From elegant lightweight layers to expensive-looking jewellery, these designer lookalikes will see you through the heatwave in style

Here's what to shop to curate an elevated high-end look that won't have you breaking the bank

Collage of best designer lookalikes - best designer dupes
(Image credit: The Row, Carven, Saint Laurent, Cartier, Zara, M&S, Clarks, Monica Vinader, Mango)

Like many, this week's soaring temperatures in the UK have caused me to reassess my trusted wardrobe staples. So, I've been on the hunt for the best designer lookalikes to make warm-weather outfits, that not only keep me cool but also feel a little bit luxurious.

I'm looking for elevated staples that work well for the office and can be thrown together for last-minute weekend gatherings in a hurry. And although in my dream-case scenario, my summer capsule wardrobe would be brimming with designer investment pieces, in reality, I'm shopping on a budget. So, I've found pieces that look designer, including a button-up shirt, floaty midi-skirt, and statement accessories that capture a high-end feel for less.

From trending boho-inspired wedges to elevated button-up shirts, I've studied the spring/summer fashion trends for 2025 and searched high and low for affordable alternatives that exude luxury without breaking the bank.

Best designer dupes to shop now

It is worth considering that when buying from a high-end label, it’s not just the design you're paying for; often, the higher prices reflect the level of craftsmanship and fabric quality that go into making the pieces. This explains why one of the best designer bags is likely to outlive a cheaper one you picked up on the high street.

The Row Caster Oversized Striped Shirt Lookalike

If you're trying to battle with what to wear in the heat, opting for a lightweight button-up shirt is a winning solution that will keep you cool and looking good at the same time. There is something about the Row's pieces that feels so special. This striped shirt features a warm and refined pinkish-cream colour and is made from Italian cotton poplin. However, M&S delivers a strikingly similar shirt for much less, made from pure linen, offering the same breathable feel and elevated colourway and design.

Carven Silk-satin Midi Skirt Lookalike

Whether styled with a lightweight button-up shirt and clogs for a smart-casual occasion or a simple tee and your most comfortable trainers on the weekend, once you've figured out how to style a satin skirt, you'll be wearing them at every chance you get. The French brand Carven has a beautiful satin-silk mousse brown skirt that feels effortlessly elegant. For a high street alternative, Zara's midi skirt has the same feel and style.

Dragon Diffusion Mini Leather Gora Tote Bag Lookalike

Woven tote bags have been heavily featured as a core part of this season's fashion trends. This summer, they are everywhere, and one of the trailblazing brands has to be Dragon Diffusion; their totes feature a signature cross-woven leather and a luxurious colourway. However, if you like this style but don't have the budget to invest, Zara's braided brown handbag captures the same elevated feel for much less.

Gianvito Rossi Suede Wedge Sandals Lookalike

Wedges and clog-inspired sandals are having a major revival this season, and Gianvito Rossi's suede wedges capture everything we love about this trend. Made in Italy with a soft tan suede strap and a wooden insole, these would pair beautifully with floaty dresses and skirts. For an affordable alternative, Clarks' wooden and tan sandals are a fantastic find, and they are now discounted.

Marco Bicego Lunaria 18ct Drop Earrings Lookalike

These triple drop earrings from Marco Bicego are owned by none other than Beyonce; however, if your jewellery budget is more high-street than designer, one of our favourite jewellery brands, Monica Vinader, has a stand-out dupe. Not only do they look almost identical, but Monica Vinader's drop earrings are plated with gold-vermeil, so they are designed to last.

Cartier Love 18ct Yellow-Gold and Diamond Bracelet Lookalike

Cartier's Love bracelet is one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of jewellery to exist. Designed in 1969, but still very much on-trend, this bracelet is sleek, elegant, and endlessly classic. For those who love the style but would prefer a more accessible option, Abbott Lyon's gold-tone lookalike captures the same signature aesthetic for much less.

Saint Laurent Round Sunglasses Lookalike

Oval-framed sunglasses are one of the biggest sunglasses trends for 2025, and they are set to remain a preference well into the summer months. These Saint Laurent sunglasses have been all over my social media news feeds; however, with a price over £300, they are certainly an investment piece. Luckily, Mango has come to the rescue with an almost identical pair for under £20!

Shop More Designer Lookalikes

Not only have I been on the hunt for warm-weather inspired summer staples, but I've also spotted some other excellent high street finds, from the best Hunza G swimsuit lookalike to a pair of gold-tone shell earrings that feel high-fashion for less. Shop more of my favourite designer lookalikes below.

Mother Bermuda Fray Denim Shorts Lookalike

Longer length shorts are certainly back in fashion, merging comfort with a vintage-inspired feel. Falling just above the knee, this style of shorts offers coverage and a relaxed silhouette that works for casual, everyday styling. These Bermuda shorts from the LA-based brand MOTHER are a best-seller; however, for a similar look and feel, shop Mango's high-waisted light-wash denim shorts for a lot less cost.

Hunza G Navy & White Swimsuit Lookalike

Hunza G is renowned for being one of the best swimwear brands to buy from; however, with prices well over the hundred-pound mark, it's worth hunting for similar styles from high street favourites. This nautical-inspired stripe swimsuit is extremely chic, and I've found an almost identical version at Accessorize for a fraction of the price. If you're interested in more swimwear dupes, take a look at our round-up of Hunza G lookalikes.

Sara Cristina Crocheted Coverup Lookalike

Beach coverups come in all sorts of variations, but there is something undeniably elevated about cotton crochet. Sara Cristina's beachwear is inspired by the founder's upbringing on the coasts of Venezuela, and this pearl-embellished coverup is the perfect thing to throw over swimwear. However, for a similar look and feel, the brand And/Or offers a long-sleeve beach dress in a cream-coloured crochet that's just as luxurious.

The Row Ginza Platform Flip Flops lookalike

The Row's Ginza Platform Flip Flops have become a cult favourite, aligning with the brand's signature minimalistic designs. They are made from soft leather and suede and feature a chunky platform sole. However, costing almost a thousand pounds means that they are quite an investment piece, and Schuh's Tanisha flip-flops are almost identical.

LOEWE + Paula's Ibiza Medium Raffia Tote lookalike

Loewe x Paula's Ibiza raffia tote bag captures summer styling at its finest. This tote features a large, practical silhouette, an artisanal weave, and an elevated leather strap. However, if you're wanting to grab yourself a raffia shoulder bag for less, Zara's woven tote bag is an excellent lookalike that won't break the bank, and you can even personalise the strap on your Zara Tote Bag with your initials.

Joanna Laura Constantine Seashell Earrings Lookalike

These seashell earrings capture everything we love about the latest jewellery trends for 2025 – they make a statement with a playful nautical twist. As seashell motifs continue to trend, especially for summer, these bold studded earrings feel high-fashion, which is why when I found the Revolve alternatives, I had to buy them immediately.

Cartier Panthère 18ct Gold Watch Lookalike

A Cartier watch is something people dream of purchasing, with its excellent design and quality craftmanship there is no wonder this brand is so desirable. However with high price points lookalike styles are often more obtainable. So we’ve found an identical lookalike with an exceptional price to shop.

If, like me, you have a taste for designer fashion but a budget that doesn't always match, there's no shame in seeking out the look for less. The high street is full of hidden gems that have the same high-end aesthetic, the key is knowing what to look for. Quality fabrics, similar silhouettes, and unique colours and prints are small, subtle details that make a piece feel more expensive than it is.

Molly Smith
Fashion Writer

Molly is a fashion writer for woman&home, whose journalistic career began with her enthusiasm for fashion. Having always been an avid writer, she has contributed to publications covering a variety of topics.

After graduating from her master's in Fashion History and Cultures, she transitioned to teaching at London College of Fashion, where she taught in fashion studies. Now, passionate about writing on the significance of fashion, she is dedicated to inspiring others through the power of dress.

Molly loves staying in the know with the latest fashion trends, and following celebrities for inspiration. Outside of work, she enjoys browsing vintage markets, reading a good novel, or trying new restaurants around London.