If you’ve never been outlet shopping, you could be missing a trick.
If you’re anything like me, all of your luxury items have been bought on impulse. In the moment, I don’t think about the consequences of dropping all my money on one item – but as I’m sure you already know, it never ends well.
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I’m trying to be much more considered with my purchases in 2023, from shopping a little more sustainably, to only buying things that I’ll love for a lifetime and ensuring I can actually afford them without causing irreparable damage to my bank account.
It goes without saying that it’s best to shop around when shopping for designer pieces.
You can save money by opting for pre-loved pieces (and even make some money when you resell), but designer outlets are another way to save some pennies.
They may actually be better for the environment too. Burberry and Coach have both found themselves under fire (quite literally) for burning unsold stock to preserve the brand’s exclusivity, so if you can save further designer pieces from being set alight, you should take the opportunity.
Luckily the UK has plenty of designer outlets, so you probably won’t need to venture far to find them.
From the holy grail of outlets Bicester Village, to brand-specific discount stores (hello, Burberry outlet), they’re so good if you’re looking to make a luxury purchase.
Here are the best outlets across the country, and some you can even shop online.
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Bicester Village
Perhaps the best known designer outlet, Bicester Village never disappoints.
Located less than an hour from London in Oxfordshire, you’ll find discounted Saint Laurent, Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Sandro at Bicester and many more designer stores there.
Since the start of the pandemic, Bicester has also started offering virtual shopping for those unable to make the journey, so you can shop from the sofa if it’s a little too far to venture.
Find it at 50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD.
Hackney Walk
If you’re based in London, perhaps popping over to Hackney will be a bit more convenient.
Hackney Walk is the city’s first luxury outlet, with discount stores from Matches Fashion, Joseph, Anya Hindmarch and more.
As you’ll discover later in this article, Burberry also has an outlet down the road.
Find it at 103 Morning Ln, London E9 6LS.
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Braintree Village
For more affordable brands, head over to Essex’s Braintree Village.
Here you’ll find discounted pieces from brands such as Reiss, M&S, Tommy Hilfiger, The North Face, Kate Spade and Levi’s.
There are plenty of places to eat too, so you can make the day of it.
Find it at Charter Way, Chapel Hill, Braintree CM77 8YH.
Burberry Factory Outlet
Burberry has a few outlets across the UK, including at Bicester Village and Cheshire Oaks Village.
If you’re a die hard fan of the brand and aren’t fussed about getting sidetracked by an abundance of other designers, you can head to Hackney, London to shop exclusively Burberry at the dedicated outlet.
The store is just down the road from Hackney Walk however, so you do have some more options if the discounts of up to 60% aren’t enough to impress you.
Find it at 29-53 Chatham Place, Hackney, London E9 6LP.
READ MORE: 18 Quilted Bags That Could Pass as Chanel (Without the Price Tag)
London Designer Outlet
Updating your activewear stash? Look no further than London Designer Outlet, located in Wembley.
It stocks an array of sportswear brands at discounted prices, including Nike, adidas, Aasics and Puma, but don’t miss out on Kurt Geiger, M&S and Levi’s too.
You can read more about my experience at the outlet here.
Find it at Wembley Park Blvd, Wembley HA9 0FD.
wembleypark.com/attractions/london-designer-outlet
Ashford Designer Outlet
If you live in Kent, you’re in for a treat!
Ashford Designer Outlet is home to discounted Dr. Martens, Sandro, Sweaty Betty, Coach, Calvin Klein, Maje and many, many more. It’s worth it for the DMs alone; I got the best pair for £90 – almost half the price they were originally.
Find it at Kimberley Way, Ashford TN24 0SD.
mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-ashford/
The Outnet
Prefer to do your shopping online? No problem.
The Outnet is the Internet’s answer to a designer outlet, with up to 70% off hundreds of ‘superbrands’ including Gucci, Balmain, Balenciaga, Valentino and mid-range labels like Ganni and Stand Studio.
You also get free shipping over £150 and can get 15% off when you refer a friend with the code REFER15.
Shop The Outnet
Braided leather slides, now £378, Chloé – buy now
Bleached denim jacket, now £124, Ganni – buy now
Brandy faux fur coat, £358, Shrimps – buy now
Arthus belted crepe shorts, £120, Sandro – buy now
Kira appliquéd quilted leather shoulder bag, £312, Tory Burch – buy now
