Wish-listing will save you from rash decisions, says Bethan Holt

How she shops: Gone are the days when I can stomach sharpening my elbows to brave the actual shops during the sales, the only exception being when I have a very specific purchase in mind. Like last year, when

I was working on the 27th and called ahead to APC to check that the bag I had been “needing” for months was in stock then hotfooted it to the shop in my lunch break. Otherwise, I search by brand (the ones that are usually just out of touch) and make careful use of the Wishlist function instead of making any rash purchases. Before clicking to buy, do a Google search for the item to check there’s not a better discount available elsewhere.

What she’ll be buying: This year, I think you can’t go wrong with a great dress, which you can wear now with polo necks or knits and later for a wedding or just with trainers at the weekend. I love Finery’s floral tea dress, which I am banking on to become that thing I pull out of my wardrobe whenever I have no idea what else to wear. No pressure then.

Top tip: Whatever it is you’re buying, take a moment to ensure it’s the look of the thing – rather than the price – that’s ultimately swaying you. Are you getting that little flutter in your chest? (Or is that just me?)