Kmart's $18 Dress Sparks Frenzy for Designer Lookalike
Shoppers are flocking to the budget retailer for a mini dress closely resembling a Kookai version that costs over seven times more.
Australian shoppers are creating a buzz around Kmart's $18 Short Sleeve Cinched T-shirt Mini Dress, which has gained significant attention for its striking resemblance to Kookai's $130 Nova Mini Dress. The affordable Kmart find is being hailed as a dupe for the designer item, offering a significant cost saving.
The two dresses share notable similarities, including a relaxed T-shirt silhouette, a crew neckline, short sleeves, and prominent ruching through the waist designed to create a cinched effect. Both garments are also made from similar fabric compositions, with Kmart's dress utilizing cotton and elastane, while Kookai describes its Nova Mini as being crafted from a soft stretch-cotton blend.
The Kmart dress features a drop shoulder design, a ribbed crew neck, and a mini hemline, with its ruching intended to define the waist. Its designer-inspired aesthetic and budget-friendly price point have fueled its popularity on social media. One shopper described the Kmart dress as "everything," while another praised the Kmart fashion team, suggesting they "need a pay rise."
Customers who have managed to purchase the dress have lauded its comfort and its ability to flatter the figure. "I sized up in this one!" one shopper advised regarding the fit. However, acquiring the dress has proven challenging for some, with reports of it being difficult to find in stores.
Competitors are also offering similar styles; one shopper noted that Cotton On has a comparable dress priced at $40, expressing frustration that Kmart often releases cheaper versions of popular items shortly after their near-purchase from other retailers.
Kmart's version is available in three colorways and sizes ranging from six to 20, offering a more inclusive size range compared to Kookai's Nova Mini Dress, which comes in four colors but is available in sizes six to 12. Kookai positions its dress as an elevated wardrobe staple, highlighting the subtle waist ruching. Despite minor differences, such as in the chocolate colorways, the similarities have captivated shoppers, with many agreeing that Kmart has "nailed this dupe."