Outlet centers have lately gained a rep for palming off flopped trends at puny discounts. But for dressy men’s clothes, their stuff is generally as au courant as what’s new in the shops, and it’s often a lot cheaper. If you’re looking to stock up in one swoop, it’s worth a hike to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, where prices are usually 25 to 65 percent off retail and even lower during seasonal sales (now, for instance). Far from the cattle call at Manhattan discounters, you’ll also find efficient service and plenty of fitting rooms (and, yes, a food court). A recent trip to outfit one of the Street’s closet label junkies uncovered these deals.
Alfred Dunhill: Many ties, $19 (retail, from $95); sterling-and-enamel cuff links, $69 (retail, $230); suede-lined briefcase, $459 (retail, $1,750).
Donna Karan: Donna Karan New York cashmere sweaters, $99.95 (retail, $395); Donna Karan Signature suits in black or navy wool, $300 (retail, $795).
Gianni Versace: Stylish suits in fabrics like a gray wool, $281 (retail, $1,123), or a wool-and-mohair blend, $323.50 (retail, $1,293). Dress shirts, including a covered-placket style, $78 (retail, $311).
Giorgio Armani: Spring-weight suits like a Black Label cotton style, $884.25 (retail, $1,815), or a “Classico” linen suit, $537.75 (retail, $1,305). A shawl-collar tux is $975 (retail, $2,000).
Gucci: Great deals in limited sizes: a gray wool-and-mohair suit, $769 (retail, $1,920); loafers with silver snaffle, $239 (retail, $355).
Hugo Boss: Trench coats, $164.50 (retail, $510); dress shirts, $59 (retail, up to $195). Suits like a chalk-stripe cashmere-and-wool, $891.75 (retail, $1,775), or a Prince of Wales, $434.25 (retail, $900).
Johnston & Murphy: Brown cap-toe lace-ups, $129.90 (retail, $245).
Polo Ralph Lauren: Ralph by Ralph Lauren tropical-wool pinstripe suits, $99.99 (retail, $450); For casual days: classic sport coats, $99.99 (retail, up to $495).
Prada: Navy two-button suits, $968 (retail, $1,730). Selected dress shirts, $156 (retail, $280); black leather lace-up dress shoes, $172 (retail, $430).
To Boot: Modernized classic shoes include black loafers or lug-sole ankle boots, $89.90 (retail, $175) or cap-toed lace-ups, $179.90 (retail, $275).
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York State Thruway, Exit 16 (914-928-4000). Accessible from Port Authority Bus Terminal by ShortLine bus (800-631-8405; $33 for round-trip ticket and discount booklet).
Picks of the Week
Maria Turgeon’s chic, classic bags in nylon, leather, and faux python sell at stores like Takashimaya, Bendel’s, and Saks for $70-$270. At the sample sale, a huge selection of seasonless styles is half off: from $25 for cosmetics bags that double as evening clutches to $80 for roomy, black leather shoulder bags to $95 for overnight styles. 153 W. 27th St., Suite 807 (229-0077); cash only; Wed.-Fri. 10-6; 3/24-3/26.
Girly NYC’s bright, too-pretty-to-hide frilly underthings usually sell at stores like TG-170 and Anna Sui. At the showroom, they’re now half-price: tap pants are $15, frilly camisole-and-panty sets are $20, slips are $15-$20 – and all make great bridal-shower gifts. Sizes S-M. 22 E. 17th St., Suite 736 (463-9399); cash only; Fri. 2-7, Sat. 10-6; 3/26-3/27.
Tribeca Potters’ handmade earthenware and ceramic sculpture usually turns up at places like Barneys, Bendel’s, and the Guggenheim Museum Store, but at the studio, it’s all 50 to 70 percent cheaper. Wedding-worthy gifts include platters ($25-$40), teapots ($20-$40), and pitchers ($20-$40). For yourself, imperfect and discontinued stuff is $1-$15. 443 Greenwich St., second floor (431-7631); A.E., M.C., V., checks; Mon.-Sun. 11-6; 3/26-4/11.
ALWAYS A DEAL
Fur Love, Not Money
Ready to clear your closet for spring? Start by relegating prized sable coats, mink capes, and even cashmeres to the care of the storage experts at Harry Kirshner & Son. For a mere $25 (instead of $50 and up at other reputable spots), they’ll examine the garment, recommend necessary cleaning and repairs, and send it to their warehouse in New Jersey (the same one Bloomingdale’s uses) for the summer. Extras include cleaning (from $35, and, contrary to common wisdom, not always appropriate), repairs ($25 and up), and pickup or delivery ($10). 307 Seventh Ave., near 27th St., fourth floor (243-4847).