Designer buys needn't cost the earth – in fact, there are plenty different ways of scoring a bargain these days.
Whether your heart skips a beat when you hear the sound of a Vestiaire Collective price drop notification, or you check your eBay saved searches more than your Instagram, we're all about bagging a killer deal.
But there's something about the in-person shopping experience that hits different. Uncovering a hidden gem that just so happens to fit you like a glove is nothing short of magical – and there are plenty of brilliant UK designer outlets that can help you achieve that satisfying blend savviness and style.
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On a practical level, if you're simply wanting to update your collection of quality separates - think classic shirts, nature-defying jeans, sumptuous knits and cool-girl tailoring - a designer outlet trip presents the ideal opportunity to top up your wardrobe for less.
How we chose:
- Savings: All the UK outlets on our list are brimming with deals and discounts. While we haven't visited every single one, we've carefully scoured the internet for those with the top savings.The locations stock unsold items from past seasons, and so there's every chance that you could stumble across a limited-edition piece, or something that cannot be bought anywhere else, for a bargain price.
- Brands: The outlets we've chosen all feature designer boutique shops, as well as labels from the upper end of the high street.
Hello! Fashion shares the best UK designer outlets to satisfy your fashion fix:
Bicester Village
Situated in the heart of Oxfordshire, Bicester Village has an impressive reputation – as well as the killer labels to show for it. Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga are just a few of the labels stocked at this outlet – plus, it even has a personal shopping service if you fancy some bespoke styling.
Hello! Fashion's Social Media and Newsletter Manager Anushka Gupta says: "My favourite Black Friday Bicester purchase was my Coach Shoulder bag. Cut from glove-tanned leather, it exudes major 'Quiet Luxury' vibes - the ideal bag to wear to the workplace. Another favourite was my bag of Pick 'N' Mix from the Lindt boutique. The range of food options accessible to hungry shoppers really surprised me; from fancy restaurants to delicious pastries, chic cafés to gourmet food trucks, there was something to suit every palate. Since Christmas is quickly approaching, I urge you stop by Bicester to stock up on gifts. Don't forget to include the chocolate..."
Where: Bicester, OX26 6WD
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Outlet Shopping at The O2
The O2 Arena isn't merely one of London's most loved indoor music venues, the space is also home to an array of ace outlet shops, spanning from Ted Baker to Gant. When the Greenwich outlet centre kindly hosted me for a visit, I was seriously impressed by some of the pieces I spotted – especially by those British labels that sit on the upper end of the high street. I fell in love with a soft, cotton shirt by Reiss in a dreamy cornflower blue, and sized up for a relaxed, oversized fit. Another favourite that I've been wearing on repeat is a biscuit-hued quarter zip knit by French Connection – the ideal 'quiet luxury' loungewear piece. A lush dinner and impeccable service at ASK Italian (still thinking about the Vegan Spicy Tomato Dough Bites now) means I'll definitely be back for more. If you're London-based, get a trip to Outlet Shopping at the O2 in your diary, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
Where: London, SE10 0DX
Cheshire Oaks
The largest outlet centre in the UK is home to over 140 luxury boutiques, including Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein and Burberry. It also has plenty of luxury high street labels if that is more up your street – in fact, you could curate a killer work wardrobe with some of the names available at Cheshire Oaks like Reiss, Hobbs and Gant.
Where: Cheshire, CH65 9JJ
London Designer Outlet
Not only can Wembley boast its iconic stadium, but the suburb is also home to a brilliant selection of shops at London Designer Outlet. Highlights include Kurt Geiger and Converse to satisfy your shoe fix, as well as The Fragrance Shop if a delicious new scent is on the cards.
Where: London, HA9 0FD
Gloucester Quays
Set alongside the water, merely a stone's throw away from the docks, Gloucester Quays was opened by TV fashion personality Gok Wan in 2009. (When that piece of niche shopping trivia wins you a quiz tie-breaker, do get in touch.) Boasting chic mid-price labels such as AllSaints, Hobbs and Ted Baker, this particular outlet is the perfect choice if you're after a quieter, more low-key shopping destination.
Where: Gloucester, GL1 5SH
Braintree Village
Located in the heart of Essex, Braintree Village is perfect for a day spent browsing the likes of BOSS, Armani and Champion. But if instead you're in the mood for an eclectic accessory moment, Kate Spade has you covered with its vibrant collection of standout bags and playful jewellery.
Where: Essex, CM77 8YH
York Designer Outlet
Part of the McArthurGlen group, York Designer Outlet is ideal if you're planning on hitting the shops and making a day of it. Michael Kors, Coach and Levi's are just a few of the brands available to shop here, and one special highlight for perfume obsessives is the Penhaligon's boutique.
Where: York, YO19 4TA
Gunwharf Quays
Situated on the south coast, Gunwharf Quays is home to over 90 stores and makes for the accessory aficionado's dream day out. Coach, Balmain Watches, Kate Spade and Kurt Geiger all ought to be on your must-visit list for a trip to the Portsmouth outlet. However, it also has some excellent beauty options. When I last stopped by Gunwharf Quays I spent ages inhaling Rituals' soothing scents (I love the Rejuvenating Body Scrub and the Foaming Shower Gels) and then I stocked up on the candle version of one of my all-time favourite scents: Clarins' Eau Dynamisante.
Where: Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ
Livingston Designer Outlet
Scotland's largest designer outlet Livingston is great for all tastes. In pursuit of the perfect jeans? Hit up Levi's. An underwear update? Make for Calvin Klein. That box-fresh feeling? Check out New Balance.
Where: West Lothian, EH54 6QX
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style enthusiasts.
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