Illustration by L-Dopa

The twice-yearly Aeffe sample sale, which begins on Wednesday, is one of the biggest and best on the circuit; there are men’s and women’s Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, Pollini, and Jean Paul Gaultier for up to 60 percent off. Bear in mind these are European-made designer lines, so don’t expect a $5 bin.

Plan of attack: Zero in on chiffon dresses from Ferretti, located in the center of the main room (1), and Moschino Couture, located along the left wall (2). (Look for the olive-green satin V-neck dress, $694, pictured here.) The Jean Paul Gaultier is on the right as you enter (3). For men, the pickings are slim for those who aren’t far-out-trend addicts. There are Bermuda shorts ($151) from Moschino, and a pair of Jean Paul Gaultier black track pants for $470. The men’s racks are located on the left side of the back room (4).

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

The accessories grab: At the start of the sale, shoes and bags will be neatly displayed on shelves in the back room, across from menswear (5).

Trying on: The good news is you don’t have to strip in public; there’s a women’s-only fitting room near the accessories (6). The bad news: The line is long.

30 W. 56th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-632-9300; A.E., M.C., V.; 5/2–5/4 (10–6); 5/5 (11–5).

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