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There are more dupes than ever.
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The concept of dupes blew up fairly recently, with USA Today calling it “one of the biggest buying trends this year, especially among young shoppers who have embraced social media and online shopping.”
Dupes—which the outlet explains differ from counterfeits in that they mimic an item’s appearance rather than replicate it—are often available at more affordable price points online and at retailers like Costco and Five Below.
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One social media user curated a list of designer dupes.
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There’s a $60 version of the Valentino Garavani Rockstud pump, which typically retails for $1,190, a $29 dupe of the Gucci Dyonisis shoulder bag, which typically retails for around $1,100, and a $42 version of Chanel’s viral slingback heels, which typically retail for upward of $1,400.
Many of these dupes have solid reviews, too. One reviewer for the Gucci dupe says, “I get so many compliments on how nice it looks—the only annoying thing is the magnetic button is hard to get to clasp when you’re in a hurry trying to close the bag.” A reviewer on the Chanel slingback dupe notes: “The style is beautiful, like an expensive pair of shoes.”
Decide when to opt for a dupe and when to go all in.
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YourRichBFF explains that she uses this hack for some items and splurges on others. “People are often really surprised to find out I have both authentic and dupe items,” she writes in a comment on her video. “My motto: If it’s forever, get the real [version]. If it’s for a season—dupe.”
Before you invest in a designer dupe of your own, read the reviews of both pieces. From there, you can decide on the purchase that makes the most sense for you.
