Working in fashion, it’s second nature for editors to find (and share) affordable alternatives to investment pieces whenever we come across them. Often, retailers including Banana Republic, COS, Gap, and J.Crew are editor favorites for these types of timeless items. For example, associate fashion editor Nikki Chwatt covered how a pair of $98 J.Crew pants closely resemble Leset’s Kyoto pants. She’s talked about how Nordstrom’s $50 kitten-heel sandals mimic Hailey Bieber’s Toteme ones as well.
I’ve also written about how Tony Bianco Gatsby loafers remind me of The Row’s Soft Loafers. There are also other widely loved options, such as Madewell Greta flat for The Row Ballet Flat, and Gap’s 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater as a budget-friendly option for the Ophelia Sweater.
Most recently, when I was eyeing a pair of sold-out Manolo Blahnik Callamu 50 mules, I naturally started looking for something similar. I ended up getting the now also sold-out Stuart Weitzman Minimalist 50 sandal, but have since also come across Aeyde’s Black Vero Leather Mules, too.
Below, shop these and more lower-cost options inspired by popular capsule wardrobe staples.
M-ioi-M
Extra Large Canvas Tote Bag
This comes in a few different colors.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Tony Bianco
Gatsby in Black Venice
The $190 loafers that remind me of The Row.
Under-$100 cotton poplin pants.
Madewell
The Greta Ballet Flat
The Madewell flats that have stayed popular season after season.
Gap
100% Cotton Oversized Sweater
A 100% cotton sweater from Gap.
Aeyde
Vero Nappa Leather Sandals
I’ve seen so many TikToks raving about Gap’s Easy pants.
MANGO
Wool-Blend Midi-Skirt
A chic tailored skirt from Mango.
The Australian brand The Horse.
Banana Republic
Ribbed Boatneck Top
Boatneck tops are trending.
Enza Costa
Everywhere Pant
Pants to wear on repeat, especially for working from home.
Rue Sophie
Provenance Oversized Jacket
Designer coats can be extremely expensive, so I was excited to find this under-$300 option from Rue Sophie.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Solon Leather Thong Sandals
Cool leather thong sandals.
This expensive-looking bag.
CDLP
Ribbed Tencel Lyocell-Blend Jersey Tank
Quince
Italian Leather Double Strap Shoulder Bag
I was surprised to see this one for $100.
Camper
Casi Myra Ballerina Flat
My favorite ballet flats from Camper.
This bag comes in four different neutral colors: Tobacco, Black, Butter, and Fawn.
