A lot of brands have already begun discounting their summer merchandise to make way for fall. So before we start gearing up for pre-fall, let’s talk about the summer pieces that are actually worth buying on sale at this point in the year. We all know sales can be tempting. The bright red discount percentages, the fear that someone else might snag the last one in your size—it all makes it easy to buy things you never intended to own in the first place. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the best sale purchases are the pieces you’ll still be reaching for next summer and the summer after that. So these days, I approach sales with one question:
Would I still want this if it weren’t on sale?
If the answer is no, I keep scrolling.
Here are the pieces I think are truly worth buying during summer sales—and the ones I’d happily leave behind.
Buy: Classic Linen Pieces
If there is one fabric that defines summer elegance, it’s linen. A beautifully tailored linen button-down, wide-leg trousers, blazer, or midi dress will never feel dated. Whether you’re heading to brunch, the beach, or dinner on vacation, linen somehow manages to look relaxed and polished at the same time. Neutral shades like white, ivory, camel, navy, olive, and light blue will work with almost everything already hanging in your closet.
Skip: Ultra-Trendy Statement Prints
Bold prints can definitely be fun, but some are tied to one season. If a print has suddenly appeared in every retailer’s window, there’s a good chance it will feel dated by next summer. Instead, choose timeless stripes, subtle florals, gingham, or classic polka dots that have proven they never really go out of style.
Buy: Leather Sandals
A quality pair of leather sandals might be one of the hardest-working shoes in your wardrobe. Think simple slides, elegant strappy sandals, or minimalist flip flops in tan, black, metallic, or cream. These are the shoes you’ll pack for vacations, wear to farmers’ markets, style with linen dresses, and slip on for everyday errands, so the cost per wear becomes incredibly low.
Skip: Sky-High or Chunky Platform Shoes
Fashion has a way of swinging dramatically from one extreme to another. If you’re looking for longevity, simple silhouettes almost always win.
Buy: Structured Straw Bags
A beautiful straw bag instantly says “summer.” Look for structured totes, basket bags, or woven handbags with leather trim that feel elevated rather than overly beachy. They pair beautifully with everything from denim to dresses and continue looking chic year after year.
Skip: Novelty Bags
Although I adore fruit-shaped handbags, oversized shells (or anything mermaid core) and fringe explosions, these fun accessories are probably not worth investing in during high/end of summer sales because they may not feel like wardrobe staples next summer (unless you truly collect statement accessories of course).
Buy: White Dresses
Few clothing items feel as effortless as a white summer dress. Whether it’s cotton poplin, linen, eyelet, or crisp shirting, a white dress is incredibly versatile. Pair it with sneakers for errands, espadrilles for lunch, sandals for vacation, or wedges for dinner. It’s one of the most reliable pieces in any summer wardrobe.
Skip: Anything That Requires a “Special Occasion”
One question I always ask myself is:
Can I think of at least five places I’d actually wear this?
If the answer is no, I usually leave it behind. Beautiful clothes deserve to be worn, not admired from the back of the closet.
Buy: Lightweight Knitwear
This may seem surprising during July, but summer sales are often the perfect time to pick up lightweight cashmere, fine cotton sweaters, and Breton-inspired knit tops. They’re ideal for cool evenings, air-conditioned restaurants, coastal vacations, and early fall layering. You’ll likely appreciate buying them now when everyone else is focused on swimsuits.
Skip: Inexpensive Basics
Instead of buying several inexpensive basics you’ll replace next year, consider investing in fewer, better-made essentials that you’ll reach for repeatedly. Quality often saves money over time.
Buy: Investment Accessories
Summer sales can be an excellent opportunity to purchase those classic accessories you’ve been waiting for. Think leather belts, silk scarves, timeless sunglasses, pearl earrings, delicate gold or silver jewelry, or a beautiful watch. These finishing touches elevate even the simplest outfit and rarely go out of style.
My Summer Sale Checklist
Before I add anything to my cart, I ask myself:
- Would I buy this at full price?
- Can I style it at least three different ways?
- Does it work with pieces I already own?
- Is it comfortable enough that I’ll actually wear it?
- Will I still love it next summer?
- Does it reflect my personal style?
If I can confidently answer “yes” to most of those questions, it’s probably a smart purchase.
If not, I remind myself that saving 60% on something I’ll rarely wear isn’t saving money at all.
One of the chicest things you can do is become a thoughtful shopper. A wardrobe filled with timeless pieces you love will always look more sophisticated than one overflowing with impulse buys, no matter how good the sale seemed at the time. Summer sales come and go every year. Great style, however, is built slowly—one beautiful, intentional purchase at a time.
Have you shopped any summer sales yet? If so let us know what you scored.
Xo, Courtney
The Real Chic Life 
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