The Austrian fashion sense is characterized by a mix of elegance and functionality. But the latest trends also find their way into the wardrobes at home. If you are looking for trendy styles, you should know when and where to go shopping.
When to go shopping?
Seasonal sales: As in many countries, there are seasonal sales in Austria. These usually take place in July/August (summer collection) and January/February (winter collection). Here you can get real bargains, but you may have to expect a reduced selection. It is best to take advantage right at the start of the sales, when the selection is still the largest. If you love bargain hunting, you can also go at the end of the season, when the discounts can be even higher, but the selection is likely to be limited.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday: These originally American shopping events have also taken hold in Austria. On the fourth Friday in November (Black Friday) and the following Monday (Cyber Monday), many online shops and retailers offer discounts on various items, including clothing. Find out about the offers of your favorite brands in advance and compare prices to get the best deals. But also keep in mind that demand can be particularly high on these days and there could be delays in delivery.
Mid-Season Sales: Some stores also hold special promotions with discounts on clothing outside of the end-of-season sales. Look out for posters, window decorations or online announcements so you don’t miss these sales. Such promotions often take place at the change of season, for example in May/June or October/November.
Where to shop for trendy clothing?
Flagship stores of international brands: Vienna and other larger cities in Austria are home to flagship stores of top international brands such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Here you are guaranteed to find the latest collections straight from the catwalk. However, keep in mind that prices in these stores will usually be the highest.
Department stores and shopping centers: Austria offers a variety of department stores and shopping centers that bring together a wide selection of brands and boutiques under one roof. Well-known examples are the Galeria Kaufhof branches, the Shopping Center Nord in Vienna, or the Shopping City Süd in Vösendorf. Here you can easily compare different brands and find your personal style.
Independent boutiques: In larger cities and tourist areas you will also find independent boutiques that often offer locally produced clothing or clothing created by up-and-coming designers. Browse the alleys of Vienna, Salzburg or Graz and discover unique one-off pieces that will make your look stand out from the crowd. In addition to clothing, many of these boutiques also offer accessories and local souvenirs.
Outlet centers: Austria also has a few outlet centers such as the Designer Outlet Salzburg or the Parndorf Outlet Center. Here you can find branded items from previous seasons at reduced prices. However, be selective and only buy clothes that really suit your style and that you will wear for a long time.
Online shops: There are numerous online shops in Austria that sell clothes from both international and Austrian brands. Look for trustworthy shops with secure payment methods and a return policy. Popular online shops in Austria are Zalando, Wehkamp, Ludwig Beck and Peek & Cloppenburg.
Additional tips for trend-conscious shoppers:
Get informed online: Before you go shopping, research the latest trends online. Look around the websites of your favorite brands or fashion blogs and get inspired. This way you can shop specifically and avoid making bad purchases.
Compare prices: Use price comparison portals on the Internet to find the best deals. Pay attention not only to the price, but also to the quality of the clothes and the shipping costs.
Set a budget: Set a budget before shopping and stick to it. It is better to save up for a few high-quality items of clothing that you can wear for a long time, rather than buying lots of cheap items that quickly go out of fashion.
Pay attention to quality: invest in high-quality materials such as cotton, linen or wool. These items of clothing
