An ‘expensive looking’ M&S black dress is a dupe for a Karen Millen frock 4 times the price – it’s great for tall girls
EVERY woman needs a classy black dress in her wardrobe.
Suitable for a variety of occasions, this fashion staple is a must-have and thanks to M&S, you don't have to break the budget.
A reporter at shared her thoughts on an affordable M&S dress that she compared to a high-end Karen Millen buy, that rings in at four times the price.
The currently retails for just £49.50, and is described as a "pure cotton bubble hem midaxi dress".
Meanwhile, the is listed for £159.20 from Karen Millen.
The fashion fan at Grazia described the M&S buy as "a masterclass in taking a trend and elevating it to a timeless staple you can have in your wardrobe, one you'll wear long past the trend's expiry date".
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She also praised the details of the dress, including the length, subtle bubble hem, sleeveless bodice, and cut-out back.
After trying on the look, she described it as "the most expensive-looking dress at M&S right now".
The style pro went on to say the frock was "a perfect example of how high street fashion can still surprise us".
She referred to the chic design, multiple different length options, and the monochrome colourway.
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"The bubble hem might have couture origins, but M&S have cleverly reworked the style with wearability, ease, and accessibility in mind," the fashion enthusiast added.
And while the Karen Millen look doesn't have a bubble hem, it is quite similar in cut.
Designed to make the wearer "feel elegant", this designer dress is described as having "a universally flattering silhouette".
While the long skirt "creates flowing movement", the square neckline is "perfect for introducing some old-school glamour to your wardrobe".
And since classy black gowns can be utilised for a variety of occasions, shoppers may even consider this pricey buy as an investment.
The fashion experts as Karen Millen recommend styling this look with strappy heels "for an outfit that will turn heads".
This dress is available in black, ivory, and cream.
Why you should always buy a dupe over designer...
Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says it’s time fashion snobs stopped looking down their noses at affordable versions of designer buys.
Bargain US supermarket Walmart became a social media sensation when its £60 dupe of Hermès’ Birkin bag, dubbed the Wirkin, went viral.
Influencer @styledbykristi gushed: "Eighty dollars (£60), you can pretend that you got a Birkin. I mean, everyone will probably know it’s not, because who the hell has the money to spend on the real Birkin? Not me.”
Me neither. And why bother? I would never spend that on a designer bag (although if someone wants to buy one for me, that’s a different story).
Plus, if I splashed that much, I’d feel I was being ripped off...
We’ve all been told how the leading brands use the finest leather, thread, dyes and craftsmanship in the world.
But all that is inflated by fashion houses to create the desired illusion of exclusivity.
Just last year, Dior came under investigation for paying £44 to assemble a bag that sells for £2,000.
So while you might think you are paying for top-level craftsmanship carried out by a true artisan, chances are the poorly paid workers are not seeing any of your hard-earned cash.
Dupes — not to be mistaken for knock-offs that copy everything from the logo to the inside label — are a more practical and all-round sensible way to go.
I bought my first when I was 18. It lasted me four years and only broke after I wore it in the shower.
And these days, British high streets have plenty of dupes. In the past three years, Marks & Spencer, H&M and Mango have all seen huge spikes in sales thanks to their canny copies. They use the same viral, must-have marketing tactics that pricey brands have.
Fashion folk will tell you that you are making an investment and buying a “heritage piece” and will turn their noses up at a high street equivalent. But we’ve been wearing looks inspired by catwalk designers for decades.
If we can buy a bag that’s the spitting image of the pricier version, but doesn’t mean you have to remortgage, why not?
Meanwhile, the M&S look has also received praise from shoppers in the site's review section.
One customer said she "couldn't resist" purchasing the dress after trying it on.
"The design quality becomes apparent once on with a drop waist, great if you are tall and long in the body, and the bubble hem," she wrote.
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"It’s also nicely lined and the cut out back still enables you to wear a bra.
"Please continue to provide such design quality please M&S."
