Fashion: Get smart

This year, don't play safe at the sales - play smart. Instead of dull, classic shirts and skirts, look for clothes that anticipate next spring's fashions. For the Victoriana trend, which will see us through summer, try Comme des Garcons' white shirt with a bit of frill and ruffle. You'll also be ahead of the game if you can get your hands on Miu Miu's long red jacket, Russell & Bromley's square-toed shoes or Ann Demeulemeester's slouchy black suit. All at a good deal less than the pre-sale prices given here

This page: black jacket, pounds 475, trousers, pounds 239, and white shirt, pounds 119, all by Ann Demeulemeester; short leather apron, pounds 215, by Martin Margiela. All from Liberty, 210-220 Regent Street, London W1, enquiries 0171 734 1234; black full toe covered shoe, pounds 64.95, from Birkenstock, 37 Neal Street, London WC2, mail order 0171 602 2866

Facing page: red long jacket, pounds 365, by Miu Miu from Harvey Nichols, SW1, enquiries 0171 235 5000

Above: black boat-neck three-quarter-length sleeve top, pounds 30, by French Connection, 249 Regent Street, London W1 and branches nationwide, enquiries 0171 399 7200; fuschia pink mohair knee-length skirt, from a selection by Martine Sitbon at Whistles, 12-14 St Christopher's Place, W1, enquiries 0171 487 4484

Left: white cotton ruffle shirt, pounds 165, by Comme des Garcons; khaki kick- pleat skirt, pounds 225, by Junya Watanabe, all from Liberty, as before; shoes by Birkenstock, as before

Photographs By Kevin Foord Styling By Charlie Harrington Make-Up By Alex Babsky At Mandy Coakley Using Goldwell Hair: Matthew Cross At One Hair Model: Laura Foster At Storm