The One Thing Fashion Girls Always Buy the Fake Version Of

If there's anyone in the world who is opposed to the fake version of anything, it's fashion girls. Knockoffs are typically deemed never worth it, and most of the time (if you ask anyone remotely engaged with the fashion world), a direct fake is simply forbidden. Well, there's one exception to this rule, and that's when it comes to animal products such as fur and leathers. Today, we're here to hone in on one particular handbag trend that fashion girls always buy the "fake" version of, and that's crocodile.

This fall has been all about the croc-effect handbag trending in versions ranging from belt bags to more traditional carryalls. Instead of spending thousands on a product that is not sustainable, women are buying the faux-crocodile version instead. While it's safe to assume that these shoppers value sustainable mission statements and vegan products, it also doesn't hurt that some of the most talked-about brands of the year are designing the mock-croc bags everyone's carrying (we're looking at you, Nanushaka, Staud, and By Far).

Ahead, take a look at how a few of these fashion girls are styling the faux-crocodile handbag trend and shop our favorite versions of the trend.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Style Tip: Sling your belt bag over one shoulder for a more forward street style–inspired look.

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(Image credit: @katcollings )

Style Tip: Opting for a faux-croc handbag in an unconventional shape makes even the most polished of looks feel fresh.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage )

Style Tip: Match your mock-croc handbag to your skirt for a stylish monotone look.

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

Style Tip: Don't be afraid to wear your most classic bags with your most trendy outfits. Most of the time, the juxtaposition is just the thing your outfit was missing. 

Next up, shop the items that dominated our Instagram feeds in 2018.

Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.