The Upcoming’s pick of the January sales’ best bargains

Once upon a time, braving the New Year sales might have warranted powering through a post-party hangover and wrapping up against the elements only to mercilessly fight tooth-and-nail through clothing racks in search of those illustrious January bargains. Fast-forward to 2013, and the internet has transformed sales shopping from the post-apocalyptic scenes that once descended upon Topshop Oxford Circus to a relatively therapeutic task. With online sale shopping bigger than ever, it’s the best time of year to splurge on those all-important trans-seasonal investment pieces; or at the very least the best time to justify spending money on yourself. Here are our favourite picks from this year’s online reductions.

Louise Gray launched her poptastic first collection with Topshop last August, which had us all lusting after sequins and embellishments for the party season. Our favourite fashion maverick wowed us in true Gray style with a mash-up collection of the brilliantly bonkers looks seen in her ready-to-wear collections. If you couldn’t afford it the first time round, you can bag her iconic Flash Face dress at just £90, a purse-friendly saving of 50%.

Biggest saving of the season goes to Urban Outfitters for the fantastic Fringe Blanket Coat from Matthew Williamson’s MW line, which is down from £710 to £250. Taken from his Modern Nomad collection, this tribal-inspired jacket is the perfect partner for beating the winter chills.

Timeless, tactile and functional, these classic wool trousers from COS will last for years and can be paired with just about anything. Slim-fitting, as well as ticking all the boxes for next season’s cigarette trouser trend, these robust slacks are a worthwhile investment at £55.

Your mum might have owned it the first time round, but the revived Chelsea Girl range stocked at River Island has some real vintage-inspired treasures. This crochet maxi skirt, complete with Stevie Nicks vibes, is a steal at £15. Not only is it perfect for summer, but it’s also an iconic piece of British fashion heritage.

 Elizabeth Connor