Better Beauty: Best Time to Buy

If you have kids you probably took advantage of the back to school sales. But do you know when the best time of year is to buy other basics?

As a Certified Image Consultant and Personal Stylist, I tell my clients that the best time to buy an article of clothing is when they really don't need it. For example, if you have to buy a party dress at the last minute you are stuck with choosing from what is currently in inventory at that particular period of time.

That may mean you end up settling for something you don't absolutely love and will never wear again, and probably paying more than you originally intended. If you regularly shop during peak sale periods, and at discount retailers, you can find some great deals and don't have to settle for something that isn't fabulous.

When is the peak sale period? For winter clothing, start looking for bargains late December and January. Summer clothing goes on sale in August. And when is the best time of week to shop? Thursday evenings. By Thursday most of the sales have begun and the racks haven't been picked-over yet. And most retail stores are least busy after 5:00 pm so you don't have to fight for dressing rooms or sales clerks.

Listed below is my Better Beauty Insider Scoop on the best time to shop for clothing and accessories:

Bathing Suits: July and August

Children's Clothing: July, September, November and December

Fall Clothing: November

Formal Dresses: January, April, June and November

Lingerie: January, May and July

Men's Clothing: August and December

Shoes: November, December, January and July

Spring Clothing: June

Summer Clothing: August and September

Winter Clothing: February

If you have a question or suggestion for a future blog, email Kelly at AskKellyQuestions@yahoo.com.

For more fashion and beauty tips, check out Kelly's website at www.TotalFashionMakeover.com.