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What the IndyBest team will be buying in The Outnet’s up to 80% off sale
Bag a steal on everything from fancy dresses to last-a-lifetime bags in the spring sale
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The way we dress has been transformed ever since Boris Johnson imposed the first lockdown on 23 March 2020, prompting pretty much anything with an elasticated waistband to become a style hero.
But as winter eases and we begin to make tentative steps back into “normal” life, our fashion sense has started to reawaken and with that comes the desire to give our wardrobes a serious post-pandemic upgrade.
Read more: We tried Meghan Markle’s favourite £95 shirt, here’s what we thought
While a complete sartorial overhaul comes at a hefty cost, fortunately The Outnet has launched one of its most impressive ever sales, meaning there’s no better time to invest in spring-ready looks.
If you're already familiar with the retailer, you will know just how brilliant its sales are, but, if you’re not, then you’re welcome because you’ve just uncovered a treasure trove of discounted designer garb.
The sister site to Net-a-Porter, The Outnet is the benchmark of luxury discount shopping with reductions on more than 350 brands, making owning a piece from the likes Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Chloé a whole lot more realistic.
In its latest sale, the retailer has up to 80 per cent off items from your favourite designers, spanning everything from dresses and shoes to bags, coats, swimwear and more.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy outfit to wear on the day lockdown officially ends, or want to start planning for your next getaway, the IndyBest team has rounded up its top picks from The Outnet sale that guarantee to take your style to the next level.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Ellie Fry (Deputy Editor)
Diane von Furstenberg guipure lace-trimmed embroidered tulle midi dress: was £1,176, now £235, Theoutnet.com
The perfect get-up for all of those summer weddings you’ll undoubtedly be invited to, this instantly reminded me of the Oscar de la Renta dress Meghan Markle wore to a virtual Spotify event recently, with its playful lemon motif. I love the level of detail on the embroidered tulle, and the guipure lace trim at the waist is sure to make this a flattering fit. I’d go all out and pair with bright accessories.
Eleanor Jones (Executive Editor)
Iris & Ink haya leather loafers: Was £120, now £60, Theoutnet.com
I’ve been wedded to my trusty Allbirds for months on end now, but as we start to see the first glimpses of spring (and hear rumblings of potentially returning to the office at some point this year) I’m on the hunt for a comfortable but slightly smarter shoe to ease myself back into the world of structured footwear. These leather loafers from The Outnet’s in-house brand Iris & Ink are just the thing: I love the classic shape and subtle pointed toe, plus the fact that basic black will go with literally everything in my existing wardrobe. At 50 per cent off, these are a no brainer – I’ve already added them to my basket.
Emma Henderson (Editor)
Reformation Graciella split-front crepe midi dress: Was £205, now £112, Theoutnet.com
Most of the summer weddings I was invited to in 2020 are now back on, albeit moved two or three times. But that means one thing for a guest – the outfit. We’re completely over leggings and cannot wait to get dressed up – the brighter, the better as we’ve got a lot of catching up to do when it comes to posing and Instagramming. That’s why this wonderfully bold saffron-coloured number from cool American brand Reformation more than caught my eye: and then 45 per cent off sealed the deal. The crepe midi dress’s flattering and structured design will give a sophisticated silhouette, while the modern square neck and big front split add fun yet subtle details. If you like the cut, but want to be more muted, it’s also available in indigo.
Sarah Young (writer)
Staud Amal feather-trimmed croc-effect leather shoulder bag: Was £360, now £90, Theoutnet.com
During lockdown handbags were rendered redundant as I swapped my go-to crossbody for puffer jacket pockets. But with a roadmap for our return to normality and the promise of a new season on the horizon, I’m looking for any excuse to wear one again. Designer hold-alls stand the test of time but are notoriously expensive – so this one from Staud, with 75 per cent off, is going to be the first thing I add to my shopping basket. A real statement piece, I’ve fallen for the feathered trim and can’t wait to wear it with everything from satin slip dresses and sandals by day to tailoring and heels for trips to the pub.
Elle Magill (freelance)
Acne Studios Daniela tie-front striped cotton-voile midi shirt dress: Was £552, now £110, Theoutnet.com
I have always loved the cool, effortless style of Acne Studios – their pieces always stand the test of time and promise sophistication and minimalism without being boring. This shirt dress is a perfect example of Acne cool; it would be so chic paired with a set of chunky gold hoops and a basket bag. The lightweight cotton will keep you cool all summer long while the long sleeves will help if you are UV wary. The tie-waist detail, meanwhile, will cinch in your shape. It’s so versatile that it would look equally as good with a pair of trainers or summer sandals. Coming soon to a beer garden near you or (here’s hoping), a seafront cafe in the south of France…
Louise Whitbread (freelance)
PS Paul Smith asymmetric floral-print crepe de chine midi dress: Was £395, now £118, Theoutnet.com
Gone are the days of worrying about overdoing it – you better believe that as soon as it’s safe to socialise you’ll find me dressed up to the nines. I love this midi dress that has an eye-catching print that isn’t too overpowering, and which will wear just as well with my favourite black chunky boots as it will with heels to the inevitable weddings that will dominate most of 2022. Plus it’s got 50 per cent off, so what’s not to love?
Elizabeth Cole bracken 24-karat gold-plated crystal earrings: Was £219, now £65, Theoutnet.com
With nowhere to go for months, I’ve realised I’ve missed wearing jewellery as the final touch to an outfit. I love this big, statement pair that’s glamorous and simultaneously a bit Pat Butcher, and I’ll be wearing them with a low bun and a minimalistic outfit – preferably my favourite jeans and a white T-shirt – to let them do all the talking. Full of sparkle, I hope they’ll put the joy back into dressing up after lockdown.
Daisy Lester (Production Journalist)
Silvia Tcherassi brett cropped checked cotton-blend top: Was £575, now £115, Theoutnet.com
Brightly coloured, nicely structured and with big balloon sleeves, this cropped top is perfect for making your post-lockdown debut. With nothing to dress up for this last year, every evening out is set to be an occasion for a bold and showy top like this Silvia Tcherassi offering. Pair with jeans and gold earrings for a more muted look or embrace the gaudiness by wearing with a brightly coloured skirt during summer. These sleeves are having a moment and with an impressive 80 per cent off, you can’t go wrong.
Eva Waite-Taylor (writer)
Shashi 18-karat gold vermeil earrings: Was £40, now £22, Theoutnet.com
If you’re looking to curate the perfect ear stack, this pair of gold hoop earrings from Shashi, an affordable jewellery brand, is a good starting point. For me, hoops have long been a go-to accessory thanks to their ability to elevate even the most ill-thought-out outfit and, with 45 per cent off, I’ll certainly be adding them to my collection.
Tal Dekel Daks (Audience Lead)
Smythson printed croc-effect leather passport cover: Was £175, now £87, The Outnet.com
We’re not travelling internationally quite yet, but when the day comes I plan to relish every little moment: from packing my carry-on bag and hauling it to the airport to making sure my passport is safely hidden away in the most stylish case, like this bright and bold Smythson croc-effect cover.
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