Try buying a cozy sweater in March or tank tops in August–in your dreams. The fashion world and the real world have never marched in lock step, but the fact that they're increasingly out of sync does mean sales offer deals you can wear right away. If you braved the Boxing Day crowds, give yourself a plastic medal. If not, relax. Early birds may have creamed off some of the deals, but there's still lots to love out there.

A few pointers from someone who frequently breaks her own rules. Buy the size that fits–not the Posh Spice zero you plan to be once you've dieted off the eggnog. That said, ignore what the label says. Sizing is all over the map; if a skirt looks like it might fit, try it. Next, be sensible about colour. We've all given in to the seductive marked-down markdown that whispered "Take me home," but however enormous the deal, it's dumb to buy a hue that bears no relation to anything else in your wardrobe. Do spend freely on neutrals (which now include scarlet), as well as plaid and animal prints if they're classic cuts or, even better, accessories. My leopard-print belt has seen more farewell tours than the Stones.

As you pull likely candidates from the racks, be cruel and figure out why that dress or those pants are still unwanted. Naff buttons, a ripped zip, and undone seams are fixable. A gaping neckline, crotch wrinkles, and embroidered reindeer probably aren't. Last of all, dress simply: plain black top, peel-off skirt, tights, and slip-on shoes. Clambering in and out of jeans and sneakers gets boring fast, and even the sexiest dress won't stand a chance if you're wearing ankle socks.

Some January sales now start in December or earlier, but not all. West Point Grey entrepreneur Leanne Dunic is combining her two stores, Tenth & Proper and Miss Coquette, later this month. But here's the important thing: starting today (January 3), she's slashing prices at Miss Coquette (4372 West 10th Avenue). And, as the Shopping Channel's pearly-toothed hustlers say, there's more. Dunic has also hooked up with other stores and designers around town who are shipping over some stock at equivalent savings. The former include Misch on South Granville and One of a Few and Two of a Few in Gastown. Designers contributing to this mega sale include Dace and lily & jae. I'm breaking the mention-the-store-name rule here so that nobody speed-reads and roars off to the wrong place: remember, it's all at Miss Coquette.

This time of year is catnip for aspirational shoppers who lust after high-end labels. Deals are already being dealt at Boboli (2776 Granville Street), and should be up to 50 percent off by now. Next door, Bacci (2778 Granville Street) began cutting prices right after Christmas, with savings around the 25-percent mark. The Boxing Week sale at DKNY (2625 Granville Street) ends today (January 3), but don't despair–after that, you'll still see savings of up to 50 percent.

Not all sales are in full swing yet. Because reductions don't happen there that often, fans of the silks and linens at Maiwa (6–1666 Johnston Street, Granville Island) mark the start date on their calendars. This year, it's January 18, with a straightforward 30 percent off almost everything in the store.

When I called, the shoe side of Gravity Pope (2205 West 4th Avenue) was planning Boxing Week markdowns averaging 30 percent, with further price-hacking to come, and a few pairs at up to 70 percent off. Know that sizes 7 and 8 are the first to go. In the same 'hood, Ethel's Boutique (2346 West 4th Avenue), one of my fave stores for a bargain, kicked off its sale on Boxing Day with 50 percent off most stuff (except hose and leggings, which are down by 10 to 20 percent). Sweaters are currently $15 to $30, jackets are $25 and up, and dresses begin at $30.

Across town, a Main Street crawl lets you scope out–and scoop up–marked-down edgy designs, most of them local. Lark (2315 Main Street) began lowering prices on Boxing Day with deals of 10- to 40-percent off. Narcissist Design (3659 Main Street) has a printable coupon on its Web site, www.narcissist.com/, for $50 off any purchase of $100 or more of most items in the store. Note that the sale ends January 13 and that the same deal applies at the other Narcissist store (102–1548 Johnston Road, White Rock). By now, twigg & hottie (3671 Main Street) is in full post-Christmas-sale swing, with most discounts running at 20 to 25 percent and some at 50 percent. Prices have also been cut at Eugene Choo (3683 Main Street), with savings running from 20 percent to, eventually, 50 percent to clear fall and winter stock before spring duds waltz in. And that, my friends, is in just a few weeks.