December is the season for sample sales in New York City and many New Yorkers like myself can get almost any designers’ clothing, handbangs, shoes at a major discount off the retail price! There are different ways to find out about these sales but most of the time, they are very hush-hush. While most people were on their way to work this morning, I hurried over to Fifth Avenue to check out Diane Von Furstenberg’s sample sale. Luckily, the line was manageable and the crowd was less intense because today was opened exclusively to DVF’s friends and family.

Now, if you’ve never been to a NYC sample sale, you might be slightly intimidated. I’ve seen people get pushy and rowdy after waiting in line for hours, but  you will almost always walk out with a smile on your face. In order to help you experience fun, successful sample sales – here are some tips and advices:

1. Do your research. The best source for me is by word of mouth since I am surrounded by many fashionistas at work. I also rely on free resources from websites like New York Magazine, Racked NY, and Madison Avenue Sample Sale. Twitter and Facebook can come in very handy too, as long as you are following the right people.

2. Know your location.  Most of the time, these sample sales are held at warehouses or offices… somewhere you would least expect. It’s important to have the exact address and floor/suite on you in case you get lost.

3. Dress Smart. This is crucial because sample sale shopping requires lots of energy and time on your feet. I recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and put on something that you won’t need to take off to try on clothes. My go-to outfit for sample sales is leggings and tank top. Of course, you can have a sweater on and your jacket too but my point is the less, the better. Remember, most (if not all) sample sales do not have dressing rooms and you are most likely shoved in a room with 20 other girls with one big mirror. You want to dress as convenient as possible for you to just slip on your dresses, pants, skirts, and/or shirts.

4. Be Smart. If the sale is calm, take your time and look for things that you’ve always wanted. If it is out of control and things are flying across the room… just grab anything that pops up and don’t think about the prices. No one is going to look at you weird for carrying tons of clothes nor ask you if you are going to actually buy them. Whatever’s in your hands are yours for the time being so the more options you have at the end, the more you will walk out with.

Hopefully these tips will help you with your next planed sample sale. And for those who are in New York, it’s still not too late to attend DVF’s sample sale at 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts. It officially starts tomorrow on Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 17th. Don’t miss out on up to 75% off DVF’s famous wrap dresses and more.

Chrissy Kim is a business coordinator at Cosmopolitan Magazine and Chic Galleria’s Marketing Director. Prior to joining Cosmo, Chrissy interned at Marie Claire and Siwy Denim, Inc. She now studies at Parsons The New School for Fashion Design at night. Tweet her @ChicGalleria and follow on her personal Blog & Twitter.