If you are one of those people who never feels tempted to buy things you don’t need or cannot afford and have built your wardrobe according to the principles of rationality and practicality, I salute you. You have no need to read further, unless you have an anthropological interest in the plight of the inferior souls who have just returned from the sales with 10 more items that on closer inspection no longer look quite as perfect as they did in the store.

If you are in the latter camp, however, there are several strategies you might consider:
1. Adopt a uniform. I’m sure you’ve heard how all successful people wear a uniform, be it Marc Zuckerberg or Karl Lagerfeld and how this is more-or-less the reason they became successful in the first place: think of all this freed-up brain space as they never need to think about what to wear! I remain unconvinced on that account, but if you can stick to a clearly defined look (let’s say, a black polo neck, black trousers and white trainers; or a red dress – why not?), it does indeed make life a lot easier. You just have to ensure something is clean. Also, fashion cannot be disdainful of your choice, as many most powerful fashion people wear a uniform or something very close.

2. Have a signature style. Signature look is a variation of the uniform, but a bit more free – not one look, but more like a theme. It could be 50s vintage or Scandinavian minimalism or Steampunk. It is not as restrictive as the uniform approach, but still helps to make shopping and decision-making much, much easier – everything that doesn’t fit the parameters of the style, is automatically left aside. Most of your stuff will also combine very easily, as all items share a similar aesthetic.

3. Be very, very picky. This one is a useful approach no matter what your strategy. Just refuse to buy anything that isn’t entirely perfect for you – perfect fit, perfect quality, perfect price. Fashion industry is your bitch, not the other way around. If they cannot deliver, you will not buy. I also find this mindset a useful framing device when certain brands/sales assistants make you feel bad about yourself. It’s never about you not having enough money or fashion nous, it’s about the clothes not meeting your requirements. (Useful phrase: “I wouldn’t mind spending that amount, but the quality has to be there…”)

4. Know the enemy. Fashion industry is very good at marketing. The system will do everything to make you feel you’ll die without that new coat or that must-have bag. Knowing how the industry works and the mechanisms they use to create that constant state of inadequacy and desire will reduce your vulnerability. This strategy works best for people who have a natural interest in fashion, but anyone who is a regular reader of magazines and applies even a modicum of critical thought in the process, will soon recognize the patterns. It doesn’t mean you will never buy anything trendy or visit the sales again (at least it hasn’t been my experience), but it’ll be your informed choice.

This is of course not an exhaustive list and I personally have no wish to escape from fashion entirely. My own strategy is a mixture of three and four with occasional major lapses in self-control. Some might say that I simply use no 4 as an excuse to read every fashion magazine around and spend hours on style.com. This is entirely possible, but at least I feel in control. I also know that the first two would never work for me, as I am too eclectic by nature. As they say in fashion, you have to work with what you’ve got.