The idea that one's style is improved by how much money they spend is a myth we'd like to bust right this moment. In fact, we'd argue that seeing the potential in thriftier items makes one a more creative (not to mention financially shrewd) shopper.
That said, some higher-end pieces have cemented themselves as fashion favorites for a reason. They're timeless, versatile and, to many, worth the steep investment. But not all of us can afford these name brand finds — that's why we went in search of affordable alternatives, and Amazon's got 'em in spades. A $500 Coach tote look-alike for less than $30? Sign us up. A comfy sweatshirt that looks like Lulu for under $40? Yes, please.
Spring is just around the corner, so why not freshen up your wardrobe with new bags, clothes and accessories that resemble their splurgey cousins without the sky-high price tag? Your wallet will thank us — er, you.
The sought-after Hermes Birkin is an undeniable style icon — but it can cost upward of $10,000 (if not much, much more). This vegan leather bag, on the other hand, is one that shoppers say resembles its exorbitant counterpart for a steal. The structured shape makes it a sophisticated option for wearing to work or out to a nice restaurant, and its many inner pockets allow for orderly stashing.
"I absolutely ADORE this bag," swooned a savvy saver. "It's a great size (not too big or too small), has so many compartments to organize your essentials, looks so chic and classy (a bunch of people thought it was a Birkin) and I have gotten so many compliments!"
The "rich mom" trend is popping up everywhere and refers to a timeless, effortlessly put-together aesthetic that looks luxurious and expensive but doesn't necessarily have to break the bank. Case in point: this chic sweatshirt, the epitome of "chic mom running errands" attire. Many reviewers compare it to the popular Lululemon Scuba, which retails for $118 (over three times the price of this No. 1 bestseller).
"Great quality," raved a satisfied shopper. "So soft and comfy. Rivals Lululemon for a fraction of the price. Highly recommend."
Few people embody the "rich mom" aesthetic like Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards — and while the Bravolebrity can afford to shell out for designer duds and accessories, she called out this wallet-friendly find during an Amazon Live broadcast.
"Love, love, love this bag, guys!" she exclaims, adding, "It is really, really beautiful and fits a lot of stuff. … I have an actual Bottega bag like this in suede." (Bottega handbags retail for thousands of dollars.)
Not only is it spacious enough to hold a laptop, it also comes with a little clutch for storing your keys, lipstick, phone and other on-the-go items.
Attending any spring weddings? Having a good set of shapewear can help smooth things out under your outfit, and shoppers say this seamless, medium-compression bodysuit gives Skims a run for its money — literally and figuratively. For reference, a similar style from the name brand retails for $72.
"I have this bodysuit and the Skims bodysuit," shared a fan. "They look and feel identical, even after multiple washes. I honestly prefer this one over the Skims because it is tighter and makes my waist look smaller."
Your feet do a lot for you — they get you from point A to point B, help stabilize your body, allow you to wear fabulous shoes ... and on that note, why not treat 'em to a cozy pair of boots that many Amazon shoppers consider an Uggs look-alike?
With a faux fur lining and suede outers, these stylish boots have nonslip rubber soles for increased traction. A similar Uggs pair retails for $150 — that's enough to make us say, well, "Ugh!"
"Better than Uggs; these are amazingly comfortable," raved a convert. "The minute I put my feet in, they felt like they were walking on a cloud! Don't sleep on these boots; save your money, don't buy Uggs, try these first!"
How stunning is this perfectly slouchy specimen? It's almost as jaw-dropping as that under-$30 price tag. Reviewers say it's comparable to Coach's Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, which goes for just under $500, and that the vegan leather looks and feels luxe. It's also the perfect all-day bag since it's relaxed enough to wear out and about but can be dressed up at night.
"I want/wanted to get a Coach Brooklyn 39 ... but I wanted to get a feel for it before committing to buying one," explained a thoughtful shopper. "Now I don't think I'll even buy [it] at all. Why pay $500 for a bag when I have the same look and feel from this bag!? I love this bag. It's so soft and supple. The quality is pretty amazing. It feels and looks like real leather. It's roomy, has an extra pocket inside to help you [stay] organized and it has a key fob to help you keep track of your keys. ... It looks so 'it bag' and in fashion."
Sorry, Ray-Ban, we're about to throw some shade — these specs are just as stylish for about 15 times less. The polarized lenses help reduce glare while protecting your eyes from the sun's rays, and that classic, goes-with-everything aviator design is timeless for a reason. Considering the Ray-Ban version costs $195, these are a no-brainer.
"These are my favorite sunglasses," wrote an accessory appraiser. "I love my Ray-Bans, but these are even better! A+: Lightweight, [they] look amazing, feel great and can't beat the price! I've even bought them as gifts!"
If life gives you Lululemons, take 'em — but if you don't want to splurge on a $98-plus pair yourself, these leggings look and feel like the real thing. I would know; I own them! They do a good job of smoothing everything out and have a classic, clean style that'll pair well with any sports bra or workout top. I don't like the look or feel of leggings with a ton of seams, and I appreciate that the stitching on these is minimal.
They're very lightweight, making my legs feel nice and free while I stroll around — it's almost as if the leggings are a second skin. I never feel the waistband rolling down or digging in, and the gray pair I have passed the squat test. Now that I've tried these, I don't feel the need to purchase a pricey pair from Lulu ever again.
Check out my full Colorfulkoala Dreamlux Leggings review for more.
J.Crew who? This fashion find is a dead-ringer for the brand's beloved striped sweater and costs less than half as much. Plus, the Amazon version comes in many more colors, so stock up on a few to round out your wardrobe.
"If you love the J.Crew Lady Cardigan but hate their price, et voilà!" wrote a fan. "This cardigan is for you! It's made of synthetic yarns, but it's soft and the gold buttons give it a jazzy look! Very nice, so I bought it in other colors too."
A classic clog never goes out of style, and if you need some cushiony house shoes, look no further. This pair strongly resembles the iconic Birkenstock Boston clog — well, except for the price (these top-sellers are over $100 less). They boast 100% genuine suede insoles, which conform to your feet over time for the perfect fit, along with premium-traction outsoles to help prevent slipping and sliding.
"Super comfy and versatile," wrote a shopper, adding, "They are one of my main shoes I wear daily. They don't crease, and they hold up wonderfully through all sorts of wear and tear with no effect. They look just like Birkenstocks [Bostons] too! ... They are so comfy with great support and cushion for your feet."
A sturdy suitcase is a worthy investment, as it'll help keep your belongings protected en route — but you don't have to shell out the big bucks for a brand like Away, which makes carry-ons that start at $275. This Samsonite stunner looks just as sharp and boasts many of the same features (interior compression, pockets, TSA lock), but clocks in at just $155.
"My husband has an Away suitcase, but I didn't want to break the bank," shared a reviewer. "This has the same stability and smooth wheel movement, I love the color and the organization inside. So far, it's as good as his but more than a hundred dollars cheaper. I recommend!"
Check out our roundup of the best hard-sided luggage for additional options.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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