We don’t all have a celebrity budget, which means a lot of luxury pieces might be out of your price range. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can buy high-end clothing and accessories at a fraction of the original cost. Here, we’ll talk you through five of them. Read on to learn more.
1. Wait until luxury items are ‘so last season’
When you read a lot of fashion magazines, it’s easy to feel like clothes from the past season can’t possibly be worn this year. But, in reality, nobody really cares. If you remember a jumper or coat from last season that you loved, don’t think you have to move straight onto the next thing.
Instead, search for the pieces you were coveting 12 months ago. If they’ve been on your mind for a whole year you must really love them and, as the fashion industry is already obsessed with pieces from the most recent catwalks, their original prices will have been slashed.
The Outnet is a great place to shop for pieces that are going out of season. It’s the outlet branch of the designer online store Net-a-Porter, which means quality is guaranteed, and it’s full of pieces from the best designers around.
2. Buy pre-loved
You might buy books, DVDs, or even high street clothing second hand, but have you considered doing the same when you’re looking for high-end clothes and accessories?
If you’re open to the idea, we would recommend shopping for pre-loved jewellery to begin with. This is because the likes of rings, bracelets, and necklaces are much harder to damage than a dress or some shoes, so you’re more likely to buy something that’s in good condition.
Est.1897 is a great place to shop online for second hand jewellery, as they offer such a wide range of classic and fashionable pieces at a fraction of the original price. They stock everything from engagement rings to designer watches, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect piece for your collection.
3. Borrow designer pieces for special occasions
Investment pieces are great if you think you’re going to get a lot of wear or use out of them, but spending a lot on a statement piece you might only wear once isn’t the best idea. So, if you have an event coming up and would like a designer garment or accessory for the occasion, consider borrowing something from a reputable company.
Girl Meets Dress is perfect for this, as they allow you to order up to three dresses, wear your favourite one out, and then return them. You’ll only pay rental for the one you wear, then receive a full refund for any of the pieces you didn’t wear. This means you get to don your dream designer dress without footing the total bill.
4. Take advantage of discount sites
Discount sites are the secret weapon of seasoned luxury shoppers. They offer designer pieces for less, but they often come with the same catch — you have to dig deep for the best bargains. While they’re littered with outdated and ugly pieces, don’t let this put you off, as you will be able to find some gems if you’re willing to put the time in.
If you’re a fan of big name designers like Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, and Prada, Yoox is the best place to shop. As another member of the Net-a-Porter family, it offers a huge collection of luxury goods that are always on sale.
5. Keep track of major sales
There are times of the year when most major retailers will host sales — on Black Friday, after Christmas, and between seasons, for example. If you can keep track of these and find out which days these sales will start, you’ll be far more likely to pick up some great pieces at a good price.
Signing up for stores’ newsletters will help you out here, as you might get prior warning if a sale is about to drop, or you could even be given VIP access. By jumping on a sale as soon as it starts, you’ll get your pick of the best bargains.
Shopping for high-end clothing and accessories is an expensive hobby but, if you shop smart, you could save a lot of money. Take these tips on board and you’ll soon have a wardrobe full of luxury pieces that you adore.
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