Outlet shopping has suffered its unfair share of negative bias for long enough, but if we’re honest, we really don’t understand why.

Luxury labels and big name brands with up to 60% off? Your fave high street stores at pound-saving prices? And all under the same proverbial roof? Frankly, what’s not to love? And, dare we mention it, in the current doom and gloom of the economic climate, it’s one of the most sensible ways to shop, too.

And so it was that we took a trip to the UK’s largest – and Europe’s first – designer outlet, Cheshire Oaks, to put it to the trend test and see whether we could snap up some seriously stylish garbs for the season.

Since opening in 1995 as part of the McArthurGlen group (Europe’s leader in designer outlet retailing), Cheshire Oaks attracts 8.5 million visitors a year – something tells us those savvy shoppers know they’re onto a good thing – to its 145 stores.

And what do you know, with 1.2 miles of style, the ample stock that’s been expertly-selected to work with the season is especially impressive (and amazingly affordable).

We hunted out the hottest 10 items for winter, from classic coats to crepe-soled shoes, that we reckon will knock your lurex Falke socks off. See below for our pick of must-have pieces (you won’t believe they’re from an outlet, either).

Nicole Farhi Chunky Wool Monochrome Jumper.

Carvela Suede Berry Lace Up Shoes, £91 (RRP £130).

French Connection Fast Lucky Lace Dress, Outlet £84.

Ted Baker Damask Print Hard Clutch, Outlet £59 (RRP £89).

LK Bennett Black and Grey Tweed Jacket, Outlet £110 (RRP £165).

Nicole Farhi Camel Wrap Neck Coat, Outlet £715.

Hobbs Black Patent Croc Print Brogues, Outlet £99 (RRP £149).

Ted Baker Lace Detail Leather Top.

Reiss Sheer Lurex Shirt, Outlet £59 (RRP £129).

Osprey Crocodile Print Tan Bag, Outlet £125.

Visit mcarthurglen.com for more.