Chanel ‘dupes’ are having a bit of a moment right now with many fashionista snapping up wardrobe must-haves that look similar to the French fashion house.
Let’s face it, we would all love a wardrobe filled with classy clothing from the designer brand, but our budget won’t let us do so. And when I saw we, I really mean me, because I can never have enough clothing in my life.
Since, like pretty much everyone else, I can really only afford high street clothing, I have been happy to hear about numerous lookalikes on the market, such as M&S’ £35 Cotton Blend textured Knitted Jacket and £75 Pure Cotton Tweed Jacket.
However, these stylish jackets are not the only options currently on the high street, as Primark has also entered the game with its own version that is perfect for the budget-conscious – the Paula Echevarría Knit Cardigan, which costs all of just £19.
I wasn’t actually aware that the fast-fashion chain was stocking its very own Chanel look-alike in stores. In fact, I just happened to stumble upon it when I was in my local Aberdeen store looking for some basic essentials – much to my delight, the retailer has dropped a brand new line for spring 2024 from the Spanish actress and influencer, which includes the stylish knit.
(Image: Primark)
Despite most of the mannequins for the new collection featuring mostly athleisure clothing (because that appears to be the latest trend right now), the £19 knit is hard to miss. It’s chic design means that it mostly stands out from the rest of the rather casual or muted collection.
While it may not have been styled on the mannequins, I can’t have been the only fashion fan to have been besotted with it, as it was already running low on stock. In fact, to check it out for myself, I had to go up to a size large, as it was all they had in store on the day I popped in.
The button-down cardigan features a stylish cropped design, textured knit appearance and muted gold buttons that are all hallmarks that we have come to associate with the luxury French fashion house. If it were to be similar to any high street options, I would say it’s actually very close to the £35 M&S Cotton Blend Textured Knitted Jacket, which has been hailed as “timeless” and a “Chanel dupe” by shoppers.
(Image: Daily Record/Rachel Williams)
With its simple, yet elegant design, Primark’s Knit Cardigan is a pretty versatile wardrobe piece that you can wear with any outfit. As for me, I decided to pair it with a few other items from the Paula Echevarría edit that could be translated into a casual spring outfit you can wear anytime.
I ended up pairing it with the £16 Straight Leg Denim Jeans and a Black Halter Bodysuit that I didn’t find in the influencer’s edit. While I am usually more of a dresses or skirts gal myself, I did kind of regret not buying the entire look there and then to get my spring/summer wardrobe ahead of time.
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While I did previously mention that I had to go for a larger size, the cardigan itself does have a very loose, baggy shape already, so I do think this may have been one knit that you could go down a size, just in case you’re not keen on larger styles. It was also incredibly lightweight, which makes it perfect for carrying over into your spring/summer wardrobe, because you can never be too early.
Fashion deal of the week
There are few wardrobe essentials that will keep you both warm and stylish in the colder weather like the knitted dress.
Whether you are pairing them with chunky boots or layering over thermal leggings, these winter knits can be both versatile and flattering to wear. Luckily, you can nab one “must have” number from H&M for up to 65 percent less.
The high street fashion retailer’s Polo-Neck Dress, which originally cost £42.99, has been slashed in its mammoth January sale, with the cream colour now costing just £15 – saving shoppers an impressive £27.99. The dress can also be purchased in beige marl, grey and black and white stripes, although they are pricier.
Boasting a rib material with some wool, long raglan sleeves and a snug polo neck, this £15 knitted sale dress is “super cosy” and “perfect for cold days”, according to reviews. Meanwhile, its ribbing at the cuffs and hem give it a bit of a trendy, textured look.
Meanwhile, its long knee-length design and slightly baggier shape is perfect for hiding a multitude of sins that you don’t want to show off, with a few fashion fans praising it for “hiding all your lumps and bumps”. The Polo-Neck Dress is available to buy in sizes ranging from an XS to an XL.
The Polo-Neck Dress currently has an impressive 4.4 star rating based on 510 reviews, with shoppers rushing out to praise its material that is “cosy” for the current weather, and its design that “skims over any unwanted areas.”
One glowing review read: “This is a super cosy and warm casual dress, but is stylish enough to make you feel like you’ve put some effort in! I love the relaxed fit.”
A second shopper praised: “Perfect dress, great at sale price. Skims all the unwanted Xmas weight!! Perfect length and material not too bad, may be scratch for some but I found it was lovely and warm.”
Another gushed: “Beautiful sweater dress. Length perfect for my 5 ft 1 height , skims over any unwanted areas, perfect.”
H&M shoppers can purchase the Polo-Neck Dress for £15 in the January Sale here.
With its elegant design, contrasting stripe pattern and chic looking gold buttons, I think that the cardigan is the statement item that my new season wardrobe might be missing. While I was upset that my local store did not stock my regular medium size, I am secretly hoping that there were some more in stock that just needed to be put on shelves.
Not only does it look classy for the budget-friendly fashion fans among us, but it can also be paired well with a few other items from the new edit. A few items that caught my eye are the £18 on-trend Denim Midi Skirt and the smart £14 Elasticated Waistband Trousers.
Also, at just £19, it is an affordable option for those who are looking to jump onto the Chanel look-alike trend without feeling like you have to go over budget. With M&S’ designer ‘dupes’ costing between £35 to £75, Primark shoppers are making a much more decent saving.
The Paula Echevarría Knit Cardigan is available to buy in stores and via click and collect.
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