AMONGST the dangerously tempting prices during major sales, it’s easy to end up over spending on items you thought were simply too cheap to not buy. A good habit to maintain during sales, or any shopping trip for that matter, is to run the item through a mental checklist – it might just save your wallet.

1. Should I try it on?

Even though it’s a basic rule, many of us are too impatient to queue up obediently for the changing rooms. Many resort to lousy ‘fittings’ by measuring tops from shoulder to shoulder, and bottoms by the waistline.

Unless you’re purchasing an oversized tee (we still believe you should try those on to see if they are ‘oversized’ enough), there should be no reason you should skip trying on the clothes.

Tops, which look like you could fit into, may not be flattering for your figure, so it’s best to give it a try. We mean trying it on in the changing room – no cheating by pulling it over the top you were already wearing!

2. Hmm… how can I match this with my other tops?

I have to confess that I tend to skip this rule, and end up with many skirts in wild colours and attractive patterns, which can only be matched with a plain boring top.

Many unknowingly shop for restrictive clothings, and in order to prevent that, scan through your wardrobe mentally and see how you can match the piece you’re considering with the rest of your collection. If it’s just one or two, forget it.

It may be the cutest skirt ever, but if it’s so difficult to match, you may not bother at all!

3. Isn’t it a little too… short/tight/revealing for me?

If you feel that the neckline is plunging just a little too low, discard it. You might be telling yourself, “Hey, I can always wear a tube bra or spaghetti top inside,” but I can assure that it will not be your favourite outfit of the season.

Clothes, which need extra covering up, altering, or lengthening always deserves minus points. So you should never buckle under the pressure of a low price and purchase those kinds of clothes.

Even if your girlfriend advises you to be a little more experimental, or that you look sexy in that mini dress, if you don’t feel confident in it yourself, you know you’re going to end up chucking that outfit right at the back of your wardrobe.

4. Is that a smudge?

Even if it’s a small tear or smudge must not be overlooked. You should never purchase a garment with the intention to completely remove the stain, so unless it’s on the under side of the garment, don’t settle for a stained piece.

Ask for a new one, and if they don’t, get over it, and move on… there’s loads more shopping to be done!

5. What about that day dress?

Oxfords, leggings, brightly coloured tights, and yet another day dress. These trends have been around for a while, and if you don’t already own at least two of the mentioned, we say BRAVO! We love all non-trend following fashionistas with a strong sense of personal style.

However, it’s hard not to be tempted by the many models and celebrities in the media, parading these trends and looking fabulous in them. If you’re thinking, why not, we strongly advice against buying into any one of those overdone trends now.

You would probably be tired of it before you even start wearing it, and that pair of leggings would remain in its package until Linday Lohan launches her leggings line (which would be a flop anyways), so forget it.

6. Should I get this in another colour?

If that piece you’re considering is a plain tank top or classic ballerina flats, I can understand the reasoning behind getting it in multiple colours. Otherwise, why spend double on similar items in different colours when you can get something else completely different?

Remember to be strict with yourself and pick just one piece – the colour which would go best with the rest of your wardrobe.

7. Are you sure I look good in this?

Shopping with good friends means frank comments and helpful advices on clothes, but everyone has their individual tastes, so remember to listen to the little voice in your head instead of others when it comes down to shopping.

Don’t let your friends influence you into buying a pair of heels which are too high to feel comfortable in, or a dress which is too bling for your own taste. If it doesn’t go along with your personal style sheet, it should be left on the rack.

8. Am I binge-shopping?

It may be a hard day at work, and if you’re thinking of some retail therapy, be sure to avoid all sales in town! Just like emotional eating, many tend to overeat and end up feeling worse than before.

So before you head out with the knowledge that you want to shop all the stress off, remind yourself that you would also finish shopping off months of savings on items you can’t even remember buying.