Shop the summer sale with the NET-A-PORTER team
For all the excitement it brings, sale shopping can also be akin to sensory overload. It’s the perfect opportunity to justify an especially indulgent purchase, but you also want to be sure you’re making a clever addition to your closet. How do you strike the balance? Here are the NET-A-PORTER team’s sale tactics – and the pieces they’re planning on adding to basket
Alison Loehnis, President
“I love dresses, whatever the season. The beauty of summer dresses, in addition to their ease and femininity, is that many can be worn year-round – with sandals, weather-permitting, then finished with luxe knits and boots in the winter.”
Sarah Bailey, Editor-in-Chief
“For me, shopping the sale is not about staples – it’s about buying a mood-lifting ‘wow’ piece that I will love and wear forever. As a print obsessive, I will be scouring my favorite labels, like Prada or Dries Van Noten, for a stand-out piece to make my heart sing.”
Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director
“I’ve always considered sale season to be the perfect excuse for a purely indulgent purchase, and never more so than now, at a time when it feels like reasons to be joyful are in such short supply. Lockdown has given me time to review my closet and think about which pieces will truly stand the test of time – which is why I’m on the lookout for a stunning piece of jewelry to add to my collection. However, I should point out that I won’t be keeping it locked away in a jewelry box. Whether I settle on a necklace, ring, bracelet or a beautiful pair of earrings, I intend to let this new addition elevate my look, and my spirits, every day.”
Alice Casely-Hayford, Content Director
“It may be some time before I have an evening event to go to, but my goodness, I will go all-out when I do. After months in denim, loose tailoring and casual wear, I cannot wait to get dressed up again – and a coral Christopher John Rogers dress is the perfect piece to step into. Spending the past three months at home, it might have been a bit of an extravagance to invest in this runway look earlier, but now it’s in the sale, I cannot wait to get my hands on it. It’s certainly a statement, but after months without glamour, even if I have nowhere to go, I’m getting all dressed up. My date-night takeout look is about to get a major upgrade.”
Gillian Brett, Senior Fashion Features Editor
“Let me start by saying, I love boots. Love them. If ever there was an investment-worthy buy, it’s a pair of leather boots with a heel you can last all day in. So it makes total sense to stock up while they’re on discount. My go-tos include a pair of combat boots for running around all day in, and some knee-high slouchy numbers for dressier occasions. In the summer sale, I’m seeking out a Chelsea boot with a chunky sole, which I will wear with ’90s-style slip dresses now and slouchy jumpsuits in the fall.”
Kay Barron, Fashion Director
“The LBD is your super-smart sale piece. While you might not be dressing up and heading out at the moment, believe me, you will again – and when you do, this is what you will reach for first, as it works anywhere and everywhere. Whether you prefer short or midi, figure-hugging or figure-skimming, there is a unique power in the LBD that no other piece of clothing has quite mastered. So, shop with an idea of where you will wear it, and what with, in mind. In fact, it would be rude not to also have a look at the perfect HBH (high black heel) to perfectly punctuate that perfect LBD.”
Helen Broadfoot, Senior Fashion Editor
“I’ll be on the lookout for a great coat this sale season. It can be hard to think about winter warmers when you’re basking in the summer sunshine, but if you have the foresight, often you’ll find a great steal and you will be set to go as soon as summer turns to fall. I’ll be looking out for a long, masculine-style wool coat in navy or black.”
Hannah Cole, Fashion Editor
“Ever since the resurgence of cycling shorts in 2018 (cue a flurry of Princess Diana athleisure posts), shorts have slowly made a comeback, both on and off the runway; from mom styles, tailored, denim, paper bag and – my personal favorite – the Bermuda. Shorts can be dressed up or down and – discounting the aforementioned Lycra – are also super-flattering. The right pair will see you through several seasons and become the wardrobe staple you never knew you needed. I’m currently on the hunt for a new short suit to add to my collection. This summer, I plan on pairing a knee-length style with a white tank, tan belt and Birkenstocks, switching them for a crew-neck knit and knee-high boots for a ’70s spin come fall.”
Sophie Hardcastle, Acting Shopping Editor
“My tactic for shopping generally, but most definitely during the sales, is to invest in timeless pieces that I will always treasure and return to year after year. After completing a mammoth closet clear-out during lockdown, I will be seizing the opportunity to replenish my knitwear stash with a selection of classic styles – which I know I’ll be thankful for come fall.”
Libby Page, Senior Fashion Market Editor
“When it comes to shopping, I am always searching for forever pieces; even during a sale, this rule is non-negotiable. Of course, the suit is the ultimate forever piece, and any ‘rule’ that it’s just for the office has been banished. I’ll be wearing mine with a tank top and flat sandals for the upcoming (hopefully) sunny months, and also maximizing the versatility of the blazer by throwing it on over a crisp white shirt and longline denim shorts. Come fall, a suit works brilliantly with sneakers for a relaxed yet elevated look.”
Megan Logue, Fashion Features Editor
“When it comes to sale shopping, one piece I’m always on the lookout for is a covetable handbag, not least for its ability to combine the instant gratification of plush purchase with the enduring power of a well-chosen accessory. This season, I’ve made it my mission to add the perfect ’90s-inspired style to my growing collection. I love the playful edge that a baguette bag can add to any outfit. The only issue I’m finding is it’s almost impossible to choose between a timeless color or something a little more head-turning. Decisions, decisions…”
Marquessa Lucas-Box, Junior Fashion Editor
“Sale season calls for self-indulgence, and there is nothing more decadent than treating yourself to gorgeous lingerie. I think everyone could use some ‘uplifting’ at the moment, and lingerie has a way of making women feel special. It’s about taking a little extra time to appreciate yourself, and when sales are on, you don't have to break the bank to do so! Investing in a beautiful lingerie set that fits like a glove, and makes you feel like a goddess, is a decision you will not regret.”
The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown