Winter Sales: 5 Timeless Pieces to Hunt Down for a Sustainable Wardrobe

It's the big day. Red tags are popping up everywhere, newsletters are flooding your inbox, and the urge to add everything to your cart is palpable. But let's be honest: do you really need that fourth black acrylic sweater?

At Cloz, we take a different approach to the 2026 winter sales . This isn't the time to stock up, but rather to invest in fashion items that you really need and will keep for the long term. Sales are the perfect opportunity to buy items made from high-quality materials and with perfect cuts, which are usually out of your budget.

Here's how to keep a cool head and our selection of 5 must-have fashion items to buy during the sales and wear for years to come.

How to make the most of the sales without any regrets?

To make the most of the sales, apply the "3 Yes" rule: Do you like the cut? Is the fabric natural (wool, cotton, silk)? Will you still be wearing this item in 3 years' time? If the answer to any of these questions is no, put the item back. Choose quality over quantity.

Before pulling out your credit card, you need a strategy. Impulsive buying is the enemy of style and sustainability. To shop smart, scan each potential item through the filter of real usefulness.

The checklist for smart shopping during the sales

To avoid buyer's remorse, check these three technical points before confirming your order:

1. Material composition: Avoid synthetics (polyester, acrylic) that pill and make you sweat. Look for natural fibers: wool, cashmere, cotton, silk, or leather, which are much more durable.
2. The fit: A garment sold at 50% off that doesn't fit you is still too expensive. Don't compromise on size. Try on your garment and choose what flatters you best.
3. Versatility: Can you pair this item with at least three other pieces in your current wardrobe?

Use the Cloz digital dressing room app

The Cloz app app is a great free and easy-to-use tool that lets you see the items you already have in your wardrobe and those you need to complete your looks. Digitize your wardrobe in just a few clicks and view your digital wardrobe on your smartphone at any time. A handy tool to keep you organized and avoid unnecessary purchases during the sales!

Cloz will also help you make the right choice when you're unsure about buying an item. If you fall in love with a flamboyant red dress or a patterned blouse but don't know how to incorporate it into your outfits, take a photo of it and Cloz will show you how to wear it with trendy outfit ideas.

Discover a selection of quality items on sale and ideas for everyday looks on the app.

The 5 fashion items to invest in during the 2026 sales

Forget about micro-trends that will be obsolete by March. Use your sale budget to buy the "elusive" items: those pieces that are normally expensive but are now within your budget and will add a real fashion touch to your everyday looks. Discover the list of clothes to buy during the 2026 sales, according to the advice of our Cloz stylists:

 1. The Wool Coat (The Real One)

It's the centerpiece of winter. Outside of sales, a nice coat often exceeds standard budgets.

• What to look for: A composition with at least 60% wool (or wool/cashmere blend) to ensure thermoregulation.
• Colors: Camel, navy blue, charcoal gray, or black for a timeless look that easily adapts to your wardrobe.
• Style: Straight cut, slightly oversized or belted (bathrobe style) to go with your chunky sweaters.

Fall in love with the most beautiful wool coats on sale this winter! At Cloz, we found this beautiful long button-up coat made from 61% wool, currently 50% off:

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We also spotted this beautiful short brown coat at Pablo, made from 100% wool. With 30% off, now's the time to treat yourself:

 2. The Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere is the ultimate luxury fabric, often unaffordable at full price. Sales allow you to purchase this incomparable softness while staying within your budget.

• What to look for: 2-ply or 4-ply cashmere for greater durability. Check the density of the knit: it should not be see-through.
• The alternative: Merino wool, more affordable but just as breathable and fine.

Fall in love with this beautiful, soft 100% cashmere sweater from Maison 123, currently on sale for the winter sales:

Merino wool is an alternative to cashmere that is easier to care for. You'll love this 100% merino wool sweater by Rodier, currently on sale at 30% off:

3. The Tailoring Blazer

A well-tailored suit jacket instantly elevates a simple outfit. Wear jeans and a T-shirt with a nice blazer jacket and you'll look effortlessly chic!

• What to look for: A clean shoulder structure, viscose lining (not polyester), and fabric that holds its shape (cool wool or wool blend).
• The detail that matters: The buttons. If they look "cheap plastic," they ruin the piece (although this can easily be changed by a tailor).

This pretty double-breasted jacket with its chic and timeless style will go perfectly with all your outfits, adding a touch of elegance. Found at Comptoir des Cotonniers, this wool blend model is the perfect piece to snap up in the sales:

Another gem we found on sale at Pablo: this slightly fitted straight jacket with a houndstooth pattern, made from 100% virgin wool!

4. Leather Goods

Leather bags and accessories are long-term investments. Leather is a noble material that does not change over time and can even become more beautiful! The 2026 winter sales are an opportunity to invest in a beautiful leather bag that will accessorize your looks with refinement.

• What to look for: A composition of 100% leather or even the words "full-grain leather. "This is the finest part of the hide, which will develop a beautiful patina over time, unlike split leather or imitation leather, which will crack.
• Shapes: Choose the shape and size of the bag that best suits your style and needs.

The 24h model from Gérard Darel is a timeless classic that is both chic and practical, perfect for a busy day. Its 100% cowhide leather material will withstand all the trials of everyday life. It's a worthwhile investment, especially when it's 20% off in the winter sales:

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 This smaller tote bag, also made from 100% cowhide leather, will be perfect for all your 2026 looks. Take advantage of the 30% discount while it lasts!

5. Leather ankle boots or boots

Your shoes support your weight all day long, so they are a fashion item where quality is non-negotiable. This winter, choose to invest in a pretty pair of ankle boots or boots that will never go out of style and won't break the bank during the sales!

• What to look for: A stitched construction (Blake or Goodyear) for durability, and a genuine leather or rubber sole.
• Comfort tip: Always check that the inside of the shoe is also lined with leather to allow your feet to breathe.

We've found this pair of ankle boots for you, with a simple and elegant style, but above all with a leather insole and upper! Now's the time to take advantage of the sales:

If you prefer the style of high boots for a more confident look, you'll love this model, also made of leather and on sale:

And for even more useful shopping tips, check out our various blog articles featuring socially conscious brands that offer beautiful, high-quality items! Read our content now, which presents 5 ethical and eco-friendly brands that are accessible to those on a budget or 6 committed and ethical feminist brands.

Summary: Materials to favor vs. materials to avoid

Coat

- Preferable: Wool, Cashmere, Alpaca

- Avoid: 100% polyester, acrylic

Sweater

- Preferable: Merino wool, cashmere, mohair

- Avoid: Acrylic, Polyamide

Shirt

- Preferred: Poplin cotton, silk, linen

- Avoid: Shiny polyester

Shoes

- Preferred: Calf leather, Suede

- Avoid: Imitation leather (polyurethane)

Winter sales aren't just a time for promotions: above all, they're a strategic opportunity to build a sustainable, cohesive, and stylish wardrobe. By focusing on timeless pieces, high-quality materials, and well-designed cuts, you can turn sales into a real fashion investment, far removed from impulsive and short-lived purchases.

Wool coats, cashmere sweaters, tailored blazers, leather bags, and high-quality shoes: these essentials transcend seasons and will serve you well beyond winter 2026. Winter sales are therefore the ideal time to purchase premium items that are usually out of reach, while consuming fashion more responsibly.

To avoid mistakes and make truly useful purchases, consider using tools such as the Cloz appapp, which helps you visualize your wardrobe, identify what you really need, and create looks from your sale purchases. It's a simple and effective way to shop less, but better.

FAQ: Everything you need to know to shop the sales successfully

When is the best time to find bargains during the sales?

If you are looking for a very specific item (standard size, popular model), buy it during the first markdown. If you are aiming for the lowest price and need an extreme size (XS or XL), wait for the third markdown for discounts of up to 70%.

How can you spot a fake promotion?

Be wary of labels where the original price seems inflated. Check the product reference online. What's more, a poor-quality item sold at 50% off is still a bad deal. Trust the material before trusting the crossed-out price.

Should you buy summer clothes during the winter sales?

Yes, it's an excellent "off-season" strategy. Remaining stock from the previous summer (linen dresses, leather sandals) is often sold off at bargain prices to make room for new arrivals. It's ideal for planning your vacation on a budget.

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NB: Some of the links in this article are affiliated: this means that Cloz may earn a commission if you make a purchase via these links, without any impact on the final price.