How to Buy Cheap Designer Clothes Online

Are you in need of a designer wardrobe but can't afford to pay full price at high-end stores? Then this guide on how to buy cheap designer clothing online is a must-read for you. Learn how to save money and still get the great designer clothing you crave!
Online Designer Shopping Tips
1. Consider your current wardrobe and how a new item will fit into it before making a purchase
2. Be aware of any additional costs, such as shipping or taxes, before completing your purchase
3. Don't buy things just because they are a great deal; be realistic and stick to your budget
4. Try to buy neutral tones to increase the chances that you can wear different items together
5. Use coupons and take advantage of special offers whenever possible
6. Visit websites regularly and sign up as a member, if possible, to keep on top of the latest deals
7. Purchasing new and trendy accessories can be a great way to brighten up a dull or older outfit
8. Try on designer clothing at a local shop to ensure you are buying the right size
9. Check out designer blogs to keep informed of the latest coupons and special offers

Introduction
- If you love wearing designer clothing, but balk when you read the price tags affixed to the latest fashions, there is an alternative—buying online. There are dozens of websites through which you can buy designer clothes for much less than half their regular price; some will even do the online searching for you! Although one must always be cautious and read all the fine print before buying clothes online, with a little bit of savvy, some practice and patience, you should be able to find your share of designer duds at prices that fall well within your budget.
Where to Buy
- Some websites where you can find great designer deals include:
1. HauteLook: You will have to sign up for a free membership to buy, but after doing so, you will receive email notifications of limited time sales, at which you can save up to 75% on designer clothesHauteLook: Homepage
2. Gilt Groupe: Again, a free membership is required to browse and buy on the site. Gilt Groupe offers 36-hour sales, at which merchandise from an individual designer will be available at discounts of up to 70%Gilt Groupe: About
3. Ideeli: Another members-only site, but, in addition to designer sample sales, they also offer weekly giveaways to their members. Note that as of May, 2009, membership to Ideeli was closed, but those interested in becoming members were invited to add their names to a waiting listIdeeli.com: Sign Up
4. ShopItToMe: Marketed as "your free personal online shopper," after signing up for the free service, you enter your size and select your favorite designers. You will then receive a weekly email that will detail the items that meet your criteria and have gone on sale at a variety of retailersShopItToMe.com: How it Works
5. Overstock.com: This site has a designer area where you can search the available stock by designer, category and priceOverstock.com: Designer Store
6. eBay: It may take some searching, but with some practice, this online auction service can be a great place to find and bid on designer deals
- Also keep an eye out for online retailers that offer a percentage off for purchases above a certain dollar amount, free shipping, or coupons on future purchases. Many online shopping sites offer these types of incentives to keep their customers coming back for more.
Fashion Blogs
- Although they don't sell designer clothing directly, fashion blogs, such as The Budget Fashionista and Frugal Fashionistas are great resources to stay informed about the latest coupons, sales and specials being offered by designers and shopping websites.TheBudgetFashionista.com; Coupons and Deals Frugal-Fashionistas.com: Designer Deals
What to Buy
- When building a wardrobe, especially when you are on a budget, try to get a handful of pieces that will go with most of what you buy or already own. A good rule of thumb is to only buy a piece if you can think of at least five pieces you already own that you can wear it with. By doing this, you will cut down on all of those impulse buys and have a nice solid wardrobe to dress for success in.
- Unfortunately, with online buying, you will not be able to try on the items before you purchase them and available sizes may be limited on sale or discounted items. To get an idea of what size you should buy, go into a local designer store and, try on a few pieces of clothing made by your favorite designers. Make note of the size you wear so that you'll know whether or not to buy specific items.Agonist Learning Center: Finding Cheap Designer Clothes Online
Tips for Accessorizing
1. Buy neutral colors. Buying neutral colors will help you be able to wear your clothes year round and increase the chances that different pieces will go together
2. It's all in the details: Bring flare to a plain outfit in small details. Not only will this enhance your overall look, but it will also save you money. Simple accessories such as a colorful scarf, trendy handbag or unique piece of jewelry can really brighten and update a simple outfitLuxaholics: Angelina's Emerald Earrings: Steal Her Look! (February 24, 2009)
Cautionary Notes
- When you first enter the world of online shopping, the amount of great deals can be overwhelming. Remember that just because something is a great deal, that doesn't mean you absolutely have to buy it. When deciding whether or not to make a purchase, think of the clothes you already have and decide how this new item will fit into your existing wardrobe. If you have to buy a completely new outfit to go with a discount blouse, or are likely to never wear an item you've bought, you're not really saving any money after all.
- Be aware of extra costs, such as shipping and taxes, that may be tacked on to your bill. Before completing your purchase, be sure to make note of these additional costs and decide whether they're worth paying. For example, if you have to pay $50 in shipping to get a $20 sweater, it's probably not worth it.Agonist Learning Center: Finding Cheap Designer Clothes Online
- Unless you are 100% sure of your purchase, which is rare with online shopping, you may also want to do some research into the seller's return policies.
Conclusion
- The Internet can be an invaluable resource to find great deals on designer duds, although it may take some searching and patience to find the right clothes for you. To get the best prices, you may want to sign up with members-only websites which offer limited-time discounts of 70% or more on certain designer items. If your time is limited, consider becoming a member of ShopItToMe.com, a site designed to do all the online legwork for you. When buying online, be sure to read all the fine print regarding additional shipping charges or taxes and to find out whether the items you purchase can be returned.