When vintage prairie dress meets luxe gothic drama – of course I’m talking about those The Vampire’s Wife dresses.
The creative vision of model and muse turned designer and founder Susie Cave, this cult brand has built up a loyalty celebrity following since 2014, from Kate Moss to Kate Middleton wearing their distinctive dresses. It’s no wonder some of our favourite high street labels have taken note, with glimmers of the classic styles and silhouettes appearing on some of the new season’s best dresses.
Over the years, their iconic gowns, midis and minis have all been defined by ruffled hems, high necklines, puff sleeves, and flattering fitted bodices. There’s pretty florals and metallic chiffons, soft corduroy and sequins across the collections. It’s a brand with an air of grown-up party dressing, boosted by its starry status.
But if, like me, you’ve been dreaming of wearing one of these Vampire’s Wife dresses without spending the £1000 price tag, you can join our designer dupes club instead. I’ve been looking for the best The Vampire’s Wife dress dupe buys on the high street right now so that when the party or wedding guest invites roll in you’ll be ready with the perfect frock.
The Falconetti dress
The classic Vampire’s Wife midi, the Falconetti dress is one of a kind with its dramatic sleeves and flattering shape. For high street alternatives, here are the midis that have that same iridescent quality and sophisticated silhouettes.
While the shimmering styles will be perfect for black tie and formal events, we also love the floral styles, which would make for striking outfits at spring weddings, baby showers, dressy day time hen parties and even at fancy afternoon teas.
The original:
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The original:
On the high street:
The original:
On the high street:
The original:
On the high street:
The Villanelle dress
You’d be forgiven if you couldn’t spot the difference between the Falconetti and the Villanelle at first glance, but on closer inspection they have a few subtle differences, namely the flowy sleeves and lighter fabric. This combination of spring-ready fabrics and bold, colourful prints make the Villanelle dresses, and their high street counterparts, perfect for spring wedding guest outfits.
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The Cinderella dress
This dreamy Cinderella maxi dress features a beautiful wild rose print, ruffles and The Vampire’s Wife signature high neckline, all of which can be spotted on these less expensive alternatives from New Look and Batsheva.
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The Festival dress
The Vampire’s Wife Festival Dress has the distinctive midi silhouette of the Falconetti dress, with its slim-fitting bodice and pleated hem, but with softer edges.
While the Falconetti leans towards high shine metallic and lurex fabrics, the Festival features rich velvets and corduroy textures. If you’re looking on the high street, you can find dresses with the same jewel tones and luxurious feeling fabrics for a fraction of the cost.
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The original:
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The Mini Falconetti dress & Mini Night Tremors dress
This Vampire’s Wife Mini Falconetti and Mini Night Tremors dresses are destined for the dance floor, but not with me and not for my bank balance. I’ll be turning to shimmery options from places like & Other Stories, Phase Eight, Sabina Musayev, and Ro & Zo instead.
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The original:
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The Mini Fortune Teller dress
The Fortune Teller dress might be mini but it brings maximum gothic drama Wednesday Addams would approve of with its exaggerated shoulder pads and voluminous sleeves.
Velvet dresses may be more suited to colder days, so if you’re looking ahead to spring and summer (and you have a thing for wearing black all the time) look to lighter fabrics with Boden dress alternative.
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The Skyrocket dress
While the midi and mini dresses may be more suited to a cocktail party dress code, The Vampire’s Wife floor-length gowns would be incredible to wear at black tie events. If you’re not afraid of a statement, Warehouse, ASOS, Rotate, Amy Lynn and Sabina Musayev have stepped up to The Vampire’s Wife Dress dupe challenge with their high neck shimmering maxi dresses.
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Heels to pair with your Vampire's Wife dress dupe:
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The Night Flight Crystal dress and The Whole Lotta Trouble Dress
These dupes from River Island, Warehouse, Finery London, Lavaand and New Look deserved a final mention, as their studded polka dots and prints are, simply, *spot on*.
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The original:
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The Ghosteen Feather-Trim Velvet Kaftan Gown
The Vampire’s Wife’s The Ghosteen is perhaps the most dramatic gown of the bunch. Crafted with mint silk velvet and trimmed with feathers, it’s definitely a statement that’s hard to replicate. However, these more affordable brands have a few options that remind us of the OG.
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