Sales shopping? Here are four fabulous investment finds you’ll want to get your hands on before your friends do

If you didn’t jump out of bed at 7am on St Stephen’s Day to be the first in the queue outside Brown Thomas (I certainly didn’t), don’t think you’ve missed out on the best bargains in the January sales. The first day of the sales is for women who have their heart set on one particular item that they’ve been ogling all season. I like to play the long game, however, by researching online and mulling over where best to spend my money. The January sales, in particular, are a time for investment buying; choosing pieces that you know will have a place in your wardrobe for years to come because they’re of good quality and they suit your own personal style. This doesn’t necessarily mean spending a three or four figure sum on each item though. Clothes that will offer longevity can be found on the high street as well as from high-end labels. Here are my top four investment buys from the January sales.

I’ve been casually searching for a faux fur jacket since I interviewed Hannah Weiland, the founder of Shrimps, last year. I tried on a Shrimps coat in Havana in Donnybrook shortly after I spoke with her and loved the cocooning effect it had. I’m also a texture obsessive, so a faux fur coat is a bit of a no brainer for me. I love the two-tone design of this Whistles piece, and the length of it; anything longer in faux fur would overwhelm my small frame.

Faux fur jacket, €209 (reduced from €360) at Whistles

A good pair of wool-blend trousers are a really chic wardrobe staple. I have a grey pair from DKNY and they’re the most effortless, but cool looking, thing to wear. I need a pair in black and these H&M Studio trousers fit the bill perfectly. I love the smart turn-ups and the high waist with satin waistband.

Wide wool-blend trousers, Studio Collection, €70 (reduced from €119) at H&M

Acne Studios is one of my favourite labels for beautiful basics. This gorgeous ribbed sweater will be my go-to over the H&M trousers above when I want a simple but chic outfit that doesn’t require too much thought.

Oversized wool polo neck sweater, Acne Studios, €195 (reduced from €390) at net-a-porter.com

I keep coming back to this dress from Arket, which I think means it’s meant for me. The fluid drape is so elegant and the golden biscuit colour warm and tactile. This is a subtle showstopper of a dress that I’ll pull out of my wardrobe again and again.

Satin fluted dress, €88 (reduced from €125) at arket.com