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My wardrobe is a careful balance of investment styles and affordable pieces that look the part of luxury without the price tag. I know when to spend and when to splurge, and I’ve become a professional at scouting designer-lookalike styles for less.
Zappos is the ultimate destination for just that. The shoe retailer is teeming with pairs that look so much more expensive than they actually cost. Whether you’re looking to satiate a shopping craving you just can’t afford (like the pair of Saint Laurent heels that have been idling in my online cart) or you just don’t think sneakers are worth $500, we have the perfect alternative styles — starting at just $50.
15 Designer-Lookalike Shoe Styles at Zappos
1. Our Favorite: Carrie Bradshaw would have total shoe envy over these Sam Edelman Brit Sycamore kitten heels. They come in a wide range of shades and look strikingly similar to the Sex and the City protagonist’s beloved Manolo Blahniks.
2. Vintage-Looking: Tell me the Coach Margot sandals don’t look like a vintage designer style you’d find at the Real Real. You can’t!
3. Style Staple: These versatile mules easily elevate an otherwise casual outfit. They come in several colors, including statement metallic, green satin, black leather and a leopard print with luxe horsebit hardware that feels very reminiscent of Gucci.
4. Ballet Beauty: If a pair of Chanel ballet flats aren’t in your budget, snag this round toe version from Steve Madden.
5. Heart and Sole: These lug sole boots give Prada’s Monolith brushed leather version a run for their money. And while they’re still pricey, it’s easy to justify the purchase when they’re over $1,000 less expensive.
Related: I’m a Sneaker Snob, But These Under-$100 Pairs Are Better Than Designer
I am the first person to advocate for a designer purchase. As a shopping writer, I’ve become a professional girl mathematician, often rationalizing splurges by calculating cost per wear. However, sometimes a style really isn’t worth that $1,000+ price tag — especially if we’re talking about sneakers. There’s no reason to drop your entire paycheck […]
6. In Our Cart: Like I said, I’ve had a pair of Saint Laurent heels idling in my shopping cart for a little too long. Much to my delight, I found this similar style instead — and they’re $900 less.
7. Sell-Out Risk: If you missed out on the Adidas x Wales Bonner collab, buy Steve Madden’s strikingly similar pair, which even come in a leopard print.
8. Slip-On Style: If you’re eyeing the Alexander Wang or Mui Mui clogs, buy this Circus by Sam Edelman pair instead.
9. Can’t Beat: These Steve Madden slingbacks look so much like the Dior pair I already own. I bought them for myself and can barely tell the difference between the two pairs.
10. 24/7 Wear: These leopard heels are such a classic and versatile style, you’ll quickly recoup what you spent. Plus, they come in so many colors, it only makes sense to buy a second pair.
11. Pointed Toe Perfection: These Sam Edelman Willette heels are such a sophisticated and polished shoe. The two-toned design and slingback strap is similar to Chanel designs while the pointed toe adds a modern edge.
12. Practical Fashion: Dolce Vita’s timeless sneakers are comfortable, easy to wear and they look a lot like Loewe’s $790 version.
13. Ridiculous Comfort: Shoppers call these Dr. Martens suede mules “ridiculously comfortable,” adding they “fit like a glove.” At $130, they’re so much more affordable compared to Prada’s take on the trend.
14. Seeing Double: Speaking of mules, you need this Gucci-lookalike style in your closet. They’re never going out of style!
15. Sandal Weather: Forget what you thought about velcro strap sandals. If Chanel and Mui Mui say it’s cool, then we’re rocking this under-$90 Steve Madden find.
Related: 14 Sleek Boots That Actually Fit Wider Calves — All Under $200
While I love a good kitten heel or a luxe leather sneaker as much as the next girl, there’s just something about a sleek, well-fitting boot that takes an outfit to the next level. However, actually finding that dream over-the-knee style is a lot easier said than done — especially if you have wider or […]
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