To quote Morpheus: fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony. The pictures for these posts were taken in Estonia with about 17 degrees Celsius and heavy wind. If you zoom close enough (don’t!), I’m sure you can detect goose bumps. Fast forward two weeks and it’s something like 20 degrees warmer and the images look very weird in this context.*

The dress itself, however, is highly relevant, as it’s pretty much the only thing I can wear at the moment. As I work for an European institution, shorts aren’t really an option in the office, but I can just about get away with this dress (I keep a blazer at my desk to cover up and add my Dior kitten heels for some polish).

The more general point here is that having a rather classic sundress made out of natural fabric really is a summer essential. You never know when climate change hits and you’re in for four weeks of scorching heat. I have said before that for me, summer really isn’t about trends, it’s about finding nice, flattering pieces that you feel comfortable in. And this season has been great for that, especially when it comes to dresses, so it might be worth stocking up.

This brings me to the topic of sales shopping. I generally don’t do much of it, as by the time sales start I’m entirely bored with that season’s pieces and only want to buy new stuff. And buying things simply because they are cheap(er) is obviously not smart. But there are cases when shopping the sales makes sense and the current situation is a good example. If you have realised that you don’t really own any warm weather pieces and the forecast is promising at least two more weeks of heat, it’s not a bad idea to snap up a slip dress, a couple of camisoles and pair of shorts for reduced prices. It’s not like the autumn collections are going to offer these things anyway.

Also, I am the first to admit that sometimes I just want to buy something new, even if I absolutely don’t need anything. In this situation, I think that picking up something fun for 12 euros and getting the itch scratched can be a pretty smart strategy. Of course, it makes sense to get something that you’ll also be wearing after two weeks, so some analysis is recommended. Here are a few things I have either bought recently on a sale or would consider buying:

1. Kimonos. It is no secret that I’m a big fan and think that a colourful kimono-style jacket (or dress) is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. You can wear them lounging at home, with jeans for day and as a cover-up for night. Or why not on the beach? I bought a turquoise Zara version, but there are many to chose from.

2. Anything leopard print. Or anything animal print, really. Leopard has already returned, but will be huge for autumn, as will zebra print and snakeskin and everything else in that family. I’m still kicking myself for not buying that & Other Stories leopard print dress when I had the chance, but I’ve since acquired two leopard print tops, a scarf and a different dress (the latter is new season, though).

3. Mustard. As I’ve already said, mustard is not going anywhere. So if you see anything you like, especially if wearable beyond summer months, go ahead.

4. Cat-eye sunglasses. I took the plunge and bought these Céline sunglasses and I am very happy with them. They add instant edge to everything I’m wearing and I find it very useful. However, it’s not the easiest style to carry off and it’s far from certain that they’ll still look fresh next year, so you might want to get a cheap version from the sales and see if they work for you.

5. Classics. Obviously, if you see a gorgeous oversized cashmere sweater with the price reduced by 70% or a beautiful silk shirt or a well-fitting roll neck, snap it up immediately. However, my experience has been that the truly classic things rarely go on sale, so don’t feel too bad if you cannot locate any of those legendary sales bargains.

Plus if there is this rather ridiculous and entirely impractical thing you’ve been lusting after but really could not justify buying at the original price – I say go get it. That’s what sales are for.

What are you currently wearing? Any amazing sales finds?

Dress by Zara, slides by Massimo Dutti, photos Liina Jasmin, MUAH Grete Madisson.

*Today is slightly less hot in Brussels than it was yesterday when I wrote this post, but it’ll be back to 30 degrees soon enough.