10 Things You Should Always Buy on Sale

Round, V-neck, scoop, slim-fit or boyfriend – your basic t-shirt comes in all shapes and sizes, not to mention a range of prices. Odds are your wardrobe is a rotating door of shrunken fits and fraying oldies, so it’s no surprise you’re constantly on the lookout for your new “best basic.”

Keep in mind, t-shirts are just one of those pieces that stores remain stocked up on all year round. And there’s just no reason to overpay for something you’re more than likely going to shrink/replace/lose within a year. We suggest stocking up on a variety of sizes and colours when you find a style you like on sale, and stick to cotton-polyester blends, which will give you something that is both breathable and wrinkle-resistant.

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First of all, breaking the bank for a piece of fabric that’s about the same size as a handkerchief is not only ridiculous, it’s also not necessary. Sure, that sparkly panty with the glitter and bow thing-y is pretty to look at, but how much use are you really going to get out of it?

We suggest buying in bulk. Underwear is a must, and it’s also an item you will (hopefully) be replacing at least once or twice a year, so stock up and save! Stores like Victoria’s Secret almost always offer a selection of underwear for a discounted price in multiples – think: 5 for $25, versus their individual prices which typically begin at $10.

It may seem counterintuitive, but the best time to start buying for the summer, is at the end of the season. You’ll notice that around this time, stores begin end-of-season sales with massive discounts in a bid to get rid of their leftover stock of summer staples like flip-flops, swimwear and summer-exclusive accessories.

Those cute flats that you’ve been lusting for all summer will look even better at half off, not to mention give you something to look forward to once the weather turns warm again, so we recommend holding off, and keeping note of what to look for when those seasonal summer styles go on sale! Keep a list of what you’d like to pick up when those deals hit the stores and you’ll be amazed at how much you save.

We’re all guilty of stalking the nail polish aisle at the drugstore and overloading on pretty polishes that will go dry long before we ever get the chance to use them up – and often paying over $10 a pop for that favourite brand (you know the one!).

While we don’t recommend stocking up on polish – it’ll either go dry or clump up if it sits on the shelf too long once opened – we do suggest waiting on sale prices. Drugstores like Shoppers Drug Mart are always switching up their sales on your favourite nail polish brands, so next time you see a colour you like, make note and check back in a week or so – odds are you’ll be saving at least a buck or two on sale.

The real deal is pricey enough, so why are so many of us forking over the extra money for faux-jewellery that isn’t likely to last us through the year?

When it comes to fashion or “junk” jewellery, be smart and hold off on paying extra for those of-the-moment pieces until the stores move them out for new inventory and put them on sale at 2-for-1 prices. Shops like Aldo Accessories are always restocking their 2-for-1 shelves with new sale merchandise. No one can fault you for wanting that trendy layered faux-gold chain, but you’ll love it even more if you can get it for 50 oer cent off!

Stockings are a must for every wardrobe. When you live in a country where winter overtakes more than half of the year but refuse to sacrifice your style in the name of warmth, stockings are just non-negotiable for those leg-baring nights out.

Don’t make an investment-sized purchase out of an item with such a short shelf life in your closet. Between rips and tears and shifts in sizing and fit, you’re better off to pick these up on sale or stick to buying them from stores like Marshalls, where brands are varied and almost always at a major discount in price.

If you’re not picky about the brand, you’re probably already aware that the local drugstore is your best bet for endless options (and a range of prices) in hair care.

Things like hairspray, shampoo, conditioner and hair masks are almost always on sale, so do yourself a favour and stock up when the price is right!

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This might seem like a small-ticket item, but have you seen what most drugstores are charging for a pack of 10 hair ties right now? If you’re like most women, the majority of your hair elastics will disappear just as you need them and as fast as you can buy them, you’ll be digging through drawers to find the one you’d swear you just had in your hand.

While we can't explain why these little buggers are notorious for going missing, we can tell you that stores like Forever21 sell packs of 10 or more starting at under $2 a pack. Trust us, this one’s a game-changer – you’re welcome!

Athleisure (workout-inspired clothing that you can wear all day) is a hot trend right now, and one that’ll be going strong into the spring and summer months.

Forgo the usual designer stops and check out a Winners or Marshalls first. Year-round these stores stock athletic wear and trendy pieces, so you’ll easily be able to mix and match your ideal athleisure-inspired wardrobe for the season at a fraction of the cost.

So while we can’t promise that those mirrored Ray-Ban aviators you’ve had your eye on are going on sale anytime soon, we can recommend something a little more wallet-friendly for your next pair of trendy shades.

A few good pairs of high-end sunnies with high-quality lenses are key, we won’t argue that, but when it comes to fast-fashion styles in the sunnies department – save your hard-earned money and scope out the sales. Accessories departments at stores like HM and Zara will give you a variety of excellent designer-dupes at considerably lower prices. Still can’t find the style you’re after? Get online! Many online shops now offer trendy options, without the high price tag!