5 Hip French Girls on How to Shop for a Bargain

When you're sat around a table full of fabulously dressed French girls—as I was only a few nights ago in Paris—it's hard not to drill them for personal style information. What do they actually buy from the high street? How do they feel about athleisure? I had many questions, but the one that felt particularly apt, considering we were dining alongside the lovely team from The Outnet, was just how do these savvy girls shop for discounted designer goods? Their wardrobes are famously constructed almost solely out of luxury pieces—the French are nothing if not firm believers in investment buys—but they must bulk that out with a few sales bargains now and then… Our hunch was correct: These girls really know how to be laser-focused when it comes to finding the best cut-price items. Keep reading to get their tips and to shop the current pieces that match.

"I love to focus in on a special type of product: at this time, it's coats and evening clothes, such as a little black dress. The thing those two have in common is that you don't mind buying a past collection because a nice coat or a black dress should be part of the pieces in your wardrobe that you can be ready to wear anytime." — Deborah Reyner Sebag of The Daily Deb

"I usually go to The Outnet to check out if some of my favourite pieces from previous seasons are still available. My top brands are The Row, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Seward, too. They're timeless brands that I often wear, and it’s a great opportunity to find them at a more accessible price." — Sabina Socol

"I always shop The Outnet for fun one-off pieces for an evening event that I had already my eye on at full price, or for timeless styles that I know will last more than one season, such as a good jacket or blazer from Isabel Marant, Jil Sander or Lemaire, or a great pair of heels (I'm currently loving some from Roger Vivier) that will transcend the trends." — Marissa Cox of Rue Rodier

"I always make sure I choose classic pieces that will stand the test of time, and I try to avoid very trendy items that won’t be around next season. I’ve picked up quite a few clothes I still love from shopping on The Outnet, my favourite being a Balmain coat I’ve been wearing for years now!" — Caroline of Pardon My Obsession

"I always look on the homepage. There are always new items coming up and I can be inspired. I'm a big fan of The Outnet's own brand, Iris & Ink, so I always visit its store to see what's newOtherwisese, I'm always looking for timeless pieces like a Burberry trench, the best fitted jeans, a white shirt and an original designer bag I was looking for everywhere!" — Emilie of The Brunette