I went on a gloomy Tuesday afternoon – the kind of rainy, end-of-summer day that makes you want to wrap up in something cosy.
It felt like the perfect excuse to refresh my wardrobe with some autumn staples: pieces I know I’ll re-wear, that will last me right through until the warm weather finally returns (maybe summer 2026 at this rate).
Outlet Shopping at the O2. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
Outlet Shopping at the O2 was my destination of choice.
With up to 70 per cent off RRP across more than 60 brands, I knew I’d find some gems.
Before diving in, I took a full lap around the dome to get my bearings – the space is huge, with restaurants, immersive gaming, a cinema, and of course the legendary 20,000-seat arena that’s hosted everything from world-class concerts to sporting events.
My first stop was my holy trinity of sports stores: Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
Shops inside the O2 Arena. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
I was on the hunt for a dependable jumper.
After almost talking myself into a full Nike tracksuit, I went for a gorgeous blue jumper instead – originally £37.99, but with an extra 30 per cent off it came to just over £24.
The tracksuit was tempting, but the jumper came home with me.The tracksuit was tempting, but the jumper came home with me. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
It’s soft, comfy, and already on heavy rotation for work-from-home days and weekend walks.
Adidas tempted me with their iconic Sambas, but since my trainer collection is already at breaking point, I moved on in search of something a little different.
That’s when I found them: the most stunning leather brown boots in Next.
The Next leather boots I took home for me. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
They were £33.99 down from £85, and somehow, the only pair left was in my size.
It felt like a Cinderella moment.
After that lucky find, I wandered upstairs and popped into Whittard (their new pumpkin-spiced teas and coffees are autumn in a cup) and Holland & Barrett, where I made a mental note to stock up on vitamins before the inevitable winter bugs arrive.
Whittard’s ‘fall’ flavours. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
Then I spotted Jack Wills tucked away in a corner – a brand I hadn’t stepped into since the One Direction days (if you know, you know), am I’m so glad I did.
I stumbled across the dreamiest teddy fleece-lined aviator jacket, with a brown leather exterior, for just £29.
My new Jack Wills aviator jacket. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
These jackets are bound to be huge again for AW25/26, so I’m thrilled I nabbed one early.
Definitely my bargain of the day.
To round things off, I browsed some of my other favourites: Clarins, Bedeck, Le Creuset, and All Good Things (a treasure trove of discounted designer dresses).
Clarins store in the O2. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
My final stop was Carvela, which is always a highlight for me.
Inside the Carvela store. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
Their bags are bold, playful, and beautifully designed – and this time, one in particular caught my eye.
A brown handbag with a cosy fur trim, just the right size for all my work essentials.
My Autumn handbag (Image: Poppy Huggett)
At £109 (down from nearly £150), it was my priciest buy of the day, but hands-down my favourite.
It ties all my new autumn pieces together perfectly – I’ve already worn the boots, jacket, and bag together and felt amazing.
All in all, my O2 outlet shopping trip was even better than I expected.
The centre is spotless, the bargains are genuinely impressive, and the whole experience feels so much more enjoyable than a typical shopping centre dash.
I can’t believe I picked up an aviator jacket for less than what Tesco is charging – proof that the O2 really is a hidden gem for seasonal wardrobe updates.