7 Ways to Get Discount Designer Clothes for Less

There’s a reason why Louis-Vuitton and Prada have names that reverberate throughout the fashion world - their designer clothing is always top-notch; with the price to match. So how do you, the average person, afford these top-of-the-line handbags, shoes and pants? It isn’t just a vanity thing; designer clothing is usually higher-quality and longer-lasting. Furthermore, they tend to have much higher resale value in the future because of those attributes.

Now that you’ve seen the primary benefits of designer brands, the next goal is to obtain some - but without paying an arm and a leg for them. How to do this? Let the following 7 methods help you get started.

1. Look For Closeout Websites

Given that so much shopping occurs in the online space these days, anyway, it’s a good idea to search for closeout websites that carry such designer brands as Vince Camuto, Prada and even Salvatore Ferragamo. These online sites are like digital TJ Maxx or Ross outlets; you’d be surprised at the quality of clothing you can find tucked away in their latter webpages - and all at significantly discounted prices. Be advised, though, that the sizes can be hit or miss, since it’s not like these sites have an inventory of different-sized designer clothing. Some examples are The Outnet, 6pm.com and Nordstrom Rack Online.

2. Look for Other, Similar Collections

This option might seem “obvious”, but it is often overlooked. Many top brand names actually have collections that fly underneath their banner, and are of similar quality but a lower price. For example, so-called capsule collections are staple pieces of the designer’s craft that are mass produced for a discounted cost. In the same vein, look for department store brands that are extensions of the more famous option; such as Marc by Marc Jacobs and REDValentino. These are not knock-offs; they are made by the same designer but the mass-production of them lowers the price.

3. Consider Renting Top Brand Clothing

Borrowing is a big business; and this is precisely because it works. In the instances where you want designer brand clothing for an extra-special event - such as to impress a date, make a debut at your new job, attend your high school prom or college get-together - check out websites like Bag Borrow or Steal, and Rent The Runway, for a chance at awesome offers for top-notch clothing that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. What can you expect? If there’s a suit or dress that normally runs about $800, you can rent it in pristine condition for just $80 or so - and you don’t have to worry about dry cleaning afterwards in most cases.

4. Flash Sales and Websites

This occurs entirely online, and lets you get specific brand name items at considerably cheaper prices for a limited time. The best approach to taking advantage of flash sites is to sign up for an email notification for when designer brands are on sale. Hautelook, Ideel, Gilt and Zulily are examples of such sites - everything is pre-packaged and shipped to you so there’s no need to go pick them up.

5. Friends With (Clothing) Benefits

Chances are, if you like designer clothes, then you have a circle of friends who like the same. This can be especially useful if you happen to have a piece that you don’t even wear much - for some reason or another. With this in mind, why not consult your close friends about having a get-together in which they all bring a specific number of designer brand clothing, and agree to lend them to each other? Of course, you’ll establish some rules - but this is elementary.

6. Off Season Shopping

This is such a good option that, had this list been in order, this would be number one. No designer can get away with selling his high-end winter coat for the same price in springtime; take advantage of this by budgeting for some off-season shopping. The classic pieces are usually the best ones for this, as runway or trendy items can still command close to the original value year-round. Search online catalogs for price adjustments and final sale rules, so that you can return anything if needed. Plan ahead, and you could find yourself with an amazing present for next year’s Christmas gift exchange--one that you might not be able to afford otherwise!

7. Eschew First Hand Shopping for Secondhand

Look for something called consignment stores for the secondhand option; you can often get brand name clothing at half-price or less at these. Consignment stores are where second hand designer clothes are sent, and the store owner puts a good deal of effort in restoring them to their former glory. For obvious reasons, you’ll find fewer t-shirts (they don’t stand up to too much wear and tear), and more handbags, scarves, watches and more. You can also find a great deal of secondhand designer items online, such as the pre-owned watches found on https://www.thewatchcompany.com/. Basically, things that can take a beating and keep on ticking. Enjoy your shopping!