Love the look of Balenciaga’s bags but on a tight budget? Shop for dupes instead. Balenciaga’s Le Cagole and City bags are without a doubt amongst the hottest bags on the planet but if you’re here, you probably already know that. Olivia Culpo, Dua Lipa, Julia Fox, Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner are just a few of the stars to have been spotted with the luxury bags on their arms, whilst Kim Kardashian sported the Le Cagole for the brand’s 2022 campaign. If the celebrity sightings are anything to go by, its popularity is set to continue.

While the most popular colour amongst the stars seems to be the black, Le Cagole bag comes in a variety of colours and three sizes (mini, XS and S), with a noughties heart mirror attachment. But if you prefer an oversized tote, perhaps it’s the City bag that’s got your attention.

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The City Bag, previously called the Motorcycle, was first released back in 2001 during Nicolas Ghesquière’s 12-year stint as the designer’s Creative Director. Only 25 were originally produced, but when Kate Moss wore one, it became an overnight success and remains one of designer reselling site Vestiaire Collective‘s most-wanted bags today. The demand led to the designer re-releasing Le City bag in 2024 and it’s already been seen on the arms of Kim Kardashian and stylist Patricia Field.

Balenciaga is of course a luxury brand, so it almost goes without saying that the bag is on the expensive side. If you have the money to splurge for it and want to snap one up, you can get a brand new Le Cagole or City bag below. For those of us who can’t or won’t invest in one right now but love the look of the Y2K-inspired bags, there are some unbelievably similar high street versions here to save the day. If you want to get the Balenciaga look for less, keep scrolling for the best dupes on the market right now and if you like these, you might like our round-ups of Marc Jacobs tote bag dupes, Prada raffia tote bag dupes and Chanel dad sandals dupes too.

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The Original: Le Cagole shoulder bag, from £1,890, Balenciaga

Le Cagole XS shoulder bag, £1,890, Balenciaga buy now

Le Cagole XS shoulder bag, £1,890, Balenciaga buy now

Le Cagole S shoulder bag, £1,150, Balenciaga buy now

Small Le Cagole shoulder bag, £1,890, Balenciaga buy now

Le Cagole S shoulder bag, £1,890, Balenciaga buy now

The Dupe: Small shoulder bag, £14.99, H&M

Small shoulder bag, £14.99, H&M buy now

H&M has a simpler version of Balenciaga’s Le Cagole. It might not have a key chain, but it offers a similar shape and unique details. Plus, for under £15, it’s a bargain.

The Dupe: Bglowing Faux Leather Crossbody Bag, £110, Steve Madden

Bglowing Faux Leather Crossbody Bag, £110, Steve Madden at The Hut buy now

Steven Madden is a great brand to check out for bags that resemble designer arm candy. This bag is undeniably similar to Le Cagole, thanks to the zip details, attachments, shape and stud details.

UO Buckle Biker Bag, £36, Urban Outfitters

UO Buckle Biker Bag, £36, Urban Outfitters buy now

UO has slightly similar bag to Le Cagole in a number of different colours, including this light pink version. Instead of studs, it has buckles, but it’s got a similar shape to Balenciaga’s hero bag.

The Dupe: White Faux Leather Cagole Shoulder Bag, £57, Nothing But Style

White Faux Leather Cagole Shoulder Bag, £57, Nothing But Style buy now

Nothing But Style’s faux leather shoulder bag comes in a number of different colours and is almost identical to the designer bag. The studs, the attachments, the shape… this is the closest you’ll get to the real deal.

The Original: Women’s Neo Cagole City Handbag in Black, £2,290, Balenciaga

Women’s Neo Cagole City Handbag in Black, £2,290, Balenciaga buy now

Women’s Neo Cagole City Handbag in Black, £2,290, Balenciaga buy now

Women’s Neo Cagole City Handbag in Black, £2,290, Balenciaga buy now

The Dupe: BDG Faux Leather Utility Slouch Bag, £42, Urban Outfitters

BDG Faux Leather Utility Slouch Bag, £42, Urban Outfitters buy now

Urban Outfitters has a slouchy bag for under £50 that is undeniably influenced by the Y2K style era. It’s got similar elements to Le City bag, with a slouchier appearance, zips and embellishments.

The Dupe: The Willa Metallic Grey Zip Detail Tote Bag, £24.99, Public Desire

The Willa Metallic Grey Zip Detail Tote Bag, £24.99, Public Desire buy now

Want a closer dupe? Try Public Desire’s Willa bag in taupe, which has an identical shape to the original and offers similar buckle details.

The Dupe: Bag with zips and studs, £39.99, Bershka

Bag with zips and studs, £39.99, Bershka buy now

Bershka is another brand to have nailed a lookalike for Le City bag. With studs, zips and a similar shape, this is such a good dupe and it’s less than £40.

The Dupe: We The Free Emerson Tote Bag, £208, Free People

We The Free Emerson Tote Bag, £208, Free People buy now

If you can spend a little more, try We The Free’s Emerson tote bag. It’s available in a number of different colours, including black, green and orange.