People say money can’t buy happiness, but I’m inclined to disagree.
With my current bank account, I certainly can’t afford the lavish Chanel resort collection (which is already sold out in New York) or the latest, sweet-as-a-cupcake Dior line created by Jonathan Anderson or other in-vogue runway creations.
The devil may wear Prada, but the rest of us need something a bit more affordable.
While there’s a time and place to splurge on an edgy Saint Laurent Icare quilted tote or an iconic Ralph Lauren Americana sweater, there’s also a time to embrace the dupe (sorry, Ralph!).
Designer items are coveted for a reason: their high quality and limited quantities make them deeply desirable, especially when celebrities and magazines showcase just how luxe they look. However, you can easily elevate your wardrobe by mixing high-low pieces, pairing a designer splurge with a lookalike that feels just as premium. After all, designer dupes are everywhere…if you know where to look.
While there are sites dedicated to exact replicas, like DHGate and AliExpress, navigating the legal and ethical issues of buying carbon copies isn’t always worth the risk. Instead, you can find incredible high-street alternatives right under your nose.
Below are a few major scores we’ve found to help you feel just as chic for a whole lot less. After all, true style is about how you wear it, not the label on the tag.
Pros:
- Sustainable 100% organic cotton yarn provides excellent breathability
- Machine-washable cotton construction allows for incredibly easy maintenance and everyday wear compared to delicate wool or cashmere
Cons:
- Pure cotton lacks the natural elasticity of wool blends, which means it can stretch out faster
Polo Ralph Lauren is known for its Americana theme, American flag sweaters, and adorable knits. Get almost the same look for only $49.90 through Quince, where it’s 100% organic cotton available in sizes extra small through extra large.
Pros:
- This bag is available in three colors
- Arrives with fast, free shipping for Amazon Prime members
- There is a magnetic closure that keeps this bag shut from prying eyes
Cons:
- No logo is listed on the side and lacks the stitched folds Polène offers
This bag shape is the latest trend of 2026, and right now, Polène is all the rage in France. If you pass a store or a section of a department store where this is carried, you will find a line out the door. I found an identical lookalike on Amazon for $59.99.
Pros:
- The slim and low-profile case sits comfortably against the wrist and easily slides under jacket cuffs or tight shirt sleeves without catching
- Water resistance allowing hand washing, rain and splashing to occur
Cons:
- It does not have real diamonds or exquisite gemstones on the watch face like the Cartier
Similar to the Cartier Panthère de Cartier collection, Fossil has created a similar collection called the Fossil Raquel Watch Collection that is equally elegant, sans the expensive diamond-encrusted watch face and real gold.
Pros:
- Leather can be polished
- Easy to wipe clean
- Added height with this rubber platform sole
Cons:
- The zipper can sometimes catch on the tracks
If you’re looking for a boot that feels like The Row, Steve Madden nailed it. This boot comes in sizes 5 through 14 and zips up the front in a very fashionable, cool girl sort of way. One of our fashion editors on Page 6 wears these boots on the daily, and I’d swear she was wearing The Row if I didn’t know better.
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors at Quince
- Comes in sizes XS through XL
- 365-day easy returns and free shipping
Cons:
- Cashmere may pill faster than the Jenni Kayne
The most striking feature of this Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan is its unique silhouette, highlighted by dramatic bell sleeves. Quince created an incredibly similar version crafted from luxurious Mongolian cashmere that mirrors this exact structured look. Theory and Reformation have similar sweaters, but Quince beats them all with a low price of $159.
Pros:
- An incredibly generous 365-day return policy gives you a full year to change your mind
- Protective metal feet on the bottom of the bag keep the leather cleaner
Cons:
- The pebbled leather may arrive slightly stiff out of the box and require regular use over time to develop a softer, slouchier shape
Former creative director Jonathan Anderson made Loewe (pronounced loh-WEH-vay) a highly coveted brand in our fashion arsenal over the last decade, transforming its Puzzle bag into an icon. While you cannot replicate that exact luxury quality, you can capture the same look with the Italian Leather Patchwork Crossbody from Quince
Pros:
- The 1.5-inch heel provides a comfortable lift
- Free shipping and free returns online or at any Nordstrom store make trying them on completely risk-free
Cons:
- The leather quality and craftsmanship will not be the same as Bottega Veneta
No need to lug out to the outlet mall for a great deal on designer items when you can get a dupe.
The stunning Bottega Veneta tall Chelsea lug boots are an investment, and if you’re up for it, they are still sold on the site for $1,450. However, should you want to save some cash for the rest of the items on this list, check out the AllSaints chic combat boot for $319. Still on the high end but not in the thousands.
Pros:
- An adjustable buckle ankle strap allows you to customize the fit around your heel
- The lookalike is only a 2.5-inch kitten heel, which is actually more comfortable than the 4-inch Valentino
Cons:
- The stiff nature of patent leather often requires a painful breaking-in period around the toes before the material softens up
While this is most definitely a Chinese brand, it may offer the same comfort level that any heel can provide. This affordable strap-on has the look and feel of the classic Valentino Kidskin Pump and is available in sizes 5 through 13.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post’s office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from designer launches, sales and dupes to the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to luxurious silk pajama brands, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
