Fashion People Can't Stop Carrying These Designer-Looking High-Street Bags

This mini suede Massimo Dutti bag proved to be a sellout hit this summer.
In an unprecedented turn of events, fashion people have recently been forgoing their well-known designer handbags for styles from the high street. Yes, you heard me correctly. In fact, it's one particular high-street brand that has been producing handbags so expensive-looking that influencers and editors across the industry are leaving their Loewes at home in favour of these glossy yet affordable accessories.
Massimo Dutti is the brand in question, and whilst it's not the cheapest high-street label out there, we're still talking under £200 for its most premium styles, compared to the soaring four-figure sums you can find from most designer labels these days.
Emily Wells wears a beautiful leather Massimo Dutti bag from last autumn.
Myself and my fellowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK editors have been fans of Massimo Dutti (the more mature, elevated and higher-quality sister brand to Zara) for a while now, and over the years, I've seen influencers dip in and out of its timeless offering. But over the last year—especially with the explosion of quiet luxury—I've seen more and more people in the industry wearing (and raving about) the brand's classic buys.
The minimalist, designer-looking leather handbags have unsurprisingly proven to be a particular hit, and there's been a number of times recently where I've stopped my scrolling on Instagram to check which designer an influencer's chic bag is from, only to discover that it's Massimo Dutti.
Marianne Smyth has the sold-out suede Massimo Dutti handbag in yellow.
The quality far exceeds the high-street price tag.
The brand has actually just released its autumn/winter drop of bags, and they really don't disappoint. Rich, tonal colours in buttery leathers and unique designs really make them really stand out from the rest of the high street's offering. If you've been looking for a classic, crossbody, '90s-inspired shoulder bag or a fits-everything leather tote that will last you for many seasons to come, you're going to want to see these.
I love that they all come in multiple classic colourways too—usually including black, brown and a lighter cream. My personal favourites have to be the Croissant Bag and the padded flap bags (one in each size, please) that I just want to take home and squeeze. All are bound to sell out as autumn gets underway, so keep scrolling to pick your favourite now.
You can see how easy it is to mistake these bags for designer styles.
Shop Massimo Dutti Handbags:
Next Up: 11 Quiet-Luxury Bags That Are Low-Key, Anti-Trend and Peak Cool

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.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
Forget the Margaux—*This* The Row Bag Will Be Carried by Fashion People With Cool Taste in 2025
And it won't cost you $5000.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 ChicReplica Store Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things Around
Effortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
The 5 Brands to Shop for Beach Bags That You'll Love and Keep Forever
Trust me on this one.
-
The "Dated" Bag Trend We Left in the '90s Just Showed Up at Miu Miu and on Jennifer Lawrence
A comeback is imminent.
-
'90s Minimalism Is My Summer Aesthetic—This Is My Capsule Wardrobe
Timeless.
-
According to the Fashion Set, It's Officially a Sardine Summer—35 Picks They Can't Get Enough Of
The tinned-fish trend is in full effect.
-
25 Criminally Good Madewell Sale Finds That Fashion People Are Adding to Their Carts
Up to 60% off? Yes, please!