These are the best designer outlets in the UK for fashion lovers to get lost in
For those in the know, investing in luxury fashion doesn't have to be nearly as expensive as you might expect – thanks to the many designer outlets that are now popping up around the UK.
Perhaps you've been longing for a classic Burberry trench coat (the ideal spring jacket, if you ask us) or you're considering splurging on a designer handbag? If the current season prices simply don't suit your budget, outlet shopping might just be your ticket to a label-laden wardrobe.
With prices starting at around 40% off – and up to much more – designer outlets make luxury shopping that little bit more affordable. And that can't be a bad thing, right?
The general rule is that designer outlets stock past-season items that haven't sold, so often you'll find limited-edition pieces and collections that are no longer available to buy anywhere else. It's a bit of a game of luck – you never know what you're going to find. Plus, it's nice to know those unsold items haven't ended up in landfill.
Our advice? Make a day of it – outlet shopping can be a time-consuming business. Pack snacks, wear flats, etc etc. And as always, purchase thoughtfully. A heavily-reduced price tag can make any of us want to add to basket, but first ask yourself – is it something you will truly wear and love?
For instance, on our trip to the London Designer Outlet (it's a hard job, but someone has to do it), we managed to nab some bits from designers including Tommy Hilfiger and saved over £50. See this jumper, for instance:
£130 and, take a guess how much we managed to take it home for?
£70! It's a timeless piece that will accessorise well with some crisp wide leg trousers, ideal for dressing up or down and, thanks to this outlet find, something that might have been an investment piece, came in more reasonably at a mid-range pricepoint. Elsewhere, we spotted these New Balance sneakers and a pair of those Ribcage hugging Levis we've been seeing all over our TikTok feeds.
With £40+ saved on the jeans (coming in at just under £70 at the outlet), it felt so much easier to inject high-quality styles into our wardrobes without months on end of saving. Plus, whether you're looking for underwear, gymwear or even chocolate, the LDO's wide range of shops - including Calvin Klein, Nike and Lindt - will have your autumn-winter wardrobe sorted from top to bottom. There's even something for the man in your life, with options from The North Face and Champion, to name a few.
Not to mention the restaurants on-site will keep you fed and watered during such an arduous activity as shopping…kidding!
Scroll down for GLAMOUR'S pick of the best designer outlet stores in the UK...
London Designer Outlet, Wembley
Wembley Park has a lot more to offer than football – you can get your shop on at dozens of stores at up to 70% off at the London Designer Outlet, which houses the likes of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
High street staples such as Marks & Spencer, Next and Kurt Geiger also have outlet shops within the semi-outdoor shopping centre and if you fancy a bite to eat, there's plenty of restaurants to suit your taste, including Wagamama, Las Iguanas and Byron Burger. Why not make a day of it and catch a film at Cineworld; or pop in to chic, sustainability-focused hair salon Chop Chop for a blowdry (we recommend the no-wash option to save on water and time: win-win).
Plus, London Designer Outlet is accessible from central London in as little as 12 minutes. Sold.
Icon Outlet, the O2 London
Small but well formed, the Icon Outlet offers an eclectic selection of mid-luxury brands at up to 70% off RRP. Shop floral midi dresses at Ted Baker, chic staples at Tommy Hilfiger or classic coats at Hobbs – or head to Sunglass Hut for cut-price designer shades.
Plus, if you're struggling for affordable Father's Day gift ideas in 2023, why not do one better and take dad with you to the Icon Outlet for a day of designer deals and premium dining? Yep, you can celebrate your bargains with dinner and drinks at one of the O2's many bars and restaurants. Catch me and ‘pa nattering away over an Argentinian steak and red wine at Gaucho. Delicious. For dessert? There’s the all-new Haute Dolci ‘sweet luxury’ lounge and, afterwards, why not try your hand at Boom Battle Bar, indoor skydiving or perhaps bowling. After something more low-key? There's always the cinema - ‘ole reliable when it comes to things dad’ll like. Plus, the new Guardians of the Galaxy will be out in time for Father's Day.
Bicester Village, Oxfordshire
For high-fashion designers, there's nowhere better than Bicester Village, where you can find cut-price items from Christian Dior, Prada, Gucci and Valentino, to name a few. The village is so popular that people travel from overseas to bargain hunt in the luxury boutiques.
There's often pop-ups from smaller designers and beauty brands, too, as well as regular private sales for members, which offer further discounts on the already heavily-reduced prices.
Braintree Village, Essex
Head out to Essex and you'll find another shopping village full of sale stock from the likes of Kate Spade, French Connection and Levi's, plus plenty of lifestyle brands such as Le Creuset.
Braintree village gets bonus bargain points for having a Cadbury outlet, too. Who knew?
MacArthurGlen Outlets, various locations
Starting with Cheshire Oaks back in the nineties, MacArthurGlen now have a number of designer outlets across the UK – including Bridgend, the East Midlands, West Midlands and Swindon.
Each centre has its own line-up, but the brands on offer are pretty similar. You can expect Coach, BOSS, Reiss and Ted Baker amongst many others, as well as sports and leisurewear from the likes of Adidas and Nike.
Chatham Place, Hackney
Hackney was once a London hotspot for a number of outlet shops, but now it's only the Burberry factory store that remains, where you can find the brand's classic pieces at lower prices. It's well worth a visit if you're looking for something specific – plus you can always call ahead to find out what they have in stock.
And while you're at it, right next to Chatham Place is The Box, an events space where regular designer sample sales are held. It's worth following the Instagram account to keep an eye out for your favourite labels.
Kilver Court Designer Village, Somerset
Once a busy outlet shopping centre, the future of Kilver Court Designer Village is currently unknown, after it was sold to a new owner. At the time of writing, it is still the home of the Mulberry factory shop, where its iconic leather bags and accessories are sold at reduced prices. Luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme and clothing label Toast also have outlet shops within the old textile mill.
If you do stop by for a visit, don't miss the beautiful historic gardens on-site – they date back to the 1800s.
