With summer unofficially considered to be coming to a close after Labor Day, now is the perfect time to start thinking about next spring/summer and grab some deals.

Most if not all stores clear out their summer merchandise at a fraction of what the regular price is.

Browsing some of my favorite stores this weekend I purchased two 100% silk dresses which were normally $200 each for the low price of $40 each. I also picked up a blue trench coat for only $20. Why? Because new merchandise arrives with the season and the old merchandise has to go.

Now the key here is to shop smart. Now is not the time to buy funky or trendy items unless you will be wearing them into September/October when the weather is still warm.

Key things to stock up on are items such as dresses in classic styles that are timeless. This way when an event comes up, you’re not left scrounging for the perfect dress in early spring.

Summer suits, trench coats can all be found now at anywhere from 30-70% off, depending on your location and where you go.

Other items to stock up on are casual summer wear such as tube tops, camisoles that can be worn in the fall under your low V-neck sweater. Shorts, swimsuits even hosiery is reduced each season.

However the biggest savings I found was in my first love-shoes. I picked up a pair of Max studio shoes which are normally $150 for the low price of $16.00. I found some of these deals at Winners (know as T.J. Maxx in the U.S.) and others at the higher end department stores in the shopping centre in my city. Other places to look for summer deals include factory outlets and even online.

The difference between shopping sale and regular planned shopping is you need to take the time to try everything on. Most things are final sale; and as such whatever savings you may incur are lost if it doesn’t fit once you get home. Don’t go by size alone, as the size three in one brand can be a size 0 in another or a size 6 or even 8. Make sure if you are not going to try the items on, that you know your size for that particular store or brand.

Also check out stores that you think you normally can't afford. Places like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales all have clearance items both in store and online.

The benefit of stocking up on a few summer pieces now is that for some it is your new vacation wear for winter (try finding summer shorts in January). The biggest benefit is that saving now allows you to splurge later on a few items that are trendier once the summer season rolls around again.