Let’s start by clearing one thing up: When it comes to designer-inspired handbags, there is an important difference between a “dupe” and a “counterfeit” — though the terms might be used interchangeably.
A designer bag dupe is one that draws inspiration from the original by echoing the overall vibe or recreating certain qualities or aspects. Dupes do not copy logos or trademarked details, and are easily distinguishable from the “real thing.”
On the other hand, a “counterfeit” is one that copies labels or trademark features in an attempt to pass it off as the designer version.
Designer bag counterfeits? Not cool. Designer bag dupes? Super cool. Bags that are inspired by original high-end designs often deliver a similar style without an inaccessible price tag. Dupes let us financially savvy fashionistas rock the designer aesthetic without blowing our budget.
We’ve rounded up our very favorite designer-inspired bag dupes from popular retailers:
7 Best Designer Inspired Handbags
1. Chanel Mini 2.55 Handbag Dupe
Crafted from quilted aged calfskin, the Chanel Mini 2.55 Handbag is elegant and iconic. It’s also over $4,000. So for those of us who don’t have a few thousand to drop on a new purse, this vegan leather version from SHEIN is pretty adorable, too, as far as Chanel bag dupes go — and a steal at $13. Like the original mini, it’s compact — right about the right size for a phone, wallet, keys and a sample-size mascara wand. You can wear the chain as a crossbody or over-the-shoulder purse.
Price: $13 at SHEIN
2. Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Dupe
This Neverfull GM-inspired bag from Walmart is a dead ringer for the timeless Louis Vuitton tote, this checkered shoulder bag is made from vegan leather with a spacious, roomy interior.
Price: $41 at Walmart
3. Gucci Marmont Bag Dupe
Retailing over $1,000, the coveted Gucci Marmont mini bag has spawned its fair share of dupes — of varying qualities. We like this Gucci-inspired handbag from ASOS with its quilted design, goldtone hardware and fold-over flap top — oh, and its $24 price tag. ASOS reviewers like it too, apparently, giving the bag an average rating of 4.6 stars.
Price: $24 at ASOS
4. Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Bag Dupe
Made of lambskin and calfskin, the Bottega Veneta mini intrecciato leather top handle bag has a clever, head-turning design that unfortunately comes with a $2,250 price tag. You can get a handcrafted mini clutch on Etsy that is similarly charming for a much more accessible price. Like the inspiration, the Etsy version comes in a choice of several bold, vibrant colors.
Price: $258 at Etsy
5. Telfar Bag Dupe
We dedicated a whole article to the Telfar bag dupes, which became one of the year’s most sought-after bags after Oprah named it one of her Favorite Things back in 2020. The original Telfar bag comes in three sizes, the largest of which is less than $300 — so it’s more affordable than many other “It” bags. Still, you can get equally awesome Telfar bag dupes for even less — like this shopper from H&M, which is almost identical in size and shape to the medium Telfar bag.
Price: $24.99 at H&M
6. Fendi Fendigraphy Bag Dupe
Fendi’s Fendigraphy handbag is recognizable by its elegant crescent shape. The Leather Moon Bag from Nordstrom has a similarly eye-catching silhouette, plus standout features like a magnetic tab closure, leather exterior, suede lining and flat base — but for less than half the cost.
Price: $295 at Nordstrom
7. Saint Laurent Toy Loulou Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag Dupe
The high-end Saint Laurent Toy Loulou Matelassé bag is identifiable by its unique quilting pattern and flap closure. This dupe from SHEIN has a similar shape, size and texture — but it’s made of vegan leather instead of calfskin and it’s $28 instead of $2,490.
Price: $28 at SHEIN
The post These Ultra Cute Designer Bag Dupes Let You Rock a High-End Aesthetic for Less appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.