At least, that was the original premise of the so-called stock sales. The reason the event has gotten so many different titles lately, is that others have joined in. Now, you can also buy stocks and samples from agencies that distribute high-end or commercial brands in Belgium.

Agents typically have to buy the sample collection they work with to sell to retailers and often can't return the pieces to the brand's headquarters afterwards. That's why they are keen to sell them to fashion lovers blessed with a size small enough to fit in them (usually a 36, sometimes smaller, rarely larger). This means getting your hands on clothes that won't appear in the racks for another five to six months: the ultimate fashion première.

However, since the word "outlet" is not an invective anymore - we have the financial crisis to thank for that - designers, distributors and the likes are not afraid to send their stock to specialised boutiques. Depot Pierre in Mol (www.depotpierre.be) has a close relationship with several designers and sells only brand new clothes from their stocks or sample collections. The best news? It's open all year through. So are Labels Inc and Rosier41 (www. rosier41.be) in Antwerp, which both sell a mix of new stock and high-quality designer second-hand clothes.

It's still worth dropping by the Fashion Days as well. Especially now that the city of Antwerp has decided to make a couple of locations available to young and up-and- coming designers in this period. Lore Ongenae, Jo De Visscher, Abelone Wilhelmsen, Dalas&Vegas and Frieda Degeyter will showcase their work at shops in the Nieuwe Gaanderij.

You can pick up a handy map that points you in the direction of all the best sales at the Flanders Fashion Institute (28 Nationalestraat) or the tourist oce (13 Grote Markt). Remember: bring cash, and keep a straight a face when people strip down to their undies in front of you to try on clothes. All is fair in love and fashion.

Calendar of sample and stock sales
Antwerp
Anna Heylen · 19-23 October, 13.00-18.00 16 Lombardenstraat

Christoph Broich & Sandro Faber · 20-23 & 27-30 October, 10.00-18.00 Red Fish Factory, 139 Helmstraat

Dries Van Noten · 20-24 October, 13.00-18.00 36 Godefriduskaai

AF Vandevorst · 20-23 October, 10.00-18.00 8 Indiëstraat

Tim Van Steenbergen · 20-23 October, 10.00-18.00 18 Wijngaardstraat, Antwerp

Ann Demeulemeester & Haider Achermann · 20-21 & 23 October, from 10.00 (closing times vary) BVBA 32/unit 4, 55 Oude Baan, Antwerp

Bruno Pieters · 20-24 & 27-31 October, 10.00-18.00 2 Aalmoezenierstraat, Antwerp

PHV Agency · 21-22 October, 10.00-18.00 68 Paardenmarkt, Antwerp Brands such as Maliparmi, Szen, GX2, Pedro garcia and Tila March

Belchique designer vintage winter sale · 21-24 October, times vary 60 Graaf van Egmontstraat, Antwerp
Fresh Clothing · 21-24 October, 12.00-18.00 5 Stijfselstraat, Antwerp Brands such as Sessùn, Iro, Junk de Luxe and Bobi

Fashion Club 70 · 27 October, 10.00-18.00 Fashion Club 70, Ijzerlaan 54/56, Antwerp (register beforehand at http://sales.fashionclub70.be) With stock and samples from brands such as Pinko, Liu Jo, 7 for all Mankind, Paul&Joe

Christian Wynants & Pelican Avenue · 28-30 October, 10.00-19.00 7 Marnixplaats, Antwerp

Elsewhere
Modemuseum Hasselt boutique sales · 23 October, 10.00-18.00 11 Gasthuisstraat, Hasselt With stock from designers such as Michael Verheyden, Stijn Helsen and Ti+Hann

Nothing to Wear? Brussels designers · 19-20 November, times vary Dansaert Area, check www.modobrussels.be