MONEY might be tighter than ever for many of us, but that doesn’t mean we should have to scrimp on our wardrobes, right?
With my desperate attempts to save as much cash as I can for a mortgage deposit, unfortunately, buying designer clothes has dwindled lower and lower down on my shopping list.
Here, Abby Wilson tests 11 of New Look’s hottest dupes[/caption]
But now, luckily for fashionistas looking to pocket pounds where possible, New Look has launched a large selection of affordable alternatives – many of which look strikingly similar to very popular luxe buys.
So if you’ve been dreaming of owning a Barbour jacket but can’t afford to splash the cash, or shudder at the thought of spending over £3,300 on a handbag, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, I, Senior Digital Writer and New Look fan Abby Wilson, test out 11 of the much-loved chain’s best dupes – from a stunning pair of Bottega Venetta-inspired earrings, to a denim dress that’s a must-buy for summer.
Not only did I bag a winning pair of mules that have already earned me loads of compliments, but I even saved a jaw-dropping total of £7,147.08 on my high-street copies – yes, you heard that correctly.
If I’d have purchased the below designer items, it would have cost me a whopping £7,427 (aka a very large credit card bill).
But thankfully, my dupes set me back £279.92 – which although may seem like a lot, is pretty impressive considering I nabbed two pairs of jeans, three pairs of shoes, a stunning new top, bag, earrings and more.
Dress to impress
Rather than splashing the cash on the Jacquemus Spoglio Dress, which will set shoppers back £745, I decided to give New Look’s Navy Stretch Denim Square Neck Bodycon Midi Dress a try.
This denim dress is one of dreams[/caption]
It’s much cheaper than a pricer buy from Jacquemus[/caption]
While it was once priced at £34.99, it has since been slashed down to just £20, which if you ask me, is a real bargain.
A tight dress is not something I’d normally wear, but much to my surprise, this cheap find was super flattering.
As well as being comfortable and looking great, it’s an incredibly versatile staple that can be worn dressed up with heeled mules for brunch with the girls, or styled down with trainers for a luxe but laid-back look.
Dare to denim
Barrel jeans have been all the rage in recent months, but with the Ganni Dark Wash Barrel Jeans retailing at £225, the designer pair are far too expensive for my budget.
These jeans aren’t my style but are a real statement[/caption]
The Ganni jeans will set shoppers back £225[/caption]
Luckily, New Look has released their very own Blue Barrel Leg Jeans, which look strikingly similar and are much more affordable at £39.99.
While I’m not a fan of the style and can’t say I’ll be keeping them, if you’re searching for denim that’s sure to turn heads, you won’t need to look any further.
They’re a daring style and definitely a step-up from the wide-leg jeans many of us own – and even better, they’ll save you £185.01 compared to the real deal.
Pump it up
I’m a trainer girl through and through, but for months now I’ve been on the hunt for a summery shoe that will go with everything.
New Look’s black pumps are only £9.99[/caption]
While these Repetto flats are £280[/caption]
At £280 a pair, the Repetto Ballet Flats are far too pricey for me, but that’s where New Look’s Black Bow-Trim Flat Leather-Look Ballerina Shoes really shine.
Not only are they just £9.99, but they’re surprisingly comfy too.
While they’ll be great for a day in the office, they’re perfect for a night out with friends when the thought of wearing heels sends shivers down your spine.
Feel fabulous in flats
I’ve long dreamt of owning the Gucci Horseshoe Ballet Flats, but at £700, even putting them on my Christmas list would be a huge stretch.
These suede ballet shoes are great for summer[/caption]
They’re similar to a Gucci pair but are £676.01 less[/caption]
So when I saw Tan Faux Suede Snaffle Trim Ballet Flats from New Look, which are £676.01 cheaper at just £23.99, I knew I had to nab them.
Yes, they don’t look the exact same as the Gucci pair, but for an affordable dupe, I think they’re great.
They’re super smart, the quality left me gobsmacked (which is rare) and I can already see myself reaching for these time and time again this season.
Bagged it
My wardrobe is crammed full with handbags from H&M, Primark and Zara – but designer accessories unfortunately don’t have a place in my pad.
This woven look back is now just £14[/caption]
A girl can only dream of owning the £3,370 Bottega Jodie Woven bag, but thankfully the Light Green Faux Leather Woven Look Knotted Shoulder Bag is sure to fill that void.
Not only does it look great and is super spacious, but it has since been slashed down from £32.99 to just £14.
It’s a beautiful buy that’s sure to go down a treat as my new work bag and the quality of the faux-leather left me very impressed.
Now that’s bling-tastic
You’ve probably seen Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner wearing the Bottega Venetta Small Drop Earrings once or twice before.
The teardrop earrings from New Look are a real winner in my book[/caption]
Many high-street chains have bought out copies of the £590 accessory, but in my books, New Look have won the top spot with their £9.99 18ct Gold Plated Mini Teardrop Stud Earrings.
Yes, they feel quite heavy, but they look incredibly luxurious and are practically identical to the celeb-loved find.
They’ve been a staple this summer but are sure to turn heads when carried into autumn and not only have I given my jewellery box a mega upgrade, but they even come in silver too.
Must-have mules
Heeled sandals are not something I ever thought I would own, until I tried on the Dark Brown Faux Leather Toe Post Mules from New Look.
The New Look mules are not to be missed[/caption]
They’re much cheaper than a posh buy from Gianvito Rossi[/caption]
They’re priced at £32.99, which isn’t dirt cheap, but when you compare them to the £635 Gianvito Rossi Calypso 70 Mules, you can’t really go wrong.
As well as being on trend and lightweight, the mules are a perfect height for those searching for a shoe that’s stylish and not too high.
They’re great paired with a dress for a bottomless brunch and the colour is one you won’t want to miss this season.
Jean dream
Unlike the earlier pair of jeans in my haul, the Adalae High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans left me beaming.
These jeans are a staple in my wardrobe now[/caption]
They’re a slightly different style to what I’m used to and at £34.99, they’re £255.01 less than the Frame le Slim Palazzo Cotton-Blend Jeans.
As well as being perfect with jeans and trainers for running errands, they can also be dressed up with heels and a nice top too.
At less than £35, they’re affordable for denims and if it’s a designer look you’re after, you’ll need to move fast to nab them quickly.
Top it off
The Reformation Belle Knit Top has been all over my For You page recently and while it’s cheaper than the other designer items on my wish list, at £68, it’s still a lot for a top.
This New Look off the shoulder top is a bargain at £18.99[/caption]
It’s strikingly similar to Reformation’s stylish buy[/caption]
Thankfully, the Off White Off Shoulder Scuba Top from New Look is less than £20 – and there’s four colours to choose from.
At £18.99, it’s not only affordable, but is incredibly flattering too.
The asymmetric design is super stylish and it’s great paired with satin skirts for summer evenings.
Beautiful in brown
If you’re desperate to nab the Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket but don’t want to fork out £249, you won’t want to miss New Look’s affordable alternative.
This brown jacket left me speechless[/caption]
The Brown Cropped Waxed Look Barn Jacket is £49.99 and is perfect for chilly days.
It’s absolutely beautiful and the sizing is bang on.
As well as being amazing quality, it instantly adds style to an otherwise boring outfit, whilst keeping you covered for the unpredictable weather in the UK.
Dressed up
Race day season might be nearing a close, but if you’re looking for an occasionwear dress that won’t burn a hole in your purse, this Off White Polka Dot Cowl Neck Chiffon Midi Dress is one you should check out.
This polka dot dress is one of dreams[/caption]
And it’s much cheaper than a similar alternative from Rixo[/caption]
It was originally priced at £47.99, but is now just £25, making it a proper bargain.
It’s a very similar style to the Eleanor Cotton Midi Dress £275 alternative from Rixo, but with a slightly different neckline.
Sizes are selling out fast so you’ll need to be quick to get your hands on it, but if you’re on the hunt for something stylish and sexy, that’s even ideal as a wedding guest dress, this dupe is one you won’t want to miss.
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