The Italian fashion label Max Mara, renowned for its chic coats, smart blazers and luxurious knits, is one that I aspire to. For now, I’ll go for its vibe – think rich-stylish-woman-wears-tailoring-and-stacks-of-gold-jewellery-everyday.
Luckily for me, I can replicate this on a budget as it’s an aesthetic that a handful of high street stores have running through their core.
On the high high street, Massimo Dutti is an excellent source of Max Mara vibes. At a glance, some of its sleek leather boots and premium outerwear could easily pass for Max Mara dupes. For the most affordable options though, its & Other Stories and Arket that should be on your radar. Both excel at the rich, luxe shades and fabrics we love Max Mara for, with oversized silouhettes, well-cut tailoring and minimal knits always a focus.
The thing is, these expensive-looking pieces sell out quickly. So let’s get straight to it – these are the best Max Mara dupes available right now.
Where can I buy Max Mara dupes on the high street?
The striped top
Not all Breton tops are made equally. You’d be forgiven for thinking that one in a starchy cotton and oversized fit would be the failsafe style to go for, but I’d counsel you against it. The best kind, especially at this time of year, are more of a fine knit, that drape beautifully and are so slim, they can sit under a blazer or a chunkier knit.
Max Mara set the standard here. But £375 is far out of reach, so head straight to Zara and bag this one for a Max Mara close enough dupe that’s under £40.
The pinstripe blazer
If you’re not aiming for a slick blazer that either nips you in at the waist or is perfectly oversized and adds an edge to your workwear, then you’re not shopping for them correctly. The right cut will drape effortlessly (no one wants a clingy blazer), with cuffs that hit mid-palm and a timeless colour or print that descends trends.
This & Other Stories one is ideal if you haven’t got £800+ for this gorgeous Max Mara number.
The belted camel coat
I’d go as far as to say Max Mara is the outerwear GOAT. It’s synonymous with chic wool coats, the majority of which are made from camel wool (short and super soft) and have its signature branded lining. One will set you back at an average of £2,000, but if you want the look – a stylish, belted camel coat in a no-fuss silhouette – Whistles has your back this season.
The chic cream coat
Max Mara’s ivory Icon coat is its best-known piece, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Throw this on over any outfit at all and it’ll add an expensive vibe. After all, the woman that can wear a white wool coat without fear must have deep pockets for dry-cleaning bills and taxis everywhere. If you want the impractical look at a more practical price tag, head to H&M. I predict a sell-out.
The statement trousers
When MM does colour, it does it really well. Every shade feels rich and deep and is grounded by classic shapes instantly making colour more wearable than you might first think. These pumpkin trousers are the perfect example: with a camel knit and black ankle boots, they make for a punchy, chic look for the office, a look that’s easy to replicate at Karen Millen this season.
The luxe knit
The fast-track route to an expensive-looking outfit is to go simple. Forget all the bells and whistles that feel like they add a premium feel (when done correctly they might, but this isn’t a guarantee on the high street), and go for clean, classic designs.
This loose beige cashmere and wool knot from Arket (an excellent source for great knits) is absolute perfection. Wear with blue jeans, a black wool coat and gold jewellery.
The camel blazer
A loose-fit single-breasted camel blazer works for any occasion. Wear it over a summer dress and sandals, with matching trousers and slingbacks for work, with jeans and trainers off-duty, and over a silky evening dress and sparkly heels for night. There’s nothing it can’t do, and so if you can afford to splash out on the best quality possible, then go for it.
Max Mara’s is excellent but still way out of our price range. On the high high street, Everlane’s 80s style is the next best thing.