Dupes Decoded: What's Actually Worth It

Bag turnlocks from J.Crew and Hermès, clutches from Bottega Veneta and Cos

Watch the Video | Dupe Busters Post | Shop my Favorite Dupes

The dupe discourse can't stop won't stop. As Target validates the trend with MCoBeauty and Walmart's $80 Birkin captures headlines, dupes have gone mainstream. Beyond those blatant examples, we've got a fascinating way to look at what truly matters: knowing what to save FOR and what to save ON.

THE UNDUPABLES: Where to Splurge

Some luxury details simply can't be replicated at lower price points. When these elements are central to a piece you love, it's worth saving for the real thing – or play the game where you can win:

1. The Luminous Depth of Real Pearls

Light doesn't just bounce off real pearls—it penetrates and reflects from within, creating that unmistakable glow. Faux pearls lack this complexity, even though pearly beads can be made with mother-of-pearl, and some are more convincing than others. Some faux pearl necklaces are even knotted between beads to simulate the practice that protects natural pearls from each other.

But for me, a simple strand of affordable genuine pearls will always outshine expensive faux options. Even irregular freshwater pearls from eBay have a dimension and luster that synthetic beads can never match.

Imitation beads (left) and Akoya pearls (right)

Pearls from an eBay seller where I got my entry-level double strand – which I love. Please be advised they're irregular:

2. Precision-Crafted Hardware

Luxury accessories' hardware has consistent weight, smooth movement, and even reflections. These details immediately separate potential heirlooms from convincing dupes. If hardware is a focal point, examine it carefully — wobbly reflections and uneven finishes instantly betray cheaper pieces.

D-rings and O-ring shaped from a piece of wire are much more cost-efficient than rings that are cast into a mould. If you see a seam on a ring, it was probably made from a piece of wire. Blobby corners and edges are additional tells.

J.Crew bag (left) versus a 24/24 from Hermès – look at the shapes in the reflections

Fortunately, lots of handbags are designed without external hardware. I love my suede satchel from Massimo Dutti (first below) and my woven clutch from Quince (second, gifted). I love my Prada nylon tote – no hardware.

3. The Perfect Tension of Structure and Softness

The Row's Soft Loafer achieves the impossible: buttery leather that somehow maintains perfect structure. When dupes attempt this balance, they invariably fail with either rigid, uncomfortable shapes or saggy, unsupported designs. Some design innovations simply require the development budget of luxury brands, the materials that can embody the design, and the skills to execute it all for mass production.

Tony Bianco loafer (left) and The Row Soft Loafer (right)

Unlike the more trend-driven loafers, classic loafers and classic boat shoes are simultaneously the most authentic and among the most affordable iterations of these styles. And Jeffrey Campbell's suede boat shoes give Miu Miu to everyone but your bank. They also lack the fake-looking distressing effects that plague Miu Miu.

This post is for paying subscribers only

Already have an account? Sign in.