Find out how to invest in designer luxury without the designer price tag…

Millennials are often characterised as the generation who are most reluctant to invest in designer brands. But new research looks set to prove that young people are actually more keen than ever to splash the cash on luxury investment pieces, with a recent report by Deloitte finding that over 70% of UK youngsters were “very interested” in high-end designer fashion.

But designer goods don’t come cheap — especially famous big-ticket names and luxury accessories like jewellery and handbags. If you’re in the market for a style overhaul but your budget’s more Primark than Prada, then look no further. We’ve shared four of our top tips for finding designer goods at a fraction of the cost. You’re welcome!

Try an online outlet

Online outlets offer designer brands at reduced rates. They’re easier to navigate than thrift shops and cut-price retailers like TK Maxx as you won’t have to hunt through racks of clothes to find a bargain. Check out Luxysale, where you can find a range of designer goods from other retailers with huge markdowns.

Shop high-street and sister collections

Your favourite designer probably has an affordable sister range already, and you didn’t even know it. Take a look at Marc by Marc Jacobs, or REDValentino, which offer cheaper designs and are available in a number of high-street department stores, as well as online.

You can find top designers in certain high-street stores, too. Big names sometimes collaborate with retailers to create a line of couture-inspired designs at high-street prices. Look out for ERDEM’s collaboration with H&M, appearing in shops this month. But don’t hang around, as previous collaborations have sold out in a matter of days!

Borrow a bargain

If investing in a new designer item is totally beyond your current budget, then consider borrowing instead. Sites like Girl Meets Dress allow you to rent out high-end dresses and accessories worth thousands for as little as £29 a day. It’s an especially good idea if you’re looking for something to wear on a special occasion, meaning you don’t have to splash out on a pricey gown you’ll probably never wear again.

You could also use renting services to give luxury items a trial run to see how you like them before deciding whether to commit to the full purchase. No more buyer’s regret!

Shop second-hand luxury

Thought you were too broke to wear diamonds or a designer watch? Think again. Shopping for pre-owned luxury goods is a thrifty way to get your hands on high-quality jewellery for less than half the original price. Est.1897 offers preowned watches by top brands like Cartier, Rolex and Omega, for much less than the cost of a new timepiece. Plus, a watch or a top-quality piece of jewellery can be styled with a range of different outfits and worn every day, meaning it’s excellent value in the long term.

So, if you’re looking to snag a high-end fashion bargain, then these budget-friendly ideas are a great place to start. Take our tips on board, and soon you’ll be sporting designer gear for a fraction of the cost…