It's too easy to fall prey to super sales and end-of-season clearances, when prices are slashed and discounts are deep. But let's be realistic. That neon-yellow sundress you bought last year for $10? It's still in your closet with the tags on it. "I see a lot of people amass huge amounts of bargain purchases and complain about a closet full of nothing to wear," says Melissa Payner, founder and CEO of Bluefly.com. "If you like something enough and would have paid full price for it, then proceed and be thrilled you got a bargain." Read on for ways to make sure you snag real deals.

Rules to Shop By


To get the most out of your bargain shopping, keep these points in mind as you consider each item:
1. Fit. As in, if it doesn't (and isn't worth a trip to the tailor), skip it.
2. Construction/quality. Check the material, stitching and buttons or zippers. Make sure the item is well made.
3. Care. Check the care label — does it say "dry-clean only"? Hefty dry-cleaning bills are often unforeseen extra expenses.
4. Wearability. Can you wear the item in more than one season? Can it go from day to evening? Do you have anything to go with it? Is it age-appropriate?
5. Lifestyle. Does it fit yours?

Invest in the Best


Some items are a good deal even if they have a high price tag. We're talking timeless pieces you'll wear year after year, wardrobe staples, well-made basics and quality undergarments. Bluefly's Payner, H&M fashion spokesperson Jennifer Uglialoro, and celebrity fashion stylists André Austin and Erin Byrne weigh in with their top picks:

Secrets to Smarter Shopping

  • “Register online with your favorite
    stores — they sometimes offer Web-only sales
    and discounts for their online shoppers."
    —Andre Austin
  • “Mix and match clothing that’s already
    in your closet with higher- and lower-end
    brands to create your own style and bring out
    your personality.” —Jennifer Uglialoro
  • “Check often and check early; you never
    know what you might find!” —Melissa Payner
  • “Target started the trend with high-end
    designers who lend their talents to affordable
    clothes. Some of my best bargains have come from
    there. For super-trendy looks, you can’t go wrong
    with H&M.” —Erin Byrne

Foundation pieces. Often the success of a great outfit starts with the items people won't even see! Make sure you own undergarments that flatter your shape and every curve. "Having a solid foundation will make your clothes fit better and you feel your best," says Austin.

Classics and accessories. Buy items that are classic and timeless, such as an amazing European designer handbag, or items that will be part of your everyday wardrobe, such as the perfect-fitting pair of jeans or a stunning pair of boots, says Payner.

Outerwear. "Splurge a little on a great winter coat. It has to keep you warm and should make you look hot in the dead of winter!" Byrne suggests.

Quality accessories. "Spend a little more on accessories to complete your look. Invest in a great pair of shoes or a handbag to compliment any outfit," recommends Uglialoro.

Resist the Urge to Splurge


On the flip side, there are particular items that you should spend as little as possible on:

Basics. For tanks and T-shirts, Austin looks for "quality, comfort and great prices" at stores like H&M and Gap.

Trendy pieces. Byrne advises skipping the high-priced footwear of the moment. "You can find good knockoffs of the latest styles at stores like Payless," she says. "Skip novelty, trendy items that feel relevant this minute but may not make it past this season," adds Payner.