Even though we are self-proclaimed online shopping aficionados, there is an undeniable adrenaline jolt we get from scoring insane deals at old-school brick-and-mortars. And though the sale racks at retail shops are dandy and all, the real deals are found at designer stock stores, where everything is on major discount — in fact, many outlets start at 50% off. We’re talking about past-season runway looks that are actually affordable: Marni dresses with price tags that will make you LOL, Margiela shoes with unreal markdowns, and Steven Alan sweaters to scoop up like candy.
Ahead, we’ve scoured internationally for the best under-the-radar designer outlets to check out if you're ever in Milan, Paris, Tokyo, New York, or Los Angeles. All we can say is be prepared to put those hawk eyes and digging skills to good use at these locales — you’ll definitely want to stock up.
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Outlet Marni
Tucked away in the Ortica neighborhood of the Milan suburbs is one of Italy’s rarest jewels: the Marni outlet. Expect to find an array of coveted styles — outerwear, dresses, tops, pants, skirts, bags, sunglasses, men's, you name it — starting at 50-60% off. Stylish insiders who frequent this off-the-beaten locale have tipped us off that the best times of the year to go are late winter/early spring (February/March) and late summer/early fall (September/October), when all the overstock from the previous season is dropped off at the outlet. Outlet Marni, Via Filippo Tajani, 1, 20133 Milano, Italy; +39 02 7000 9735.
Tucked away in the Ortica neighborhood of the Milan suburbs is one of Italy’s rarest jewels: the Marni outlet. Expect to find an array of coveted styles — outerwear, dresses, tops, pants, skirts, bags, sunglasses, men's, you name it — starting at 50-60% off. Stylish insiders who frequent this off-the-beaten locale have tipped us off that the best times of the year to go are late winter/early spring (February/March) and late summer/early fall (September/October), when all the overstock from the previous season is dropped off at the outlet. Outlet Marni, Via Filippo Tajani, 1, 20133 Milano, Italy; +39 02 7000 9735.
Azzedine Alaïa Outlet
If you’re out in the shopping district of the Marais in Paris, don't skip the Alaïa Outlet. Easily overlooked, because it’s not easy to spot, the outlet is actually right around the corner from the Alaïa flagship — the two share the same building, but the outlet has its own entrance on a side street under an archway. Though the space itself is pretty bare-bones, the offerings, like previous seasons’ couture, signature dresses, and timelessly chic accessories, are generally bountiful and sold for at least 50% off. Azzedine Alaïa Outlet, 18 rue de la Verrerie 75004, Paris, France; 01–42–72–19–19.
If you’re out in the shopping district of the Marais in Paris, don't skip the Alaïa Outlet. Easily overlooked, because it’s not easy to spot, the outlet is actually right around the corner from the Alaïa flagship — the two share the same building, but the outlet has its own entrance on a side street under an archway. Though the space itself is pretty bare-bones, the offerings, like previous seasons’ couture, signature dresses, and timelessly chic accessories, are generally bountiful and sold for at least 50% off. Azzedine Alaïa Outlet, 18 rue de la Verrerie 75004, Paris, France; 01–42–72–19–19.
Maison Martin Margiela Outlet
If you’ve already spent a whole day on a plane getting to Tokyo, what’s a couple more hours of travel, really? Take a day and hop on the train to Shizuoka, about a two-hour trip down the coast from Japan’s capital city, to the Gotemba Premium Outlets, the biggest outlet mall in Japan. The real attraction at Gotemba (other than its 200-plus shops) is the Maison Martin Margiela Outlet — it’s the only one that exists in the world. And while you’re there, you can stock up on all the heavily discounted avant-garde wares that you (and, presumably, your luggage) can handle. Maison Martin Margiela Outlet, Gotemba Premium Outlets, 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan; +81 550-70-1010.
If you’ve already spent a whole day on a plane getting to Tokyo, what’s a couple more hours of travel, really? Take a day and hop on the train to Shizuoka, about a two-hour trip down the coast from Japan’s capital city, to the Gotemba Premium Outlets, the biggest outlet mall in Japan. The real attraction at Gotemba (other than its 200-plus shops) is the Maison Martin Margiela Outlet — it’s the only one that exists in the world. And while you’re there, you can stock up on all the heavily discounted avant-garde wares that you (and, presumably, your luggage) can handle. Maison Martin Margiela Outlet, Gotemba Premium Outlets, 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan; +81 550-70-1010.
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Steven Alan Outpost
The thrilling part about stepping into a Steven Alan Outpost is that you never know what’s going to turn up on the racks. Considering the retailer carries its own line of covetable and easygoing items, as well casual-luxe designers from around the world, it’s possible you can make it out like a bandit with pieces from stellar labels such as Rag & Bone, Acne Studios, Rachel Comey, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh for way cheap. And since the Outposts regularly receive shipments from regular Steven Alan stores throughout the seasons, you’re bound to score affordable gems no matter what time of the year you go. Steven Alan Outpost NYC, 465 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024; (212) 595-8451.
Steven Alan Outpost LA, 1937 1/2 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; (323) 667-9500.
The thrilling part about stepping into a Steven Alan Outpost is that you never know what’s going to turn up on the racks. Considering the retailer carries its own line of covetable and easygoing items, as well casual-luxe designers from around the world, it’s possible you can make it out like a bandit with pieces from stellar labels such as Rag & Bone, Acne Studios, Rachel Comey, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh for way cheap. And since the Outposts regularly receive shipments from regular Steven Alan stores throughout the seasons, you’re bound to score affordable gems no matter what time of the year you go. Steven Alan Outpost NYC, 465 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024; (212) 595-8451.
Steven Alan Outpost LA, 1937 1/2 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; (323) 667-9500.
A.P.C. Surplus
When it comes to timeless and minimal French-girl pieces, like military-inspired structured outerwear, versatile leather booties, neutral chunky knits, and the brand’s array of famous selvedge jeans, beloved label A.P.C. is a can't-miss. But where the regular A.P.C. flagships tend to leave an unforgiving dent in your wallet, the Surplus shops (located in NYC and Paris) are the locales to discover overlooked and overstock A.P.C. gems for less. Fanatics say the best time to pay a visit is when the line hosts its annual year-end sample sales and previously unsold pieces and one-offs get marked down to an unreal 50-70% off. A.P.C. Surplus, 92 Perry Street, New York, NY 10014; 646-371-9292.
A.P.C. Surplus, 20 Rue André del Sarte, 75018 Paris, France; +33 1 42 62 10 88.
When it comes to timeless and minimal French-girl pieces, like military-inspired structured outerwear, versatile leather booties, neutral chunky knits, and the brand’s array of famous selvedge jeans, beloved label A.P.C. is a can't-miss. But where the regular A.P.C. flagships tend to leave an unforgiving dent in your wallet, the Surplus shops (located in NYC and Paris) are the locales to discover overlooked and overstock A.P.C. gems for less. Fanatics say the best time to pay a visit is when the line hosts its annual year-end sample sales and previously unsold pieces and one-offs get marked down to an unreal 50-70% off. A.P.C. Surplus, 92 Perry Street, New York, NY 10014; 646-371-9292.
A.P.C. Surplus, 20 Rue André del Sarte, 75018 Paris, France; +33 1 42 62 10 88.
Sonia Rykiel SR Store
Sonia Rykiel's designs — candy-colored frocks, frilly-yet-sophisticated silhouettes, and Parisienne flair — are legendary. And the brand’s roomy outlet store in Paris is where you can uncover forgotten treasures from past collections. Take the time to dig deep into the bins of apparel, shoes, and accessories — everything starts at 40-50% off, and older items get an even steeper discount love (if you can find them). Sonia Rykiel SR Store, 64 Rue d'Alésia, 75014 Paris, France; 01 43 95 06 13.
Sonia Rykiel's designs — candy-colored frocks, frilly-yet-sophisticated silhouettes, and Parisienne flair — are legendary. And the brand’s roomy outlet store in Paris is where you can uncover forgotten treasures from past collections. Take the time to dig deep into the bins of apparel, shoes, and accessories — everything starts at 40-50% off, and older items get an even steeper discount love (if you can find them). Sonia Rykiel SR Store, 64 Rue d'Alésia, 75014 Paris, France; 01 43 95 06 13.