December 12, 2025
Surviving the Sales: 10 Christmas Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
Michaela Sargeant | Read in 6 minutes
The Christmas noise is everywhere - by noise, I mean the narrative that pervades through each trip into town - spend more money, bag this offer, don’t forget a present for Aunt Jane who lives in Switzerland that you never see and have no idea what she likes and actually doesn’t need a present from you, appease your children so they don’t feel left out, treat yourself because you deserve it - these are all just creative ways we’re made to feel it’s acceptable to spend needless amounts of money at this time of year.
Believe me I’m no scrooge, but I get so bored of hearing the same stuff over and over again. I end up getting sucked in too though, I’m only human after all, and by the afternoon of the 25th I feel so overdone it actually makes me feel a bit sick - that’s not just due to the food! This rapid churning consumerism that seems to be just acceptable today, and more often than not result in purchases we regret. And then come Boxing Day there’s news of more sales, more massive red writing in shop windows - it’s relentless.
Aaaanyway that’s enough of my rant - here are 10 common Christmas clothes shopping mistakes that can easily be avoided. I hope they are helpful and I hope at some point during the incessant frenzy that is Western Christmas culture, you’re afforded a minute to stop and think again before leaping ahead with a spend you could do without.
1. Don’t buy “one-night-only” outfits
Don’t fall into purchasing something super-festive that you’ll never wear again — sequins, novelty prints, hyper-trend pieces that might feel fun at the time but you’ll forget about in 5 minutes. A great question to ask yourself with each item is “Does this have at least 3 friends in my existing wardrobe?” i.e. can you think of at least 3 things you own that you could pair with the new addition. If you can’t, it’s not a worthwhile investment - put it back on the rack.
2. Don’t ignore cost-per-wear
Sale prices can disguise low value. A £150 dress you’ll wear 10 times is better value — and more sustainable — than a £40 dress worn once. Think in the longer-term, not just what’s cheap right now.
3. Don’t fall for sales hype
Christmas sales push “bargains” that become nothing but wardrobe clutter. Avoid buying something just because it’s reduced. If you wouldn’t buy it at full price, leave it alone.
4. Don’t buy a wrong fit because it’s the only one left in the sale
This leads to unworn clothes, returns, or replacements - waste. Fit should never be compromised — it’s key to longevity. If the piece doesn’t fit now, it won’t magically fit later - just don’t bother.
5. Don’t choose trends over classics in your authentic style
Trends can be fun, but trend-chasing every Christmas (and just generally!) leads to waste. Know your colours and style profile (Colour and Style Analysis will help you with that) and stick to them. A few well chosen investment pieces in your best colours and style will always be worth the money.
6. Don’t overlook fabric quality and durability just because it’s Christmas
Cheap glitter fabrics shed microplastics, lose shape and snag easily. Instead try and go for natural fibres, recycled blends or higher-quality pieces that keep their shape and look after multiple wears.
7. Do consider layering potential
Many festive pieces are actually impractical for winter unless they can be layered - weather is a thing! When choosing it’s sensible to prioritise items that work with your existing coats, jumpers/tops and shoes/boots. You don’t want to be caught short with a whole bunch of great separates that you can’t place together when needed.
8. Don’t ignore care instructions
Dry-clean-only items can become expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Check care labels before buying. The more machine-washable and easy-care, the more sustainable. You could also think about investing in a simple steamer, which refreshes items nicely without needing to put them through the wash if they just need a spruce up. They also make the room warmer which can be nice around this time of year!
9. Don’t buy duplicates of things you already own
Christmas shopping can trigger impulse buying — another top, another blouse - because you already have them and they seem to work. Do a quick review of your wardrobe before you head out, and before committing to buy ask yourself the question, “do I actually need this?” Are you actually going to wear it, or do you have enough of that thing already?
10. Do think longer term
Good purchases should transition through January and be utilised through the rest of the season. Some good examples of Christmassy and beyond staples are:
- Blouses for work (in your best colours of course) that you can wear on both smart and casual days
- Trousers that can be dressed up or down
- Knits in rich neutrals that you can cuddle up with and are versatile
- Accessories that fit your style profile that you can translate across different outfits
As the season ramps up and Christmas noise gets louder, remember that you don’t have to play along and add to it. A bit of intention goes a long way — for your wardrobe, your wallet, and your peace of mind. A deal that you’ll regret in January is not a deal! Pause and take a breath, bear these pointers in mind, and choose wisely. If you know your colours and style, sticking to those will ground you well. Be someone who refuses to get hustled by the red sale signage - your future self (and your wardrobe) will thank you for it.
I’m Michaela and I help you discover the colours and styles that suit you best so you look and feel like the most authentic version of your unique self.
Stop guessing and start knowing.
Because you were made to be seen.
Colour Analysis | Style Analysis | Makeup | Wardrobe Edits | Personal Shopping | Headshot Ready | Personal and Visual Branding | Corporate Packages | Bridal Packages
