It may be one of the fashion capitals of the world, but you don’t need a magazine editor’s expense account to take advantage of London’s street style. Beyond boutiques, there are numerous ways to get a trendy fix on a budget. London’s main street shops offer something for everyone and for serious bargain hunters with a taste for designer brands, there are outlet stores and sample sales galore. Looking for something unique? Head to one of the city’s vintage stores for a retro revolver.
The best of London’s main street
The cheapest way to take advantage of Britain’s famous street style is to hit the high street. While you’ll find high street shops all over the city, Oxford Street is packed with the group’s selection, many of which are flagship stores offering a wide selection of stocks. However, be careful; It is the busiest shopping street in Europe and can be frustratingly busy on weekends and during sales periods. If you can, shop first thing in the week to avoid the crowds (most stores open at 9:30 am). The discount fashion store, Primark, is very popular with large stores at each end of Oxford Street (opposite Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch tube stations).
It’s about fast and affordable fashion; The range is immense and the stock changes regularly. It’s great for seasonal pieces for men, women, and kids, and there’s also a home and beauty section (makeup products are exceptionally cheap). New Look is a great option for inexpensive pieces for both men and women. They also have a great selection of decent maternity and plus size shoes and ranges. There are two stores on Oxford Street; The main store is located near Oxford Circus. Zara and H&M have several stores on Oxford Street and nearby Regent Street and are reliable for cheap wardrobe staples.
Mango, near Oxford Circus, has a second-floor outlet section where you can buy jeans for as little as £ 10. On nearby Carnaby Street, Monki is a Swedish store that stocks affordable Scandinavian pieces and quirky accessories. Sports Direct is a good place to shop for discounted sports clothing and equipment.
London outlet stores
For designer discounts, head to Hackney Walk in East London, where top brands occupy converted Victorian rail arches and offer savings of up to 70%. Shop for leather bags from Anya Hindmarch, chic suits from Aquascutum, contemporary womenswear from Joseph, sportswear from Nike, sweaters from Pringle and cozy footwear from UGG. Just around the corner at Chatham Place, you can shop for discounted trench coats, scarves and accessories from iconic British brand Burberry, where stock is reduced by 50%. For another British brand solution, visit Paul Smith’s Mayfair store.
This small store on Avery Row sells end-of-season stock and items from previous seasons for up to 50% off, including colorful ties, wallets and cufflinks stamped with the designer’s signature prints. LK Bennett is famous for its elegant dresses and quality shoes (the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan). Shop for bargains at the Kings Road clearance store in Chelsea and get discounts of up to 75% off regular store prices.
Sales show in London
Keep an eye out for sample sales in London for deep discounts on designer gear. Visit sites like LDN Fashion and Chicmi for information on upcoming sales, and plan to arrive as soon as possible for a chance to find the best deals (alternative sizes are unlikely if you find something you like). Periodic sample sales take place at the Mayfair Music Room and the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.
Vintage deals in London
Most of London’s best vintage and thrift shops are centered in Shoreditch, including the ever-reliable Rokit on Brick Lane and Absolute Vintage near Spitalfields Market. For large-scale bargain hunting, head to Blitz on Hanbury Street. This two-story Victorian warehouse has an incredible variety of hand-selected pieces, as well as retro homeware. In Camden, head straight to the Stables Market, where you’ll find unique gems at What Goes Around Comes Around and Lost ‘N’Found. There are also a number of charity shops that line Camden High Street, including Oxfam and Age Concern.
In central London, step into Beyond Retro to rummage through the rails of this vintage basement boutique.
