Any time I get a DHL delivery containing that iconic black ribbon box with my lovely new buy wrapped in black tissue paper, my heart sings. You might think given that I wax lyrical about being on a budget and how much consideration goes into my investment purchases that a Net-a-Porter delivery wouldn’t be a regular occurrence for me, but on the contrary.
You’d also be forgiven for thinking the brand synonymous with the likes of Bottega Veneta, Fendi and Jacquemus is only appropriate for those with huge amounts to spend every month, but it’s thanks to that assumption that the more affordable brands stocked on the site seem to go under the radar.
Alongside the likes of Nike and Veja, Skims, Le Specs and Birkenstock are all stocked on NAP, often with more stock, exclusive colour ways and that top-tier shopping and delivery service that comes with shopping luxury labels. Delivery is the same price and time frame as many high street labels, too, so it’s a no-brainer to add the site to your shopping bookmarks.
How to shop for cult affordable items on Net-a-Porter
I make great use of the wish list function, which allows you to save items to a clear list and be notified when they’re back in stock and it’s (all too) easy to add them to your basket. It comes in super handy when shopping for It trainers too: styles like New Balance 327s and Adidas Sambas sell out at the speed of light, but I’d argue NAP’s stock sticks around for longer since sneaker-heads head straight to trainer-specific retailers.
The price filter will also be your BFF. Swap it from ‘recommended’ to ‘low-to-high’ and you’ll be met with the most affordable options on offer.
A cheeky hack I regularly adopt is to order friends’ birthday gifts on NAP. By purchasing an accessory like earrings, a cap or sunglasses, they’ll come nicely wrapped in expensive-looking packaging for the same price I would spend otherwise.
Now that you’re armed with all the shopping tips, here are the Net-a-Porter buys to shop now…
The must-haves that’ll sell out ASAP
Skims bestselling styles don’t stay in stock for long, but every time I’ve purchased something new, it’s been through NAP. Similarly, Birkenstock Boston clogs – the shoe is having a moment, so the brand’s site is often out of stock in sizes 5-7, all of which NAP currently has available. I wouldn’t have spotted this Barbour x House of Hackney printed dress if it wasn’t for stalking the Net-a-Porter site, so by filtering low-to-high you can unearth some gems that are bound to sell out…
Read more on designer fashion buys:
- Designer investment buys: the best accessories to invest in, from Gucci bags to Celine belts
- 4 designer items I regret buying – and the ones I should have bought instead
- How to look expensive: 7 secret tips to looking luxe every day
The It trainers
You don’t need me to tell you that when you’re on the hunt for a pair of trainers that are currently trending on TikTok or Instagram (or worse, both) that you need to be speedy once your size is available. Veja Campos, Adidas Sambas and literally any pair from New Balance are like gold dust at the moment, but by adding them to your wish list, you’ll be notified of new stock alerts first. And I can guarantee a luxe packaging experience in comparison to the high street stockists.
The most stylish tops
NAP stocks a host of cool-girl labels like Ganni, Anine Bing and Sporty & Rich, so if you’re after an of-the-moment slogan top, it should be on your radar alongside the likes of ASOS. The NAP delivery cost and timeframe is speedier than those aforementioned brands own sites, so that, alongside being able to include other labels in your haul (home and beauty included) makes it a go-to for fun new season tops.
The cult accessories
French label The Frankie Shop and Australian brand Le Specs are two of the hottest accessory brands with price points closer to the high street than you may expect, so its no wonder they’re two of the most popular on the site. With buys under £70, they’re perfect if you’re after a last-minute gift (same day and next day delivery = a dream) or a spot of cheeky self-gifting in between paydays.