Buying yourself a designer outfit
The British high street is more exciting and innovative than ever, but for many of us, a wardrobe just isn’t complete without a touch of designer magic. Whether you dress in nothing but couture or have a savings account specifically for shoes, finding that perfect addition to your collection is always an incomparable thrill. To help you select the best of the best, we’ve put together some top tips for navigating the exciting world of high fashion.
Style and substance
There’s a huge number of designers out there, ranging from household names to fashion school graduates just completing their debut show. Whether your tastes lean towards luxurious minimalism or flamboyant eccentricity, you’re sure to find an artist to suit you.
If you’re not experienced in high-fashion shopping, ask around to find out which houses have the best reputation for longevity, detail and ease of wear. Depending on where your priorities lie, you might gladly sacrifice comfort for the sake of iconic shoes, or reconcile yourself to a short-lived style for the sake of being at the forefront of the fashion pack for at least a week, but you should know in advance what you’re paying for.
Signature pieces
If you’re starting from scratch, the best way to kick off your collection is by investing in one, signature piece that can be paired with a variety of outfits and complements your existing sense of style. Whether it’s a pair of Louboutin shoes or a Chloé bag, there are some instantly recognisable designer items you can add to any ensemble to give it a high fashion lift. Choose carefully if you’re taking this approach – whatever you buy should take pride of place in your wardrobe and work with lots of your favourite clothes so you can use it as much as possible.
Spot the fake
Remember – if you’re buying online or from independent and market sellers, make sure you’re not splashing out on a fake. There are some pretty convincing frauds out there, so school yourself on ways to suss out the real deal. Familiarise yourself with the designer’s style and logo, and look out for giveaways like poor stitching, damage and fabric that feels cheap. If you’re buying online, be wary of items sold at suspiciously low prices and photos that don’t show a clear image of the product.
One of the easiest ways to start building your designer collection is by shopping online, where you can view entire collections in glossy slideshow format, without leaving the house. Of course, when using a credit card online, security is paramount – and with an American Express credit card, you’ll enjoy online fraud protection along with a generous welcome bonus, so you can buy that first signature piece with confidence.
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