Hone in on your normal wardrobe staples, says Sophie Warburton

How she shops: I have learnt my sale-shopping lessons the hard way. I would find myself easily wooed by the discounted “must-have” print of the season even though I rarely wear print, or flirting with the idea of a new trouser shape. It was doubly appealing when the price tag is showing 50per cent off. And why on earth did I think a size seven shoe will fit my size eight feet just because they were a fraction of the original price? Having recently thrown out a huge selection of disastrous salepurchases, I will be approaching those red tags with caution.

What she’ll be buying: My go-to is a blazer and jeans, so this check blazer from Hobbs won’t be escaping my grasp. Yes, Prince of Wales check was huge for autumn/winter, but it is huge every autumn/winter so will work year on year. And you can’t go wrong with black boots – don’t be delusional about heel height though.

Top tip: If you’re thinking twice about any purchases you’ve made, check the sales policy. It’s likely that you will be able to return them. And if you haven’t worn your purchases within 28 days, you never will. Blazer, £189 to £159 (hobbs.co.uk) Glossed ankle boots, £445 to £312, Church’s (net-a-porter.com)