New seasons bring new beginnings but also new challenges. Each fall, I am confronted with the same one: How can I recreate The Row without spending a million bazillion dollars?? The answer for me is almost always twofold. First stop: Uniqlo. Second stop: my mirror, where I try to style my Uniqlo haul using the tools I have on hand, like belts, bags, and shoes. Uniqlo’s basics lend themselves well to The Row’s minimalist aesthetic. (See also: COS, Everlane, and the Frankie Shop.) Of course, there’s no match for The Row’s quality. But with a few accessories and styling tricks — sizing up, sizing down, layering, etc. — I can get the silhouette pretty close. And since The Row recently introduced colors other than neutrals (gasp!), I’ve got a lot more options to work with this season (though I cannot for the life of me find this same perfect shade of purple). Below, my attempts to re-create Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s fall 2022 vision for less.
The Original:
A perfectly cropped but not too cropped mock-neck T-shirt with frayed hems. I have a sweatsuit in the same color from Entireworld (RIP), and it’s so much more vibrant than the other greens in my closet.
The Dupe:
Unfortunately, this version is a little more cropped, but you could size up and cut the sleeves, since the original has frayed hems, or just wear your pants higher on your waist.
The Slightly More Expensive Dupe:
Since the original is a T-shirt, this thin knit may be a better transition to fall, and Babaà’s colors are just as rich.
The Original:
Never have I been more thoroughly convinced that pumpkin is actually chic. (Pumpkin-spice everything is normally so tacky!)
The Dupe:
It’s hard to find an orange that isn’t overpowering, but this reddish hue from Polo is flattering. It may not be as soft as The Row’s cashmere, but you can more easily layer it under a purple sweater and a white button-up shirt, as the brand does in its look book.
The Slightly More Expensive Dupe:
The Original:
Prada has me hooked on nylon but doesn’t currently offer a bag with as natural a shape as this, and I appreciate how this one doesn’t have any logos or doodads.
The Dupe:
Becky Malinsky’s shopping newsletter turned me on to this bag. You really can’t beat that price!
The Original:
I chose to re-create this full look myself because it seemed the most doable. A red long-sleeved shirt, a belt, and pleated black pants — how hard could it be?
The Dupes:
Whether you’re trying to re-create the Row look or not, these thin sweaters are great for fall layering and come in a bunch of different colors. I have at least four.
Gigi Hadid just launched her DTC cashmere brand, Guest in Residence, and it has a ton of great colors and fits, including this red oversize sweater.
I’ve had this Isabel Marant belt for years and years now, and I wear it with all my dress pants.
When I found these online, I bought them immediately. It’s hard to find wide-fit pants that don’t look sloppy on me, and these have a cinched waist and don’t flare out or look too baggy.
The Result:
Look, Mom! I’m a Row model! Just kidding. I wish. (For one, if I were a Row model, I would not smile.) In retrospect, I probably should have done a few things differently. Here are my takeaways:
- Size up with your sweaters. The roomier the better when it comes to perfecting the Row look.
- Wear black sneakers. (I’m addicted to color coordination, so I wore red, but the Row look is all black.)
- No notes on the pants (10/10), but you could size up if you wanted to look more “fashion.” Uniqlo also does free alterations!
- Buy a lottery ticket for a chance to afford the real thing. It’s really beautiful, quality clothing.
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