These are 5 of the best designer dupes of 2023, alternatives, look-alikes, and designer-inspired pieces that are affordable. Scroll down to check them out!

Prada Cleo Mini Bag

Pro: The perfect mix between classicism and futurism, the Prada Cleo bag reinterprets an iconic design from the brand’s archives. Sleek, curved lines give this flap bag a sophisticated allure. Cons: You can barely fit anything in there. For the price point, you might wanna get yourself this Mango designer dupe. How cool is it, right? Prada Cleo brushed-leather shoulder bag also has its twin here.

Magda Butrym rose-embellished sandals

Pro: These strappy sandals emanate Magda Butrym’s romantic essence. Featuring a huge high stiletto heel and the brand’s signature 3D flower appliqué. Con: These retail for approximately 700$ which is quite high if you normally don’t wear heels. If you’re planning on wearing them for one occasion only, Mango strikes again with the perfect lookalike. 

Christopher Esber cut-out black dress

Con: Christopher Esber established himself as an expert tailor soon after launching his namesake label in 2010. The brand combines elements of menswear with feminine silhouettes and delicate fabrics to create beautiful, contemporary pieces. I mean, what’s not to like about this ultra-sexy dress? Con: Except for maybe the price, around 500$. Good thing we have this ASOS dress, which is exactly the same! Damn, this one is such a good designer dupe! 

Paloma Wool multicolor Flandria dress

Pro: Based in Barcelona, the colorful and offbeat womenswear line Paloma Wool celebrates the beauty of simplicity, an ethos supported by sustainable and local production practices. Elegant yet daring, each piece is telling a story away from trends and seasons. Nostalgia-inducing psychedelic patterns are one of the brand’s signature styles. Con: Despite this not being the most expensive designer, you might want to try the sheer trend at an affordable price point before committing to 3 figure prices. 

Paco Rabanne chain-link necklace

Pro: Add a dose of tough-luxe glamour to your looks with Paco Rabanne’s chain link silver necklace. Con: But in case metal for 400$ is not exactly your cup of tea, why not go for Mango’s iteration? Looks (and sounds) good to me!

What did you think of this selection? Bonus: these sunglasses look exactly the same as my Stella McCartney’s. Check them out for only 18$.

If you’ve been looking for an elegant grab-and-go bag (the kind that does it all) to add to your collection, look no further because I have done the research for you. Scroll down for the ultimate quiet luxury handbags edit. 

When in doubt, choose a classic

Quiet luxury handbags feature classic silhouettes, and most importantly, luxe designs that are free of any prominent logos. However, for the fashion set “in the know,” these bags have recognizable elements such as brand-defining details, signature clasps, and unique silhouettes that serve as subtle hints to the brand. These investment pieces will make sure to elevate your wardrobe for years to come!

Quiet Doesn’t Mean Boring

Look for interesting shapes and details. Will you love said bag in years to come? Upon first glance, do you want to hold onto and cherish it, then pass it on? The right bag goes beyond trends and becomes a versatile staple in your wardrobe (hello Bottega Veneta) that you can mix-and-match with almost everything. 

Do you have a favorite? Drop it in the comments and follow me on TikTok for daily style tips!

Bucket Hats

In 2023, bucket hat iterations include everything from fuzzy, teddy bucket hats to low-key elegant versions in silk and other luxe fabrics. Top off a breezy, springtime outfit with a bucket hat or go for a monochromatic look!

Camouflage Print

No matter how you felt about this trend back then, it’s kinda hard not to love it now. My camo cargos are men’s vintage (tip!). When it comes to the mix-and-match approach, try teaming a camo piece with other patterns or pair it with a sexy silhouette as I did here with a corset for a cool mash-up. The juxtaposition is what makes camouflage feel modern! It also helps the fabric shed its utilitarian rep. Check out some lookalikes I found below. 

Slip Dresses/ Spaghetti Straps

I rarely come across a slip dress that I’m not drawn to (I swear!). Delicate slip dresses were a staple in every ’90s girl’s closet. Style them with multiple layered chokers and cowboy boots for an effortless look.

Jackie

Boasting a half-moon hobo-style silhouette, the Gucci Jackie feels contemporary to this day – in all its versions. Again, it may be 62 years old, but the Gucci Jackie 1961 doesn’t show its age. It’s cool, it’s classic and it’s an accessory that looks so damn good.

Any other retro fashion trends you’ve got under your radar?

Oversized

This summer, within sunglasses trends it’s the go big or go home motto. A bold pair of sunglasses is a surefire way to make a statement. You know those days when you want to hide behind the shades and not wear any makeup? These are life savers.

Tinted

Tinted lenses are more abundant than ever as a 2023 sunglasses trend. The best part is the array of tints means you can match your sunglasses to any outfit. Why not embrace a monochromatic look? These I’m wearing are by Linda Farrow. I found a similar pair here, and more tinted lenses by Linda x The Attico here and here.

Sporty/Visor

Choose a statement-making shape or hue, and pair the eyewear with your favorite athleisure or streetwear staples.  These frames are edgy, cool and sleek — and surprisingly they are perfect for playing around with unexpected styling combinations. I love my Balmain visor sunnies in rainbow and I also have them in white.

Cat-Eye

The cat-eye is a classic in the world of sunglasses and works with all sorts of face shapes. You can take the vintage-inspired road OR choose more angular shapes that have been giving this retro look an update for 2023.

White Frames: The easiest sunglasses trend of all

I’ve been rocking thick white frames for a couple of seasons now and I’m obsessed. The easiest way to elevate any outfit. There’s something about the bright white frame that makes it stick out from the rest! I love my Loewe white sunnies and I found a really good dupe here.

Playful

Individuality is the foundation of any fashion enthusiast’s closet. So what better way to explore this personalization than by playing with a variety of shapes, and colors? Why not inject a little humor into eyewear? 

As we’re now in May, it feels appropriate to start thinking about the sunglasses we want to wear as we sip cocktails and catch rays on the beach.

Slip Dresses + All Out Accessories

Slip dresses are just effortlessly elegant and flattering. This chocolate brown one from SIR is a cut out maxi dress featuring contrast floral lace cut-out detail through front to accentuate the waist. I paired it with my white Loewe sunnies, slouchy straw bag, straw hat and Hermès slip-on sandals (very good dupe here). 

Mix and Match

Less is more? Not always. Not if you ask me. Unconventional layers and compositions is a styling trick that many use to step up their looks. It’s a great way to bring personality and character to your look! Here are two basic rules for mix and matching: look for analogous colors, you will hardly go wrong in the composition because they are close and it is very likely to result in a mix sur ton that is beyond chic. Secondly, look for colors that run in opposite directions – these are complementary colors – for a bolder and super stylish combination. Check out some fun options below. 

Crochet Fever Forever

Democratic, crochet is a must between your summer outfits and matches a wide array of accessories. It is far from monotonous and gives the composition texture, personality, style and versatility. Want to put together some looks with the beauty of crochet? Check the carousel below.

What’s your go to fit for summer?

The right Trench

How to choose your trench coat? For me, it’s the slouch, lightweight material, oversized menswear look and details that read vintage. Trenches are so great because they can easily be integrated into any wardrobe and there really isn’t any styling faux pas when it comes to the trench. They really take any look and give it polish (besides rain protection, of course). A lot has been already written about how incredible, versatile and practical the trench coat can be (do you even need to wear anything underneath?). But I give it another go with some fresh options for you to get inspired to rescue yours this spring or maybe invest in a new one. 

I am wearing a Frankie Shop trench coat (look at this one 50% off!), Sacai skirt (40% off!) and Bottega boots.

Boots

Rain boots need to be waterproof — that goes without saying. But more than that, the goal is to look like you’re not wearing a rain boot rain boot. More like, a fabulous boot you just so happen to be wearing in the rain. It’s key to look for a pair that effortlessly blends fashion and function. Take a look at the options I found below. 

Some bright cargo pants for your delight: these yellow, these Dion Lee ombré and these crazy good orange ones.

Headgear

Head accessories are often overlooked, but they’re the perfect addition to a rain-ready outfit! Silk scarves and especially (bucket) hats serve as a perfect color/pattern accent for an outfit – and obviously, they keep humidity at bay! The best part is that your ears are stylishly protected and if it stops raining you just slip it back into your bag. Goodbye umbrellas-that-get-lost-on-a-daily! 

Any tips on how to look stylish and dry? Drop them in the comments!

Crafty

Crafty accessories are taking over the sartorial world this season, and the good news is you can get the look for less than $50. Once you’ve mastered the art of the crochet accessory, you’re ready to venture into the clothing category. One thing is for sure: slow fashion is in. Besides crochet, macramé – a textile created by tying knots into decorative patterns – has been making a comeback. Take a look at the best crafty accessories selection on the internet.

One of a Kind

Unusual. Eye-catching. Head turner. Unique shapes, prints, and vibrant colors are enough to turn your basics into a fashion-forward piece. Look what happened to these Loewe black pumps!

Romantic/Pretty

Bold statement floral appliqués are going to embellish everything this summer – from jackets to dresses and accessories. Same for bows. I love the idea of pinning a large brooch to a jean pocket. Besides, satin accessories are another niche trend that falls in the romantic spectrum. 

Beaded summer accessories

The charm of the rainbow beaded bracelet, necklace or bag conjures up nostalgic memories of the long, free summer holidays we’re craving.

Any favorite accessories to spice up your summer looks?

Quiet luxury is fashion’s hot topic lately. It’s all over social media. Let’s break it down, shall we?

When the small screen teens, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, established The Row back in 2006, the luxury world was as impenetrable as ever. But 17 years later, this logo-less label rivals esteemed brands for desirability, with its sumptuous staples, lust-worthy accessories, and eye for detail. So what does quiet luxury mean? Understated and timeless elegance, the ability to make simple wardrobe foundations feel luxurious and unique, impeccable detailing, quality, and craftsmanship. How do you set a proper sleeve? How does a fabric perform? It’s the art of making investment clothes.

Where does this obsession with a sort of casual wealth that transcends shouty logos and seasonal silhouettes come from? Most of the defining attributes of quiet luxury refer to the quality of material, the neutral color palette, and the overall emphasis on basic silhouettes, reflecting a low-key approach to getting dressed. But the defining element of quiet luxury that has incited such cultural fixation relates to its resemblance to an aesthetic most commonly perpetrated by the “old-money” archetype.

The irony is that the general public can participate in this exclusive unrelatable echelon of status and dress like they belong to a particular social class without spending the kind of money you’d assume they might. The vibe is when you know you know. 

But then, does it matter?

One way you can explain this cultural shift is as a predictable response to the most recent bout of logomania. But also, historically the kind of people who wear unremarkable but very fancy clothes – think Phoebe Philo herself – are not drawn to celebrity status and instead prefer to have low-key exposure. People who live and work under the cultural radar and consciously choose to stay there. In an oversharing social media era, there is a deep yearning in the air for a kind of anonymity that we will probably never have again. And at the core, this is what fashion and style is, right? A wordless language. Maybe there is some comfort to be had in your clothes keeping you vaguely anonymous. Especially in a world where Google sure won’t.

Quiet luxury makes me miss the fantasy and the joy of getting dressed. But anyway, the underlining sentiment is that wealth comes in all shapes and sizes — some holders of the oldest money are also the oldest Versace stans. The most profound kind of luxury is freedom. And freedom affords you the opportunity to do whatever it is that you want.

Scroll down for the edit by brands: Tove, Toteme, Khaite, Loro Piana and also (great price point) COS.

What are your thoughts on quiet luxury?

Pick the right cut and size up

Expensive clothes hang perfectly. When I shop at Zara (love them or not, Zara does a pretty good job at making affordable styles if high-end isn’t your speed), I pick coats that fit shoulders well. In general, I will go up one size so it hangs correctly with no bunching. Clothes that skim off the body tend to flatter most so my biggest tip for you is to go up in sizing. I have many clothes that are US16. Size does not matter trust me, it’s about how it hangs. Do the same with jeans: go up a size or two to get that perfect slouch while still keeping a semi-fitted look. You know what else does not matter? The section you’re shopping in – men or women – is irrelevant. 

Pay attention to fabrics

Avoid anything that feels rough or could bobble. Pick fabrics that are fluid (preferably natural like cotton or linen) and flow when walking. Look for skirts that have a good weight to them. I’ve noticed that with pleated skirts, the heavier the material and the more defined the pleats,  the better the skirt flows when walking. Chic usually (not always) entails being a little more covered without looking frumpy. Generally speaking, I prefer to wear skirts midi to maxi length. With the right material, the long length makes the skirt full and it flows better.  

If all else fails, wear black

Do you know that saying if all else fails wear black? Use this philosophy and try one overall color family. The look above is about green, but it could have easily been any color that you like. Below are a few pieces that caught my eye at fair price points. 

More general tips

Pointed shoes and kitten heels, no matter the price point always look chicer. Dull hardware tends to feel more timeless than shiny, which can read trendy. Minimal reads expensive. Stick to staples in neutral colors: black, white, grey, navy, brown and camel. Smaller floral prints tend to look better and date slower than larger all-over prints (read big flowers). Slim on top means oversized bottoms and vice versa. Sunglasses are a great way to elevate a look. Shop the men’s section for single/double-breasted coats and crew neck knits. The styles are classic, details are on point and the boxy cut gives a Celine-like slouch that would make Phoebe Philo proud. Lastly, remember to shop vintage/thrift. 

Do you have more tips on how to look chic on a budget? Drop them in the comments!

Full On

Do you know one for the books? When I wore the biggest Carolina Herrera dress of all time. That silver number was everything on the streets of New York. I felt powerful and realized I had a newfound love for silver – long forgotten. Do you feel the same? Seems like gold was the chosen metal for most people until very recently.

However, there are also plenty of less obvious ways to wear metallics. You don’t have to go all out. Perhaps the easiest way to add a touch of shine to your outfits in 2023: one high-shine item, toned down with other basics or more muted pieces. See how I did the trick with a denim jacket? I have had this sequinned silver dress for years and I have always found new and exciting ways to wear it. From cowboy boots to sneakers, denim, and blazers.  

A Hint

The silver obsession is also having a significant impact on the accessories world. After years of gold hoop earrings and chain necklaces dominating, silver is starting to regain popularity when it comes to everyday jewelry.

And if you’re willing to take a step further, nothing says “disco” quite like mirrored heels or handbags, which will go with a surprising number of outfits. Black denim and Silver, for example, a true love story. Shout out to my Bao Bao bag by Issey Miyake which is definitely a gift that keeps on giving. One thing is for sure, metallics are one hell of a party-ready trend!

Are you team gold or did I convince you to give silver a chance? Tell me in the comments!