Shoppers are raving about a new $18 vest from Kmart that looks strikingly similar to a $149 piece from a cult Australian label.
The budget-friendly True Knit Ribbon Vest has the same delicate ribbon tie and cropped cut as With Jean’s popular Gigi Top, which has been spotted on celebrities and influencers across Instagram.
While the original halter-neck top has built a cult following, many say it’s hard to justify spending $149 on a single seasonal piece.
That’s where Kmart comes in.
For under $20, shoppers can experiment with the same flirty, feminine look without the hefty price tag.
‘I found a lookalike that is slightly more affordable for us,’ fashion blogger, known as Kmart Insider, said on Instagram.
Many shoppers were amazed with the similarities, with one saying: ‘Wow,’ alongside the side-by-side comparison.
‘I actually prefer the Kmart one,’ another revealed.
![Shoppers are raving about a new $18 vest from Kmart [pictured] that looks strikingly similar to a $149 designer piece from cult Australian label With Jean](https://www.newsbeep.com/au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/102133963-15098251-image-m-3_1757895182824.jpg)
Shoppers are raving about a new $18 vest from Kmart [pictured] that looks strikingly similar to a $149 designer piece from cult Australian label With Jean
While the original halter-neck top has built a cult following, many say it’s hard to justify spending $149 on a single seasonal piece
The dupe couldn’t come at a better time, with Australians still feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis.
Shoppers are becoming more price-conscious, turning to retailers like Kmart, Target, and Big W for stylish yet affordable wardrobe staples.
High-fashion splurges have taken a backseat as households tighten their budgets, and fast retailers like Kmart continue to thrive by offering affordable versions of runway trends.
Fashion lovers say the store’s middle aisles give them a chance to refresh their wardrobes each season without sacrificing style or savings.
With the rise of dupes for designer and premium high-street brands, fashion lovers no longer need to compromise on style to stick to a budget.
That doesn’t mean Aussies are turning their backs on designer fashion altogether.
Many admit they’re happy to splurge on quality pieces they’ll wear for years, but when it comes to fleeting trends, Kmart fills the gap.
The Gigi Top may be a future wardrobe classic, but for those testing out the look this spring, the dupe offers an easy entry point.
High-fashion splurges have taken a backseat as households tighten their budgets, and fast retailers like Kmart continue to thrive by offering affordable versions of runway trends
The timing also helps.
With spring settling in and summer just around the corner, Australians are eager to embrace lighter, more playful pieces.
The cropped ribbon vest works just as well with denim shorts and sandals as it does with a slip skirt or wide-leg trousers for an evening out.
Some shoppers even suggest layering it over linen shirts or dresses for a softer, romantic look that suits the warm-weather season.
The rise of ‘dupe culture’ shows no sign of slowing down, and pieces like this are a reminder that style doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Whether you’re investing in the real thing or experimenting with the Kmart version, it’s clear that tie-up tops will be everywhere this summer.
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Kmart wows shoppers with $18 item that’s a ‘perfect dupe’ of $149 version: ‘It’s a lookalike’