How to get designer clothes at high street prices – Money tip # 218

1 min Read Published: 14 May 2013

We would probably all like to have a wardrobe full of designer clothes, but unfortunately most of us don't have the budget required to fulfil this dream.

There are ways, however, that you can purchase high end fashion at high street prices and here are my favourite designer fashion 'top spots' for looking good.

Designer Sales UK

Established over 20 years DSUK holds sample sales throughout the year showcasing designer outfits and accessories. Each sale will last for only a few days and are held in hotels, or other large venues, in major cities in UK and a small entry fee is charged to each sale. Brands include Jimmy Choo, Chloe and Salvatore Ferragamo and you can keep up to date with forthcoming sales by subscribing to their newsletter.

The Secret Sample Sale

Since 2003 the Secret Sample Sale has been bringing together London's fashion designers, agencies and boutiques to clear their samples and excess stock. Sales are held  at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch together with other venues in London approximately sixteen times a year. Subscribers to the newsletter will be allowed access to each sale before they are open to the general public as well as receive invites to private sales. Gucci, Prada and Fendi are some of the brands available together with designs from London's up and coming independent designers.

The Designer Warehouse Sales

The Designer Warehouse Sales have established themselves as one of the foremost destinations for London's fashion lovers. It boasts having more designer labels housed under one roof than at any other outlet in the country at their location close to Arsenal Underground station. Held over three days, twelve times a year, these sales offer customers catwalk one-offs, show room samples and cancelled orders from the pick of the current seasons collections. Register for the newsletter to be kept up to date with details of upcoming sales.

Money to the Masses tips

If you do decide to attend a sale then:

  • make sure you read the returns policy before purchasing any item 
  • there may be a charge levied for purchasing items with a credit card
  • as well as being charged an entrance fee you may also be required to leave bags and coats in a managed cloakroom for security reasons
  • as the sales are quite frenetic and it may take time to search through all the items it is not advisable to take children