These M&S Sandals Are So Good, I Almost Mistook Them for The Row

I've got seriously expensive taste, but my budget doesn't always seem to get the memo. Like most of theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, every so often I'll save and invest in a luxury piece—maybe a leather handbag, a versatile dress or a perfect trench coat—that I know I'll wear forever. But when it comes to my everyday wardrobe, especially any slightly trend-led pieces, I've made it my job (literally) to track down the best and most expensive-looking pieces on the high street.
Shopping smartly at the more affordable end of the scale means you can absolutely get an elevated capsule wardrobe that luxury brands like The Row have perfected without having to remortgage your house. By "smartly" I mean paying attention to the best quality fabrications and great fits to ensure you don't miss out on that longevity you can sometimes sacrifice for price. It should come as no surprise, then, that I'm a fan of a (sensitively done) high street dupe, especially when it's backed up with quality from a brand that I trust.
Last year, Marks and Spencer's released a pair of seriously expensive-looking real leather sandals, in a style very similar to a pair from The Row that I've been considering investing in for the past three summers. As they were so endlessly chic, they sold out quickly and I wasn't able to add them to my forever wardrobe. Thankfully, M&S has offered a second chance, with a new take on the fisherman style for 2024 that is just as chic and versatile as the style that came before. And this time, I won't miss out.
The "fisherman" style caged sandal is a design that's actually been around for a very long time, withstanding the whims of the fashion world. No one brand "invented' them, but when The Row first released their version a few years ago they started to garner a lot more attention from the fashion world. Now, they're a stylish staple that can add comfort and a bit of edge to your summer footwear collection. They toughen up and balance out pretty dresses perfectly, and they also look great with transitional pieces, like jeans, cargo trousers and tailoring (as Sarah proves in these outfits) which extends their lifespan past high summer months into spring and autumn.
The Row's quality is, of course, impeccable and cannot be matched, but it does come at a price. And since I've owned M&S leather shoes in the past for many many years, I'm extremely tempted by this more affordable pair. The tan version of Marks and Spencer's fisherman sandals has been so popular they've already flown out of stock, but luckily the classic black pair has just had a fresh restock. According to M&S's site, they've been viewed over 100 times since I last looked at them yesterday, though, so I wouldn't hang around if you're thinking of investing. Keep scrolling to shop the M&S and The Row fisherman sandals, as well as more capsule wardrobe pieces from both brands.
Shop the M&S Fisherman Sandals:
Shop The Row Fisherman Sandals:
Shop More The Row Alternatives from M&S:
The Row:
M&S:
The Row:
M&S:
The Row:
M&S
The Row:
M&S:
Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Fall Outfits FromReplica Store, H&M, and Saks—You're Welcome
Everything you need to kick off September is right here.
-
Fashion People Are Elevating "Boring" White Tanks By Wearing Them With This Elegant Skirt Trend Instead of Jeans
As seen on Zoë Kravitz in Paris.
-
Sporty, a Little Ugly, and Already on Elsa Hosk: Fall's First Viral Flats Have Arrived
Prepare to see them everywhere.
-
This Flat-Shoe Trend Makes Cropped Skinny Pants Look the *Most* Fall 2025
PSA.
-
The Chicest Fashion People I Know Wear These Anti-Trend Shoes Year-Round
Classic, elevated, and perennially chic.
-
If You Want to Freshen Up Your Shoe Collection, Start With These 33 Sneakers, Kitten Heels, and Flats
Sending my apologies to your wallet.
-
Jeans, Flats, Jackets, and Sweaters—The Best of the Best In Each Category For Fall
Meet your new hero pieces.
-
Hold the Black Flats—Wearing This Shoe Color With Dresses Will Get You More Compliments
If you don't own this trend, you should.
-
Black Sandals Are Nice and All, But in NYC, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Chicer With White Pants
The unexpected choice is always a winner in this particular city.
-
Cue the Makeover Montage: My Bestie Wants a Closet Refresh, so I Sent This List of 11 Must-Have Basics
Lace-trimmed skirts and mesh ballet flats ahead.