We’ve all experienced it—eagerly ordering heaps of clothes online for the upcoming fall season. Crisp, cool weather calls for fresh new styles! Yet, when those packages stack up at your door, they’re often filled with disappointments: items that don’t fit well, flatter your figure, or turn out to be made from cheap fabric that looked deceptively luxurious in online photos.
That’s the beauty of in-person shopping—it never loses its charm and appeal! Instead of returning duds to the UPS store, you can simply leave them in the fitting room. So, it’s no wonder the opening of a new upscale outlet mall less than an hour from Manhattan—featuring brands like Valentino, Thom Browne, Missoni, and Cavalli—has me, and likely others, buzzing with excitement.
On a sweltering late-summer day, I set out to explore this shopper’s paradise. (Full disclosure: While Belmont Park Village is an easy train ride away, I drove.) A new outlet mall is thrilling, and my credit cards were practically leaping from my wallet, but years of in-store shopping have taught me some valuable lessons. Here are my tried-and-true tips from decades of outlet adventures. Pay close attention!
1. Follow Your Heart. Treat outlet shopping like dating: look for that spark. If you’re unsure what you want, seek out items that bring you joy—the ones that make you sigh with delight even before trying them on. Shopping, much like love, often defies logic; when you find the right one, you just know.
2. Expect Surprises. I’ve long admired Cavalli’s seductive, bohemian caftans, but I’m not jetting off to Capri anytime soon. Then, I spotted it: a blue enamel snake cuff bracelet for $144 that would perfectly accent my black Comme des Garçons smocks.
3. Ask for More. Outlets often stash extra inventory in the back—just ask! At Vivienne Westwood, a simple inquiry revealed a cozy oversized cardigan and a spacious velvet clutch big enough for a sweater, a water bottle, and even a laptop. (If only I’d had this during New York Fashion Week!)
4. Try Before You Buy. Years ago, I learned that Barneys staff joked I’d buy anything on sale—zippers left undone or safety pins for adjustments. While creative fixes can work, always try things on to see what you’re getting into. Sometimes, a quick look is enough. At All Saints, I found a gorgeous beaded flapper dress for just $150, perfect for a glamorous night out. Sadly, even the largest size wouldn’t fit me. Isn’t it better to know that upfront than to face the letdown of an online return?
5. Focus on Accessories. If clothes aren’t calling your name, don’t force it. Switch to handbags or shoes! At Rene Caovilla, there were stunning heels with ankle-wrapping straps and safer, jeweled flats. Valentino offered chic buckled velvet slides. Consider a practical Longchamp travel tote or, if you’re ready to splurge (but not too much—it’s an outlet!), Thom Browne’s coveted dachshund shoulder bag, Hector.
6. Take a Breather. Can’t decide between the Westwood clutch and the Hector tote? Haunted by that oversized Missoni rabbit pillow that would dominate your sofa?That stunning Valentino tunic with the coral beads—could it be Pierpaolo Piccioli’s final masterpiece before his move to Balenciaga? Take a moment to breathe; maybe grab a coffee and some fries. And don’t forget the first rule: Are you truly in love with it, or just confused? If it’s the latter, don’t worry. Even if you get home and feel you’ve let your perfect find slip away, all hope isn’t lost. Belmont Park Village is just a train ride away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about outlet shopping designed to answer questions for both newcomers and seasoned shoppers
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is an outlet mall
An outlet mall is a shopping center often located outside of a major city where brands sell their products directly to the public at discounted prices
2 Whats the main benefit of shopping at an outlet
The biggest benefit is saving money You can find significant discounts on brandname clothing shoes home goods and more
3 Are outlet stores just selling last seasons fashions
Primarily yes Most items are from past seasons overstock or items that didnt sell well in mainline stores This is how they can offer lower prices
4 Is the quality the same as in regular retail stores
Often it is but some brands create specific lines just for their outlet stores These items might be of a slightly lower quality to meet the outlet price point Its always good to check the materials and construction
5 What kind of brands can I find at an outlet mall
You can find a wide range from highend luxury brands and designer labels to popular mainstream and athletic brands
Strategy Advanced Questions
6 Whats the difference between outlet and offprice stores
Outlet stores are owned by a specific brand and sell primarily that brands merchandise Offprice stores are retailers that buy overstock and surplus from many different brands and sell them all in one place
7 Ive heard about outletexclusive items What are those
These are products made specifically for the outlet not the main retail stores They are designed to be sold at a lower price and may have simpler designs or different materials than the retail versions
8 How can I tell if an item is madeforoutlet
It can be tricky but look for differences in labels fabric content and hardware details compared to what you remember from the retail store
9 When is the best time to shop at outlets for the biggest deals
Holiday weekends and endofseason clearance