In the world of fashion, finding that perfect blend of style, quality, and affordability can often feel like a never-ending quest. But every now and then, a gem appears on the racks of our favourite budget-friendly stores that shakes up the scene, offering a taste of luxury without the hefty price tag. This time, it’s Target that’s causing a stir among fashion-savvy shoppers with a new item that’s a dead ringer for a high-end piece.
The item in question? A chic crochet knit jumper is priced at a mere $40, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the ‘Gardy’ cropped sweater by the coveted French brand Ba&sh, which retails for a cool $517. This affordable find is attracting attention, with shoppers and fashion bloggers alike marvelling at the striking similarities between the two.
Crafted from a cosy blend of Australian cotton and acrylic, the Target jumper highlights the retailer’s commitment to providing stylish options that don’t break the bank. Its black-and-white striped V-shaped design pattern, round collar, and long, cuffed batwing sleeves mirror the luxury French brand’s design, making it a sought-after piece for those in the know.
Many fashion enthusiasts are sharing their thoughts with influencers, including the Kmart Insider, and are discussing the new finds on social media. ‘I can’t even deal how cute this new Target jumper is,’ she exclaimed, highlighting the jumper’s striking resemblance to the Ba&sh ‘Gardy’ sweater. The frill shirt with a bow tie, which is styled underneath the model’s jumper in promotional images, is also a Target piece, sold separately for $40, adding to the allure of the ensemble.
Styling this versatile jumper is a breeze. It can be dressed down with skinny jeans and sneakers for a casual day out or paired with a leather skirt and heels for an elevated evening look. The relaxed fit ensures comfort, while modern design elements like the ribbed crew neckline and cuffed sleeves add a touch of contemporary flair.
While many shoppers are over the moon with this affordable alternative, opinions, as always, are subjective. Some have voiced less enthusiastic views, with one shopper candidly remarking, ‘It is ugly in my opinion and will be a one-season wear.’ But fashion is a personal journey, and what doesn’t appeal to one may be a treasure to another.
Target’s recent fashion offerings have been making waves beyond this jumper. A budget-friendly trench coat from the retailer has also been praised as the perfect dupe for a designer leather coat costing over $1,400. The Lily Loves PU Trench Coat, priced at $80, has been compared to St Agni’s $1,459 Leather Trench for its sleek design and classic features, all without the designer price tag.
The coat’s leather-look polyurethane blend gives it a luxurious feel, and it is gaining popularity as a winter wardrobe option. Available in deep chocolate and burgundy, it’s been lauded for its quality, fit, and versatility. Fashion content creator Sharna Isabella was among the first to spot this item, sharing her find in a viral video and even purchasing the coat in both available colours.
These Target finds reflect a trend in the fashion industry: the rise of ‘dupes’ or affordable alternatives to luxury items. With more affordable options popping up on store shelves, it’s exciting to see how shoppers are embracing these trendy finds.
What do you think of these affordable fashion dupes? Have you found any other budget-friendly alternatives that rival luxury items? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Grab it before it’s gone: Target’s end-of-season sale starts at just 10 cents!
