Fashion sales bargains 2015: The best stores' buyers advise on what to look out for this year

​Navigating the treacherous depths of the winter sales season can be taxing for the most confident of shoppers. Buyers reveal what will make your winter wardrobe sing for spring

Jimmy Choo: Was £375. Now £300.

Selfridges (Women)

Judd Crane, director of womenswear and accessories

“The winter sales present a unique opportunity to buy something special. More than ever, our customer is aware of forthcoming trends – if she's interested in fashion in that way, it's a great starting point for a sales-buying strategy. There's so much more fluidity and crossover with ideas of trend that the old perceived risk of buying something that doesn't work for the following season isn't really there anymore. My picks would be a great dress by Roksanda in pink; a faux fur jacket by Shrimps – a real perennial now; and a pair of ankle boots – great through spring.”

GRENSON: Was £210 - now £147, selfridges.com (selfridges.com)

Selfridges (Men)

Bosse Myhr, director of menswear and accessories

“Due to changes in the way retailers are now buying – for a global customer who needs both a season-appropriate and seasonless offer all year round – there have never been more opportunities to find something that you both want and need during the sales. I'd suggest looking for the classics that a wardrobe is built around; and seeing the sales as an opportunity to invest in tailoring, shirting and a quality pair of shoes at the best possible price. I think this is the most satisfying part of the experience for our male customer.” selfridges.com

matchesfashion.com (Women)

Natalie K

ingham, buying director

“There are a plethora of pieces that can be found in the autumn/winter 2015 sale that will seamlessly take you through to the next season. Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley's debut collection was a typically eclectic mash-up of dandyish British style and irreverent modernity. The burgundy silk pussy-bow blouse, velvet trousers and high-waisted mum jeans will all fit perfectly into spring's offbeat aristocrat trend. The easy, understated neon-pink silk slip dress from Raey works for the Nineties trend that was seen across the catwalks for spring. Another great item to invest in is the Burberry Prorsum cut-out panelled dress with its colourful embroidery and navy lace skirt: it channels a new bohemian vibe.”

matchesfashion.com (Men)

Damien Paul, head of menswear

“There's a grungier mood coming through in menswear for spring/summer 2016, most visible at Raf Simons and Saint Laurent. A lightweight parka ties into the Nineties-tinged mood, and it's a fail-safe investment because – let's face it – in Britain you'll most likely be wearing a waterproof coat until next June. Sneakers and backpacks are a safe bet – though I'd look out for more minimal styles, rather than anything too 'statement'. They'll tie into the trend towards cleaner accessories. Looking for simpler pieces also means you're less likely to get drawn into sales mania and end up with something you never wear.” matchesfashion.com

Browns

Laura Larbalestier, womenswear buying director

“Monochrome is a key trend for spring/summer 2016. It's so timeless that you can wear it again and again: the perfect blend of trend and forever piece. So are flower prints – a printed Marni dress is the perfect floral investment – and as worn by Meryl Streep, this dress is perfect for the colder months in spring. Off-the-shoulder was the key trend in nearly every resort and catwalk show for spring/summer. The A.W.A.K.E. one-shouldered piece can be dressed down with a pair of trainers, or dressed up with a pair of heels. It's the perfect last-minute outfit for New Year.” brownsfashion.com

Harvey Nichols

Anita Barr, buying director

“The sale season is a great time to pick up wardrobe staples, but you should also look for pieces that translate into next season. For spring/summer 2016 the key pieces to invest in include rainbow hues such as this pair of striped leather Valentino boots. Another key colourway to look out for is red, white and blue for that all Americana look – the more discerning may prefer Pantone pink, the colour for 2016. Look for soft shades that can be teamed with denim or leather to add a tougher edge. Femininity is huge for next season so look for ruffle details and lace fabrics, I love McQueen's nude dress, which will be a godsend come wedding season and Christopher Kane's bright abstract lace top.” harveynichols.com

ERDEM: Was £1,260 - now £882, net-a-porter.com (net-a-porter.com)

Net-a-Porter.com

Holly Russell, senior buyer

“Next season's trends will often emerge as micro-trends so it's really beneficial to know what was key for spring/summer 2016 when shopping the winter sales. Off-the-shoulder necklines were seen at so many shows and will be a strong silhouette for next season. This Proenza Schouler wrap top is absolutely on the mark, with a nod to the cut-out trend as well. A tie-up silk georgette blouse will be a very good investment for SS16 – Haider Ackermann's silk version is great for evening. We saw lots of romance and ruffles on the catwalk at the spring shows, so look out for frills if they fit your style; See by Chloé blouses, or a perfect floral Erdem dress, is a winner.” net-a-porter.com

Flannels

Deborah Gale, ladieswear buyer

“Buy classic, key pieces. Florals are always prevalent in the spring/summer seasons – a Gucci dress, a key piece from Alessandro Michele's first autumn/winter 2015 collection for the house – is ideal for carrying you right through to next season, especially in a signature geranium print. The pops of colour will also tie in nicely with more colourful trends. Fendi has been hugely popular throughout this season – especially the bags and accessories. The Baguette is a classic bag and the Micro style in white is perfect for spring, as is Jimmy Choo's Abel shoe – a classic style sold season after season, here in a fabulous red colourway. You won't put a foot wrong.” flannels.com