Save or Splurge: 5 Popular Luxury Items & Their Affordable Dupes
Is it just me, or have dupes completely lost their “taboo” status? Because not that long ago, anything resembling a designer lookalike felt almost forbidden in the luxury fashion space. The community was simply not having it. But now? Even the most OG bloggers are casually sharing dupes across Instagram and YouTube like it’s no big deal. So what has changed?
Is it the fact that prices at major fashion houses have reached borderline unbelievable levels? Or maybe it’s the growing conversation around quality not always matching those sky-high price tags? Honestly, it’s probably a mix of both—and a shift in mindset. Fashion, in recent years, has become less about strict rules and more about personal style, smart shopping, and knowing where to invest versus where to save.
Because here’s the thing: dupes today are good. Like, really good. We’re talking elevated materials, near-identical silhouettes, and that same effortless, put-together vibe—without the financial guilt. Basically, at this point, choosing a dupe isn’t about “settling,” it’s about being savvy. Ahead, the 5 Popular Designer Items today and their affordable counterparts.
1. Chanel 25
Lusting after Chanel’s latest 25 Bag? Well, perhaps there’s no need to spend those $6,400 for the Small 25 (yep, that’s how much the bag retails for currently), because Tory Burch’s dupe is basically just as good, featuring the same, trendy hobo silhouette with a drawstring closure and a long shoulder strap. And the price? Just $550 + tax.
2. The Row Margaux Bag
If you were one of those people dying to get their hands on The Row Margaux Bag last year, here’s a great dupe for you: Monorow’s Blanc Bag. Produced by a Korean indie brand, Monorow, this tote bag features a nearly identical silhouette to the Margaux and the price starts at right around $200. I mean, I think this is a really good option considering that the design of the Margaux bag isn’t really that unique.
More The Row Margaux bag dupes here.
3. Hermès Mini Kelly
Basically every it-girl on the block currently owns a Mini Kelly. But the true question is, is it really a smart thing to do to go spend $20,000 on a mini bag? Trends shift, and soon the Mini Kelly may start losing its value on the resale market due to people eventually shifting to other, trendier bags. So, why not get a dupe instead? Tory Burch’s Lee Radziwiłł in mini size delivers the same cutesy look and comes at just a fraction of the cost.
4. Cartier Panthere Watch
A lot of Cartier’s items can be considered a good investment, there’s no doubt. But spending thousands of dollars on a watch with a quartz movement (a.k.a. a battery inside), I don’t think is a good one. I mean, sure, look-wise, the Cartier Panthere Watch is absolutely stunning. But considering that you can get the same look for less at Sekonda with their viral Monica watch, is it really a good buy? Btw, a lot of it-girls on the socials seem to be really enjoying Sekonda’s dupe!
Saint Laurent Jeanne Slingback Pumps
Arguably the most popular pair of heels among the it-girls right now are the Saint Laurent Jeanne’s. But do you really need to spend $1,550 plus tax on a pair of shoes when JW Pei’s Savannah slingback pumps deliver the same trendy look with the gold tip and come at just a fraction of the cost? $129 to be exact.
What do you think about these dupes? Would you consider them good alternatives for the luxury items above? Let’s chat in the comments!
