Whilst we’d all love a collection of designer handbags, for most of us, it’s not feasable to drop thousands of pounds on a simple accessory whenever we feel like it. The good news? You can get the look of nearly every iconic style for a much cheaper price point on the high street, which is where our handy guide comes in.
Maybe you’ve always wanted a classic quilted Chanel 2.55, or perhaps Bottega Veneta’s of-the-moment Cassette has caught your eye - either way, we’ve found similar wallet-friendly options from the likes of JW PEI, Mango and Zara that you don’t need a small fortune to afford.
Instead of spending the equivalent of multiple month’s rent in one fell swoop, you can cop them for as little as £8. And, just because they’re cheap, doesn’t mean to say they can’t live in your collection for years to come. Especially if you go for one of the most timeless styles... Marks & Spencer’s dupe of Celine’s Box Bag, we’re looking at you.
If you do want to invest in the designer style itself, we’ve also included links to the originals, too.
Keep scrolling for the best.
JW PEI Maze Bag - Sage Green
Dupe of: Bottega Veneta Cassette, £3,500, Net-A-Porter
Bottega’s Cassette is the latest ‘it’ bag. Spotted hanging from the shoulders of A-listers and influencers alike - so why not get the look for a fraction of the price? Crafted using vegan leather, featuring silver hardware and an interior zip pocket, JW PEI’s Maze Bag is a great second best.
Buy now £66.00, JW PEI
& Other Stories Studded Leather Tote Bag
Dupe of: Khatie Elena Studded Shoulder Bag, £2,020, Net-A-Porter
You’ll struggle to spot a member of the fashion set without a studded handbag held close this summer. Khatie’s Elena Studded Shoulder Bag is the blueprint, and this option from & Other Stories is incredibly similar. Should you want a smaller shoulder bag, UO’s Mini Faux Leather Studded Trapeze Bag comes in at a close second.
Buy now £155.00, & Other Stories
M&S Faux Leather Bowler Bag
Dupe of: Alaïa Le Teckel Bag, £1,560, Net-A-Porter
Bowling bags are all the rage this season – especially those with extra-long straps. We’re struggling to tell the difference between this sub-£40 option from M&S, and the iconic Alaïa Le Teckel Bag.
Buy now £36.50, M&S
Mango Leather shoulder bag with gathered pockets
Dupe of: Acne Studios Multipocket Bag, £1,600, Acne Studios
Ever the envy of Gen-Z, Mango knows exactly how to produce a dupe-worthy line of accessories. Its leather shoulder bag with gathered pockets is remarkably similar to the cult-favourite Acne Studios Multipocket Bag. We appreciate Mango’s added leather charm details.
Buy now £119.99, Mango
Cos Mini Cavatelli Clutch Bag
Dupe of: APC Ninon Mini Bag, £265, APC
The scrunch atop this mini clutch by Cos immediately reminded us of the iconic APC Ninon Mini bag - sans shimmering hardware. This silhouette never goes out of style.
Buy now £95.00, Cos
Bershka worn-effect bowling bag with straps
Dupe of: Balenciaga ‘Le Citi’ Small Bag, £1,790, Balenciaga
No, you’re not seeing double – that’s just the sub-£40 Bershka dupe of the iconic Balenciaga Le Citi bag. You’re welcome. Did anyone order extra tassels?
Buy now £35.99, Bershka
JW Pei Arlene Heart Shaped Bag
Dupe of: Alaïa Le Coeur, £1,000, Net-A-Porter
Originally debuted in Alaïa’s winter/spring 2022 collection, the bag was designed by Pieter Mulier to pay homage to an older 1992 collection known as “Mon Cœur est à Papa”. The playful yet entirely elegant and refined bag is a unique, heritage investment - but JW Pei offers a similar silhouette for a fraction of the price.
Buy now £100.00, JW Pei
