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

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(Image credit: @emswells)

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. 

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(Image credit: @emswells)

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. 

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Marianne Smyth has the sold-out suede Massimo Dutti handbag in yellow. 

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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. 

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(Image credit: @emswells)

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
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.