I sat down to write today’s Joy Drop with an ice lolly in one hand, the fan blasting on my face, and the local lido’s booking page open in another tab… and I did pause for a moment:
Should I really be talking about winter wardrobes right now?
Because let’s be honest, no one wants to think about jumpers and coats when we’re finally getting a bit of sunshine.
BUT. Hear me out.
One of the smartest tricks in the style-savvy handbook?
Buying out of season.
Those lovely summer outfits you see splashed on instagram, a lot of those pieced would have been bought last winter.
Stylists and clued-up shoppers know: now is the time to snag winter gems for a fraction of the price.
Right this second, all those gorgeous winter staples that were full price a few months ago are slowly making their way to the sale section.
✨ That barn jacket you loved but couldn’t justify at £140? Now £70.
✨ The perfect pair of black winter boots that sold out in your size? Back in stock, and discounted.
✨ The soft wool jumper in your actual colour season? Half price and still available in three sizes.
Now obviously, I’m not suggesting a wild shopping spree or stuffing your wardrobe full of random bits.
We’ve been trained in the JD way, and we don’t buy without intention.
✨ Think back to Jan/Feb.
What were you missing? What did you wish you had every time you got dressed?
Was it a coat that actually made you feel pulled-together? A dress you could layer with boots and tights? Something that felt you, even on freezing days?
✨ Make note of anything you couldn’t quite justify at the time.
Was there a specific item you kept thinking about but just couldn’t justify? Maybe it was a cashmere knit or a good pair of boots that felt too spendy. It’s worth checking if they’ve quietly been reduced and whether they’re still something you’d genuinely wear next winter.
✨ Focus on quality basics.
This isn’t the time to buy trend-led pieces (they might not stick around next year). But coats, boots, knits, and layering staples?
Look for classic cuts and timeless shapes, things you can imagine reaching for again and again, year after year.Make a little list. Keep an eye on the sales.
Where to Hunt for Winter Bargains Right Now
You don’t need to trawl every sale section to find hidden gems, just knowing where to look can make all the difference.
🛍️ Department stores (like John Lewis, Fenwick, and Selfridges) often have deeper discounts on premium brands, especially on coats, boots, and knitwear. They’re a great place to browse classic pieces at a better price point.
🧥 Brands known for quality (like Boden, Whistles, & Other Stories, Arket, and Toast) tend to have end-of-season sales with some brilliant markdowns on their winter lines. Look for natural fibres and timeless shapes.
👛 Mid-range high street favourites like M&S, H&M, and Mango often mark down their winter stock quietly, especially in-store. You might find that jumper you loved three months ago… for half the price.
Quick tip: if you’re shopping online, try using keywords like “wool,” “coat,” or “boots” in the search bar, even in July—you’ll be surprised what’s still tucked away.
You’ll thank yourself come November, when your future self is toasty and stylish.