The designer outlet stores London shoppers need to know

Best for Designer Devotees: Hackney Walk

Matchesfashion.com and Joseph are the big draws here, meaning that you can browse multiple designer brands at once and benefit from the boutiques' expert buyers' edits. Both stores sell past-season stock with discounts of up to 70 per cent across womenswear and menswear, including clothing, leather goods and shoes. Expect plenty of cool and upcoming designers as well as big names such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana and Vetements, with new deliveries every two to three weeks (Matches) and monthly (Joseph).

There's also a Nike Factory Store where you can stock up on Air Max trainers and running shoes, sports bras and workout leggings.

A friend once bagged in-season Gucci loafers with a huge discount at the Matchesfashion.com, because a tiny scratch inside the shoe meant they couldn't be sold at full price – admittedly a rare occurrence, but you never know your luck.

Best for Big Spending Sprees: Bicester Village

The team behind Bicester have spent a lot of time and energy taking the pain out of an out-of-town shopping trip for Londoners. With a direct train (50 minutes from Marylebone), stylish restaurants and bars including Cafe Wolseley, and Farmshop by Soho House, and a beauty offering that’s pure indulgence thanks to the likes of Bamford and Penhaligons, a day spent browsing here is a reward of its own. Not to mention homewares from Le Crueset, Tom Dixon and Emma Bridgewater. It’s little surprise that Bicester Village visitors spend an average of four hours there.

But designer fashion is what a visit to Bicester Village is really all about, and the stellar roster of designer brands is unmatched in the UK. The unbeatable line-up includes Dior, Prada, Celine, Valentino, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Marni and Fendi. The list goes on so it pays to plan ahead – take a look at the Bicester Village Map and think about the stores you really want to visit, rather than those where you can still only afford to window shop.

New stock is usually delivered once brands have finished their end of season sales, so keep an eye on the calendar, and don't be afraid to enquire whether they have anything else in the stockroom especially if you're after something specific.

Become a member online and sign up to marketing emails to learn about promotions such as extra discounts and the prized invitation-only VIP card.

Best for Outerwear You'll Wear Forever: Burberry Chatham Place Outlet

If you're visiting Hackney Walk, Broadway Market or even Columbia Road it's worth swinging by the Burberry outlet store, housed in a former Burberry factory in east London. The stock is past season rather than seconds, and discounts vary but expect to pay between 40 and 70 percent less than the full retail price.

Usually the well-stocked items include women's Burberry coats, handbags and purses, while men's clothing such as polo shirts, shirts and knitwear. Call before visiting if you're heading east specifically to visit Burberry and try and get there early in the day.

Best for Finding The One That Got Away: Renascence London

This little boutique in Chelsea is a real find, stocking past season stock from brands such as Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Dries Van Noten. Items are usually a few years old, but the aesthetic focuses on style classics that will never go out of fashion as well as 'it' accessories that are almost collector's items – not bad for 50 percent off the original retail price.

Renascence operates as a designer outlet online as well which is a great indication of what season and designers they've recently received. But not all stock will be uploaded online so a trip to the boutique will reveal plenty more options.

Twice-annual sales see discounts extended to 70 or even 80 percent off. Stock arrives four to five times a year, but usually only one or two of each piece, so follow Renascence on Instagram to keep up to date on new arrivals as well as upcoming sales.

Best for Attainable Luxury: Kilver Court Designer Village

Come to Kilver Court for the Mulberry Factory Shop, stay for Joseph, Hill & Friends, Chinti & Parker, Toast and MiH Jeans. The Somerset location boasts an edit of luxurious, yet attainably-priced fashion brands which make a visit here a worthwhile investment (a weekend away in Somerset is always a good idea).

As well as menswear and homeware retailers including Sophie Conran and Joseph Joseph, there's a beautiful garden and plant nursery plus workshops and masterclasses run throughout the year, so the whole family should be entertained.

Best for High Street Staples: London Designer Outlet

If you have a child or teenager to dress you know the pain of paying full-price for the fashion brands they deem acceptable only for it to be stained, left on the Tube, or grown out of in no time at all.

The high street heavy brand list at London Designer Outlet is a great way to ease that pain, with brands such as Levi's, Nike, Adidas, Gap, Lee, Converse, Vans and H&M offering up to 70 percent off all year round. There's also a cinema and plenty of restaurants to make it into a real family day out.

Close to Wembley Stadium, you may want to avoid match days and events for a more relaxing shopping experience. Or, if you're browsing on the way to a match or concert, you can leave your shopping at guest services to collect later, or get it delivered to your home with the Dropit App.

Best for The Man In Your Life: Paul Smith Sale Shop

Socks, shirts, suits and stripes abound at Paul Smith's Mayfair Sale Store which only carries the brand's much-loved menswear. Discounts vary, but can go up to about 50 percent, which could be quite the saving on a suit or knitwear. Stock is delivered three times a week, so be sure to ask if they have anything new in the stock room if you can't see something you like.

Strategically plan a visit in the lead up to Father's Day, a loved-one's birthday or simply stock up for Christmas presents if you're in the area. Paul Smith is a brand known for certain design signatures – stripes, bright optic patterns, tailoring – but as it's not a slave to trends it means that items don't really date.

Best for Online Shopping Addicts: The Outnet

Budget-conscious shoppers would do well to bookmark The Outnet, the secondary site of power player Net-a-porter. With a steady stream of new arrivals from brands such as Victoria Beckham, Marni, Rag & Bone and Stella McCartney as well as its own brand Iris & Ink collection of trend-led wardrobe staples.

Struggling with too much choice? Clever categories will help you narrow your search - think gowns, cocktail & party, activewear and beachwear - while themed boutiques including wedding (both guest and bridal), knitwear and vacation provide excellent sources of inspiration. Then whittle your options down further by size, colour and price to ensure you find something just right.

Best for Contemporary Cool

For some shoppers even the heftiest discounts won't bring designer pieces into their price range, but that doesn't mean outlet shopping is off the cards entirely. Take the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Ashford for instance, which has recently reopened after a £90million program of expansion and improvement.

There's a fashion-forward bent to new stores including Sandro, Maje and Coach, while firm favourites such as Mint Velvet, Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein Jeans, Dr Marten's and Levi's ensure that you can stock up on premium clothing at a purse-friendly price.