Frenzy over Target dupe of $2500 item and other affordable fashion bargains

Rising cost of living pressures don’t mean you can’t get a designer look, with a string of big name retailers offering bargains. See how they compare and how much you can save.

Nadia Salemme

3 min read

June 12, 2022 - 4:30AM

News Corp Australia Network

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Rising cost of living pressures don’t mean you can’t dress stylishly, with a string of big name retailers offering designer-inspired outfits at a fraction of the price.

Among them are Target, Cotton On and H&M, whose designs are influenced by international trends but sold at a more affordable price point, appealing to budget-conscious Australian consumers.

From cardigan and crop sets, to high-waisted jeans that mimic designer denim, Target is going fashion forward as part of the retailer’s rebrand.

Among the bargains are a $30 Target cardigan that’s a convincing dupe for designer label Khaite, priced at $2500-plus.

A pair of $39 high-waisted jeans from Target could be worn in place of $400 RE/DONE denim. Elsewhere, Cotton On has released a pair of $70 chunky loafers as a cheap alternative to Prada’s $1500 version.

Target has attracted high-profile fans including Bec Judd, wearing a $59 knitted dress from the department store’s new season collection. Picture: Target

One of H&M’s new season puffers is – at around $90 – a financially palatable alternative to the $400-plus North Face version.

Target head of design Bec Biggins said while prices were affordable, the retailer’s fashion lines were “carefully curated”.

“We have a refined style direction that allows us to maintain … elevated essentials that are made to last beyond a season,” Ms Biggins said.

She said fast fashion trends had been replaced by “seasonless styling”, meaning quality garments could be worn frequently and “transcend seasons”.

“Through innovative design around fabric choice, colour, print and shape, it means that our customers wardrobes become more adaptable across both cooler and warmer weather periods and can be mixed and matched or layered to create a variety of looks,” Ms Biggins said.
“Style isn’t just about loving what’s ‘in’ right now, it’s about looking ahead and creating more considered collections with greater versatility.

“From the way we source our materials to the mix-and-match ethos of our collections, our products are designed to withstand the demands of everyday life to ensure we’re giving our customers better value in the long term.”

Lifestyle blogger and fashion influencer Lisa De Sanctis mixes affordable and designer pieces to create her day to day wardrobe. Picture: Supplied

Lifestyle blogger and fashion influencer Lisa De Sanctis buys basic essentials like tees, tanks and everyday denim from affordable brands, mixing them with designer staples.

“I feel like these (budget) brands have really lifted their game in terms of quality as well as sustainability,” Ms De Sanctis said.

“A lot them are using recycled materials which is great to see from typical fast fashion brands.

“For me it’s all about quality and fit, so if I can find this at more affordable outlets then I’m all for it.

“So that might mean a designer blazer with a pair of Target Jeans and a Cotton On tank. Or a designer dress with an H&M trench.

“If I love something and it fits me well then I’ll buy it, regardless of whether it’s designer or not. Women come in all shapes and sizes so when you find a piece that works well for your individual measurements and suits your body type, I say get it regardless of where it’s from.”

Consumer behaviour expert Professor Gary Mortimer said shoppers were balancing cost of living pressures with a desire to refresh their wardrobes, leading them to budget retailers.

“With the increasing cost of living, consumers are still wanting to purchase fashion pieces,” Mr Mortimer said.
“Consumers are cognisant of other increasing costs – rent, mortgage repayments, fuel and the like. So one of the solutions is to consider shifting from a branded fashion product to a discount department store alternative.
“These stores are certainly looking at what happens in Europe and the US in terms of trends, and make a conscious effort to replicate some of those styles.

“It’s not uncommon to see a similar cut of a designer coat also filtering down into a Target.”

Cotton On and H&M declined to comment.