suit.

Crimson

It is worth listening to Miuccia Prada in these situations. For winter, she is liking a bit of red and leather – not together, mind you. The red you need to look for is dark, similar to oxblood. If you can find a day dress with Fifties proportions in said colour, all the better. Leather needs to be chocolaty or rust, and preferably in a trench coat type shape. If you fail at both, try to find a narrow leather belt. It will be your best friend come winter.

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