20 Look-for-Less Finds: Affordable Alternatives for the Latest Trends

Today is definitely an add to cart kind of day! We’re here to show you that you can look cute AND save some money. Tell your husbands it is possible…this blog post proves it. We’ve done the shopping research so you don’t have to and we found so many great looks for less.

From dresses and shoes to make up and bags. If it’s out there, we found it.


Look-for-Less: Beaded Clutch

I saw the clutch on the left by Dolce Vita and knew I wanted it for summer and travel. But the $158 price tag was stopping me from hitting “add to cart.” I hate to spend that much for something that won’t get used very often. After a quick Google search, I found the one on the right from Lulu’s for $52. Pro tip: I took a screen shot of the pricier version and did a Google image search on it to find similar items.

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Look-for-Less: Quilted Tote Bag

I love my MZ Wallace tote bag, but she’s pricey. Quince has done a fantastic job of recreating this iconic bag for less money. Perfect for road trips, as a carry on, for weekend get-a-ways or just as your work bag. Same size, both have zippers, pockets and a cross body strap.

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Look-for-Less: Shirt Dress

The figure-flattering Tobie dress on the left is a best seller from Anthropologie, for $178. On the right, it’s a very similar style from Avara. The Tobie dress comes in more colors, but if the lavender from Avara works for you, it’s only $68.

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Look-for-Less: Leather Pouch Set

I received this Cuyana leather pouch set as a fiftieth birthday gift and I use it all the time. Jewelry, chargers, little items in my purse. Quince offers a very similar set, same pebbled leather – only major difference is Cuyana will monogram their pouches. An excellent special occasion birthday gift.

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Look-for-Less: Raffia Wedges

Both shoes give a similar vibe to your outfits. But the one on the left is $100 more than the one on the right. The left by Andre Assous have a 3″ wedge, and the ones on the right by Matisse have a 3.5″ wedge.

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Look-for-Less: Suede Clogs

It’s no secret that once you turn fifty comfortable shoes becomes extremely important. Luckily the clog is in style! I’ve worn both pairs of these clogs and my only notes are that the Quince pair runs about a 1/2 size small. Both water resistant, both incredibly comfortable and currently on trend.

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Look-for-Less: Navy Eyelet Blouse

Over $100 or under $40–I know which one I’m choosing.

Christa’s tip: I own this blouse on the right from Amazon in pale pink. I love it, but the length was a little long for me. I had my dry cleaner hem about 2″ off the bottom for an inexpensive alteration that gives me the perfect fit…and it’s still cheaper than many similar blouses.

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Look-for-Less: Rolling Tote Bag

I saw a woman rolling one of these bags through the outlet mall and thought GENIUS! My sil lives in London and uses one to do her grocery shopping. Would also be perfect for college move in/laundry day. The major difference here is aesthetics. One is shiny and the Target version is matte.

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Look-for-Less: Colorful Necklace

I love to layer these necklaces, but at almost $50 each for the one on the right, that starts to add up. So, if you’re going for a layered look and want two or three of them, try the under $20 version from Amazon.

Pro tip: This would be a great tucked in someone’s Easter Basket!

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Look-for-Less: Cocoon Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

Anything made of cashmere and called “cocoon” sounds pretty cozy to me. Although both of these sweaters are 100% cashmere, not all cashmeres are the same. The yarn in the Jenni Kane Sweater feels softer. Otherwise these two sweaters are VERY similar.

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Look-for-Less: Maxi Dress

Another popular Anthropologies dress, the Somerset maxi dress, on the left is over $150. The dress on the right from Quince is almost identical for under $70. The Anthropologie version is available in petite sizes. Quince does not offer petite.

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Look-for-Less: Lipstick

As a self proclaimed “lipstick expert” I realize that not everyone wants to spend $30 plus on new paint for the pout each season. The iconic Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk lipstick is a perfect year round color that looks good on pretty much everyone.

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Look-for-Less (and Even Lesser!): Tote Bag

$2,300 vs. $125 vs. $30? This one is a no brainer!

p.s. Check the sizing on them; the Target version is a little smaller, so if you’re looking for a bigger tote, try the Sam Edelman option.

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Look-for-Less: Fancy Lip Balm

I am a sucker for a lip product and the Summer Fridays Butter Balm has been a favorite since it came out. Anyone that’s lost an expensive lipstick knows that there is nothing more annoying. Guess what? You can have that butter balm look and feel for under $10.

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Look-for-Less: White Eyelet Dress

Another version of the Anthropologie Somerset dress, in this eyelet version. However, the dress on the left is almost the same look, for about $150 less! Wow! And Pretty Garden is one Amazon clothing brand that is generally very consistent, good quality–and it comes in eight colors. (Also in a short sleeve version.)

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Look-for-Less: Mascara

Did you know that L’Oreal and Lancome are owned by the same company? And that their products are made in the same factory? And created by the same scientists?

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Look-for-Less: Chambray Midi Dress

Similar styles, but the dress on the right is about half the price from BR Factory. And, with all the discounts that BR Factory always has, it’s usually even less! See more great affordable finds from BR Factory in this post.

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Look-for-Less: Body Butter

TikTok made the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter famous but it’s pricey. The look for less is Naturium Glow Getter (like $20 less). VERY similar ingredients and gives the same glow.

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Look-for-Less: Olive Eyelet Blouse

Same less expensive blouse as the navy one above but in a different color. It’s a keeper and we won’t tell if you buy more than one!

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Look-for-Less: A Whole Make Up Line

MCo Beauty is a billion dollar Australian beauty brand exclusively sold at Target. My Target has a tiny, little section of their products – you might even miss it. MCo Beauty’s whole “thing” is that they are dupes (think Drunk Elephants, Dior, Westman Atlelier, Charlotte Tilbury) for the big beauty brands, the Wirkin of beauty, so to speak. Their tag line is “Democratizing Luxury”. Check out this article sharing their story. Oh and their products — they are GOOD!

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Comments

  1. Bess wrote:

    Thanks for all the research on finding these items for less $…these are amazing! They look exactly like the expensive items…will definitely check out! Appreciate you sharing! 🙂

    Posted 3.27.25
    • Megan wrote:

      Yay! What was your favorite?

      Posted 3.28.25
    • Style Among Friends wrote:

      Glad you enjoyed the post. It was fun hunting for the deals. Let us know your fav! 🤩

      Posted 3.28.25

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