Fashion happens quickly—and slowly. Trends tend to come and go lickety-split, but the road to high street can be agonizingly slow. Years ago, high-end runway looks often took months—or even seasons—to trickle down to accessible price points. And while there may still be a bit of a lag, today, retailers like Amazon often offer a treasure trove of designer dupes: inexpensive pieces that mimic the silhouette, hardware, or vibe of luxury designer staples. From Van Cleef jewelry dupes to Lululemon hoodie alternatives and Prada bag lookalikes, these affordable fashion finds won’t replicate heritage materials or carry the same brand cachet, but dupes can help you play with trending styles and score the designer look you want without the full luxe price tag.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up accessible dupes for a few of our favorite buzzy designer items—including KHAITE cardigans, Chanel ballet flats, and Burberry barn jackets—so you can embrace the latest fashion trends without compromising your financial goals for the foreseeable future.
Van Cleef Bracelet
The iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet is what designer jewelry dreams are made of, but that price tag will likely set you back a few mortgage payments—yes, mortgage payments. This Alhambra dupe on Amazon, however, is an excellent pinch hit. It’s gold-plated stainless steel and may show wear over time, but with a little care (minimal water, perfumes), it makes for a fun, affordable stand-in.
Lululemon’s Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie
Lululemon’s Scuba hoodie is one every wish list this year because it’s plush and roomy with that lived-in luxe feel we love so much. But the $128 price tag may not spark such good vibes. Enter The Gym People’s Half Zip Long Sleeve Fleece Hoodie. This dupe is a 50/50 cotton-poly blend instead of Lululemon’s proprietary fleece, but fans are still raving about it. Priced under $20 for Black Friday, this dupe is a fantastic swap and every bit as cozy for road trips, long flights, and weekend coffee runs.
KHAITE Scarlet Cardigan
With a luxurious knit and precise shaping, KHAITE’s Scarlet cardigan has recently set the internet aflame. Unfortunately, it comes with a price tag to match. Personally, I love this silhouette, so I went dupe shopping and came up with this fab find: Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Structured Cardigan. While dupes typically downgrade the fabric in their proxies, Quince offers cashmere at an affordable price point. And if $160 is still too steep, Amazon offers this “dupier dupe.”
Prada Bonnie Handbag
The Prada Bonnie bag features clean lines, a compact shoulder shape, and major Y2K energy. No wonder it has spawned countless Amazon alternatives. Obviously, these dupes will come with minimal hardware and faux leather, but that’s good enough for a season. If you’re looking for a dupe on Tod’s take on this retro bag, the Empire Bag from Coach is dangerously close.
Knotted Earrings
Knotted earrings are everywhere this year, and Anine Bing’s triple knot iteration is polished perfection. And like everything else, dupes are everywhere. We found these beauties on Amazon for a fraction of the price. You’ll find sculptural, chunky knot styling for less than $10, and we suspect the gold plating is gentle enough for sensitive ears, too.
Barrel Leg Jeans
With a contemporary update on straight/wide silhouettes, Barrel-leg jeans are the denim “it girl” this year, and you know what that means— dupes, dupes, and more dupes. My internet shopping excursion led me to these Barrel Leg Jeans from Sidefeel. Based on the reviews, they look like a great way to try the shape without committing to premium denim. When shopping online, just be sure to check measurements and model photos so you can gauge how they sit on your calves and where they hit your ankle.
Barn Jackets
If you’ve been reading Modern South for a while, then you know Barn Jackets are having a moment. While Burberry sent countryside-chic versions down the runway this year, Amazon has lookalikes that deliver the same vibe without pulling as hard on your purse strings. For instant Americana, pair it with jeans, a sweater, and boots.
Ballet Flats
For the 25/26 season, Chanel is breathing new life into ballet flats (do they ever go out of style, though?) and Mary Janes. To get in on the trend for a fraction of the cost, try Sam Edelman’s take on gold and black, the Marley Ballet Flat. Incidentally, I’m a huge Sam Edelman fan. The brand’s Hazel pump is probably the most comfy pump I’ve ever worn, so I suspect these ballet flats should keep your tootsies happy.
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