If you’ve ever accidentally forgotten to mark ‘price low to high’ on the Net-a-Porter site and lived your best life scrolling through the expensive knits, you’ll know that the price of designer knitwear can be eye-watering to say the least.
Any fashionista with one eye on aspirational luxury labels will know about Nili Lotan. The namesake label was launched by Israeli-born and New York-based Lotan, and in the last 20 years, it’s become renowned for premium wardrobe staples: think *perfect* camel jumpers, slinky slip dresses and high-waisted wide-leg trousers.
But it’s the knitwear that I really want to draw your attention to. Loved by the likes of Gwyneth (she wore a cream iteration for a court date this week), Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez, it’s top-tier-level luxury with cashmere and wool commonplace.
Champagne lifestyle, champagne budget? Shop these designer dupes:
- The best crinkle swimwear like Hunza G to shop for your winter sun holiday
- The best Totême striped jumper dupes on the high street for spring
- The best Max Mara dupes on the high street now
- The best Skims dress dupes in stock right now
But so is the price tag. A Nili Lotan knit will set you back around £1500, but luckily for those of us who want to live the champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget, its minimal-luxe vibe is replicated across a handful of high street stores.
So, if you’re looking for a premium knit you can wear to the office this spring, these Nili Lotan lookalikes are the answer. Here are the high street dupes for its best knits.
The casual cashmere knit
If you’re on the hunt for a knit that will look just as good with straight leg jeans and trainers as it will a silk midi skirt and knee-high boots, the Izabela is the one. But at a staggering £1600, a lookalike is needed. The Mentone sweatshirt from Varley is the perfect stand-in.
In the same chic cream hue, a wide open collar and boxy shape, it looks much more expensive than its price tag suggests.
The perfect camel jumper
Every modern wardrobe needs a camel knit to get through winter. If you’re going for a tonal look (it’s giving Succession), it works well alongside co-ordinating trousers and a (Max Mara dupe) camel coat. If you want to look luxe and expensive without the dry-cleaning bills that come with an all-white winter look, camel is the next best thing. This New Look cable knit is great if you’re on a budget.
The classic versatile cardi
If winter 2022-2023 taught us anything, it’s that layering is key. Versatile knits that work over a T-shirt, a ribbed vest and a printed midi dress are wardrobe heroes, and as much as it’s worth splashing a bit more on them if you can to ensure you get the best quality, Nili Lotan’s knits might still be (way) out of budget.
Enter Jigsaw, which has excellent quality knits that’ll stand the test of time. This black cardi will see you right through spring, through breezy summer evenings, then through to autumn again.
The spring-ready cream knit
When does a solid cream knit ever *not* look expensive? & Other Stories is the knitwear G.O.A.T on the high street so head there first for a premium knit that won’t cost the majority of last month’s salary. Wear this oversized crew neck with navy trousers and Adidas Samba trainers for a smart/casual look that looks like it cost a bomb.
The polo knit
Black knitwear is a *chef’s kiss* investment. If you’re going for a sleek all-black look to give the Olsen twins a run for their money, having a smart black jumper in a classic silhouette is a must.
Nili Lotan’s collared polo knit is perfection personified. A clean cut, ideal V-neck and slim sleeves mean you’ll turn to it on warmer days, too. But if you haven’t got the £900 to fork out for it, head to & Other Stories.