Your Guide to the Perfectly Planned End of Season Sale

August marks the beginning of the vibrant festivities across the country, leading up to the auspicious wedding season. The end of season sale is thus your chance to get ahead on your holiday shopping. Don’t wait for last minute Deepawali offers to pick up all the ethnic wear you’re going to need – whether it’s a Sharara for Eid, a Chaniya Choli for Navratri or a Saree for Dussehra.
Pro-tip: You can expand your traditional wardrobe with just a couple of well-fitted blouses in neutral shades like golden or black can be teamed with anything from a saree, a lehenga or even a brightly embroidered skirt. Keep a pair of metallic heels ready for the sarees and flat Kolhapuris for the Garba nights.

Image courtesy: Meena Bazaar

Image courtesy: Being Human

The great thing about vintage style is that it never goes out of fashion. Besides, retro pieces could help you create your own signature look – think Zooey Deschanel’s shift dresses and Johnny Depp’s black-framed glasses. You can even mix and match elements from different decades; polka dotted shirts from the 70s, drainpipe cuts from the 80s and goth-chic inspired chokers from the 90s. Brands like Being Human, H&M and American Eagle are steeped in fashions that will keep coming back every few seasons, keeping your wardrobe fresh and crisp for every era. And they’re all on sale right now. Make the most of it.

It’s no secret that fashion, like art, is all about bending the rules. But, first, you must “learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” The couture-rendition of this Picasso quote is that you must stock up on the basics before you invest in the season’s flavours. The elementary checklist for women includes a little black dress, red lipstick, well-fitted denims and a plain white blouse. For men, it’s a smartly cut blazer, light coloured shirts in blue and white, a basic white tee and white sneakers – to name a few. The list might seem long, but with the sale, you can raid brands like Hugo Boss, Canali, Kazo and Cover Store for unique versions of the basics.

Image courtesy: Kazo

Image courtesy: Rare Rabbit

Once you’ve picked up the essentials, seize the chance to scale up your wardrobe with some rare pieces, to define your own personal style. Hunt for quirky prints, distinctive cuts and bold jewellery for those times you need to make a striking fashion statement. Don’t just dress for the job you want – dress for the red-carpet appearance you dream of. You never know, that eccentric ensemble you put together might just be your ticket to one.
Pro-tip: To balance out the whimsy, pair up an edgy looking piece – like a pleated pair of shorts, a bubble skirt or a floral printed shirt – with something more conventional.