It’s sales season. But with the environment to consider and options such as renting, swapping and buying pre-loved available, should we be seduced by the dazzling array of merchandise?

The correct answer is, of course, no. But the allure of 50 per cent off, and as much as 60 and 70 per cent as sales draw to a frenzied close, is tough to resist.

TIMELESS DRESS Knitted midi dress was £89, now £36, Cos MODEL-SHOT FOR ONLINE

Knitted midi dress was £89, now £36, Cos (Photo: Cos)

A better question might be: how can we take advantage of sales while causing minimal harm to the planet?”

One way is by buying pieces with real longevity, such as trench-coats, tailoring, timeless dresses and jeans — still available from high-end designers at Net-a-Porter and Matches as well as at Me + Em, LK Bennett, Boden and Cos.

Effortless, wear-for ever frocks are a specialty at The Fold. Or truffle them out from brands such as LK Bennett, Boden and Cos. Then give new classics or pieces you already own a fresh twist with on-point bags, belts and jewels (also in the sales).

SKIRT Whistles was £99 now £59 V-2 MODEL-SHOT FOR ONLINE

Animal print midaxi skirt £99 now £59, Whistles (Photo: Whistles)

Or buy for the next season. Remembering that items are marked down for many reasons including late delivery or over-buys, find covetable coats in the sales at Net a Porter, Matches and My Theresa.

Sales are also useful for rescuing wardrobe “orphans” — those pieces we never wear because we’ve nothing to pair with them.

But if we found timeless, trans-seasonal blouses, shirts, skirts or trousers (available at many brands including Antik-Batik, Gerard Darel, Joseph, LK Bennett, Oliver Bonas and Whistles), we’d have new outfits and we’d be saving hardly-worn clothing from landfill.