What Clothes Are Worth Buying at End-of-Summer Sales?

End-of-summer sales can look incredibly tempting. A dress you were eyeing in June is now 50% off. Swimsuits are on clearance. Linen, sandals, shorts, and summer bags are marked way down to make room for fall fashion.

But a great price doesn't automatically make something a great buy.

After more than 20 years writing about fashion and even longer shopping for a body that doesn't always mesh with whatever retailers have decided is “in,” I've learned that some things are totally worth buying at the end of the season. However, there are others that you may buy to prepare for next summer to find then that they are dated, don't fit right, or just don't feel like you anymore. And I'm going to share this intel with you.

My rule: End-of-summer sales are best for buying things you already know work for your body, wardrobe, and your lifestyle. No price is good if the purchase ends up retail regret in a year's time.

What I Think Is Worth Buying at End-of-Summer Sales

The Best Things to Buy During End-of-Summer Sales

Here's what I think is worth buying now, what may deserve a some consideration, and what is not a good purchase during these end of the season sales:

Summer Dresses You Already Know You'll Wear

As a grown-ass woman, I struggle to find sundresses that aren't backless, strapless, have cutouts, or some other detail that makes it tough to wear. So when I find a style that fits my body and my lifestyle, I'm thrilled. And this is the first thing I seek on sale right now to wear next summer.

A good example is the orange dress I am wearing in the picture at the beginning of this article and in the collage above. It was on clearance at the end of summer, a great price. But also, it was my favorite color, worked with my favorite strapless bra, it had sturdy pockets, was machine washable, and comfortable in the heat.

Look for styles that are fabrics that will hold up with sweat, wear, and washings. Linen and cotton are good choices. Be sure these dresses work with the kind of underpinnings you're most comfortable in come summer; don't be swayed by a pretty print or price. And look at details; can you zip it up on your own? Will your phone fit in the pocket without dragging down one side of the dress?

Be realistic, but have fun with colors, prints, and details. Sundresses don't have to adhere to specific trends to look chic year after year!

Hard-to-Find Wardrobe Staples

There are just some items that are wardrobe staples summer after summer. For me, it's wide-leg white linen pants that aren't as sheer as Saran Wrap, white jeans in a straight- to wide-leg silhouette, ribbed white tank tops, and lightweight active shorts with zipper pockets.

For you, it may be linen tunics, or poplin midi skirts, or chino shorts, or moisture-wicking golf shirts. These are the items you wear summer after summer, fit your life, and fit your existing wardrobe. They may replace that which may need to be retired, or they may fill that hole you found when you didn't have time to do laundry or were sink-washing at midnight on your beach getaway.

The key is what fits with your existing wardrobe. If the color, silhouette, or fabrication doesn't fit what you have now, it likely will be even harder to style next year. For example, if your current summer wardrobe is primarily shades of tan, brown, and dusty rose you may not want to buy a shirt in lemon yellow as it may not be as versatile as say a plum or ivory piece.

Linen Apparel

Linen is not going anywhere; it's just too comfortable in the summer heat! Linen shirtdresses and sundresses are always safe bets; look for shift styles or midi-length dresses for more timeless of style.

Pull-on style shorts and pants with straight to wide leg silhouettes, tailored suiting, and classic shirts (trim or oversized/boyfriend fit) are all good buys. Stick with solid colors, but as for which colors, choose what you will be most likely to wear or what brings you the most joy.

If you are considering linen from Universal Standard, check out my Universal Standard stretch linen review where my sister and I try on a broad range of styles and help you determine which may be best for you.

Chino and Twill Shorts

Now, if you're anti-shorts, you can just move to the next category. But if you wear shorts (here's my guide to the best shorts for women in midlife), you will find a lot of them on sale at the end of the season. But a lot of them should be left on the hanger (or not placed in your virtual shopping cart).

Think about the past decade… what style of shorts have remained in style? We've seen cargo shorts, Bermuda shorts, even leather shorts. Denim shorts have been cuffed, frayed, just a cut edge, pleated, fitted, and loose. The only constant has been chino and stretch twill shorts, somewhere between 3″-9″. No cargo pockets, no fancy details, just a clean classic.

If denim is your jam and you've constantly worn the same brand and length of a style, then that makes sense to buy. But I've seen too much change over the past few years to recommend a specific wash or silhouette.

Summer Shoes… With a Caveat

Some summer shoes are classics: EVA and water-friendly flip flops (I own and love these for arch support and great colors) and sandals for the beach and pool, Birkenstock and Teva sandals (if you already love this kind of shoe), and water shoes are good buys.

Sandals and sneakers are affected heavily by trend. One year it's a lug sole, the next year it's a minimalist style. Colors even change; we've seen black as a faux pas and a style must all within one decade. The same holds true for white, for brown and tan shades, and let's not even get into hardware. Unless it's a style you know you love, I wouldn't do much investing.

Summer Accessories That Fit Your Actual Life

My personal favorite item to buy during these sales? Purses. A raffia, wicker, canvas, or crocheted bag is pretty timeless and it's great to have on hand to make any outfit feel more summery. Go with either your favorite/signature pop of color or a neutral that works with your existing summer footwear.

Also stick to silhouettes that make sense for your life: don't buy a foldover clutch if you need to carry sunglasses and readers and a pill case with you and you need hands free for public transportation or your iced latte.

Other summer accessories also make sense during these sales: raffia and summer-style belts, sunhats, swim coverups, UPF-protecting gear. I recommend going classic.

Swim accessories are where trends happen in a flash of the pan. Boyfriend-style shirt coverups, pareos, straw totes, water-friendly bags (mesh, open weave, SCOUT bags for example), and classic styles of straw hats (floppy, fedora, Panama) are safe bets that will be chic now and many summers from now. Check out my guide to the best beach tote bags for some classic ideas.

End-of-Summer Sales Are a Great Time to Buy Backups

Summer Bras and Undies

Whether you're stocking up on your favorite moisture-wicking underwear or buying another one of those bras that kept you from being swampy or saggy all summer, it makes sense to buy them if they part of a Labor Day sale or end-of-summer clearance.

Cotton Tanks and Tees

These are often the best bargains this time of year. If you wore the heck out of a certain white tank or tee this summer and it's still in stock in your size, grab another. White tanks and tees always get stained, yellowed, or stretched out and it's nice to have a backup (check out my guide to the best white tank tops).

Black cotton fades, so that is also a great choice to buy backups if you wear it often. As for color, I recommend if your favorite shades are on trend this season, stock up. They may not be trendy next year (AKA not in stock), but they will still look stylish.

When it comes to tanks and tees, keep silhouettes classic; no cold shoulders, embellishment, padded shoulders, mixed media (sleeves or back a different fabric from the front), lace or other fabric trim or insets, buttons, snaps, ruffles, etc. I'd also be hesitant when it comes to graphic tees, as they even have been part of the recent trend cycle. That is, unless they are your signature, then by all means save now to rock next summer!

Swimwear and Accessories for the Beach and Pool

Swimwear is something that is very slow to change trends. If you see suits, separates, rashguards, or coverups on sale that you like, I recommend getting them now so you're Memorial Day ready. I recommend choosing colors and styles that will work with your existing cover-ups, beach bags, and other swimwear accessories.

Also factor in fabric. For example, I have made myself a swim capsule over the years of pieces that mix and match depending on my activity and mood. They are all classic swimwear fabric. Even if a piece is the perfect fit, if it's textured, matte, or a color that doesn't go with what I have I don't buy it and I have never regretted this mindset.

Activity-Specific Clothing and Gear

Activewear is another category that doesn't change trends as quickly as traditional apparel. Especially if you are involved in a summer sport or activity, stock up now on what you know will keep you performing and feeling comfortable in the summer heat.

Along with activewear, stock up on those accessories and tools needed to keep you comfortable as you perform in the summer. PFDs, belt bags, sunglasses, goggles, sports bras, swim caps, water shoes, sneakers, socks… if they're on sale and you know they work now is the time to stock up.

What I Don't Recommend Buying at End-of-Summer Sales

Consider me your virtual friend; I'm here to give you some tough love as you shop these sales. I say this because I care… you should NOT be buying these things:

Anything That's Almost the Right Size

Do not buy anything that is a hair snug. Especially as we get older, our bodies change. We can keep the same number on the scale but have a completely different shape. We can even keep the same clothing size but those garments will fit differently in a year. Have some room in these pieces so if alterations are necessary, they can be made.

Something You Wouldn't Consider at Full Price

If someone gave you a $1K gift card to that retailer at the beginning of the season and you wouldn't have bought it then… you don't need it now. It doesn't matter the designer or the discount, if you wouldn't buy it full price you shouldn't buy it ever.

A Trend You Didn't Want Until It Went on Sale

I get it, social media can wear us down. We see that same brand or silhouette all season long and now it's half price… so tempting! But re-read the category above… if you wouldn't have purchased it full price, you shouldn't buy it on clearance. And honestly… there's a good chance that trend will be passé by Thanksgiving. Just Say No.

Something That's Too Much Work

Only buy garments that have laundry instructions you know you can follow. Hand wash and dry flat? Is that really going to happen at the beach house or when you'd rather be outside enjoying the weather? If it's complicated, it's not a smart addition to your future summer wardrobe.

The Weird Color That's Left for a Reason

Often, the least popular color will be the one still on sale. That color very well may suit you and I encourage you to get it. But if it's a style you like but a color that doesn't provide comfort and joy, leave it on the hanger; don't click “add to cart.” The world will still rotate and you will still have a fantastic summer without it in your closet.

Final-Sale Experiments

No to the no no no, my friend. Final sale only makes sense if you are already very familiar with the brand, the silhouette, the current season's fit, the fabric, and you've been pining for it all season long. This goes for final sales at your favorite mall shop as well as final sales on resale sites like Poshmark and The RealReal.

Don't Shop End-of-Summer Sales for Your Fantasy Life

When it comes to shopping the end of summer sales, it's important to be super real with yourself. Shop for your current body, and your current lifestyle. Not the five pounds from now you, the win the lottery you, the going on an unscheduled cruise, an unplanned trip to Italy, the lounge by the poolside in a silk caftan sipping a cocktail you.

If those events happen, I'm thrilled for you and give you permission to shop full price. But end of summer sale shopping is about being practical. Buy what you know you will wear, buy what you NEED.

My 5-Question End-of-Summer Sale Test

These are the five questions I have asked myself for decades when sale shopping. They have saved me money, time getting dressed, and time with returns and donating items with tags still on a year later:

1. Would I want this if it were only 15% off?

This should be your mantra as you shop any sale, any time of the year. If the bargain wasn't as much of a bargain, would you still want it? If you hesitate to answer, you should also hesitate to purchase.

2. Can I wear it with what I already own?

If your bargain requires new shoes, a new bra, and a different bag, it isn't a bargain. Period.

3. Does it fit my body comfortably right now?

No buying for Future You. You don't know what the future holds. Plus, as a grown woman who has had a fluctuating figure much of her life, take it from me: you may get to that size but that doesn't mean you'll return to the same shape. It's easier (and cheaper) to tailor what fits now to whatever the future holds than to buy what may or may not work.

4. Did I actually need or want something like this before I saw the sale?

If not, consider why you want it now. I know I am part of the problem, but if you didn't love it until you saw some influencer promote it and its discount price… maybe it's FOMO, not actual want or need.

5. Will I be happy to see this when I unpack my summer clothes next year?

Not “Will this still be trendy?” That's impossible to predict. In the words of Ms. Kondo, is this purchase going to “spark joy” when you see it next spring?

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember: Not Buying Anything Is 100% Off

If you got through this summer without being naked, you likely already own enough.

I love a good sale, and end-of-summer clearance can be a fantastic opportunity to replace something worn out, buy a backup of an MVP, or finally get that item you've been eyeing all season at a better price. But you never save money by buying something you don't need.

A wardrobe doesn't become more stylish because it contains more clothing. Style comes from not how much you own, but how you wear what you have. Buy the things that make getting dressed easier, that work with the life you're actually living, and that you're excited to wear, and if they're on clearance that's just the cherry on top!