The Best Affordable Alternatives for Luxury Designer Items
Fashion is one of the most fabulous forms of self-expression. It offers limitless possibilities as a platform to illustrate your creativity and personality while giving you the confidence boost to take on anything.
Owning high-end designer pieces is the ultimate dream of every fashionista. Aside from the exquisiteness to elevate every possible look, most luxury brands are also known for exceptional quality that lasts for years making them investment-worthy pieces. Nevertheless, if you’re in a season in your life where you still cannot afford them, don’t let it hold you back from having fun and exploring the exciting world of fashion.
It’s possible to look stylish and runway-worthy without breaking the bank. When looking for alternatives to your favorite designer brands, skip counterfeit items that claim to be the original minus the hefty price tag because they are illegal. Instead, declutter your home from cheap-looking counterfeits and be on the lookout for affordable, decent-quality design twins from underrated brands.
Here are some of our favorite splurge vs. steal examples
Steve Madden Lando Loafers ($99) vs. Gucci Lug Sole Loafer ($1,150)
If you want to hop on the chunky loafer bandwagon, get these sleek shoes from Steve Madden. It closely resembles Gucci’s Lug Sole Horsebit Loafers, which costs $1,100. An excellent choice of footwear if you want to look posh and polished with whatever you’re wearing — including skinny jeans, leather leggings, skirts, or prairie-core dresses.
Mango Leather Biker Jacket ($199.99) vs. Saint Laurent Motorbike Jacket ($5,653)
This biker jacket is the perfect alternative to Saint Laurent’s lambskin motorcycle jacket at only a fraction of the cost. Mango’s version features 100% Nappa leather, 100% ovine leather, and asymmetrical zips, and is part of their Committed Collection. Perfect for jeans, dresses, sneakers, or sky-high heels for an edgy, rocker-chick look. But if you’re looking for ones that can be worn all year long, you can check these elegantly-designed packable down jackets and vests by Cotes of London
Santos De Cartier Sunglasses ($1,195) vs. Forever21 Oversized Square Sunglasses ($5.52)
Whether you want to add a subtle pop of color to your monochromatic ensembles or channel hot girl summer, tinted sunglasses will do the trick. These sunnies from Forever21 are an absolute steal for their pocket-friendly price versus Cartier’s.
ZARA Mini Crossbody Bag ($49) vs Dior Medium Bobby Bag ($3,500)
If you’re dreaming of this calfskin black box bag from Dior but the budget is tight, you may opt for high-street brands, like Zara! This is an excellent piece to keep up with the latest fashion trends while you’re still saving up for your dream luxury designer handbags. Zara’s faux leather crossbody bag with a gold-plated metal flap is a versatile piece that can work for day-to-night outfits.
And there you have it! True-to-heart fashionistas will always find ways to get the best alternative pieces that are nowhere near the cost of luxury ones.
Thank you to my guest contributor, Jade Piper.
Have a great day!