18 Brands Like Gu for Affordable Fast Fashion Trends

Find affordable brands like GU offering bold, trendsetting designs without the luxury price. Explore stylish alternatives for your high-fashion cravings.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

Love the high-fashion, statement-making vibe of Gucci? The luxury powerhouse is famous for its bold Italian designs and ability to set trends season after season. But getting that luxe, cutting-edge look doesn't always have to come with a designer price tag.

If you're looking for brands that capture that trendy, fashion-forward energy without emptying your wallet, you're in the right place. Here are 18 affordable fast fashion brands that deliver Gucci-esque style on a budget.

1. Zara

Zara is the undisputed queen of fast fashion, mastering the art of bringing runway looks to the street in record time. Their collections include everything from sharp, tailored blazers and trendy dresses to statement accessories that feel high-end. With most items falling between $20 and $150, its style is minimalist-chic and constantly evolving.

While Gucci's creativity is rooted in luxury heritage, Zara's strength is its speed and accessibility. It's the perfect place to get those runway-inspired looks right now, capturing Gucci's trend-forward aesthetic at a price that lets you experiment.

Shop now at zara.com

2. H&M

H&M offers a huge array of styles, from essential basics to trend-driven statement pieces, all at incredibly affordable prices, mostly from $10 to $70. Their vibe is modern and approachable, making on-trend fashion accessible for everyday life. They also make an effort toward sustainability with their Conscious Collection.

Like Gucci, H&M is great at tapping into the current fashion moment, but they translate it into casual, easy-to-wear items. If you want a quick fashion fix that nods to luxury trends for less than the cost of lunch, H&M has you covered.

Shop now at hm.com

3. Fashion Nova

For unapologetically bold and sexy styles, Fashion Nova is the go-to. Known for figure-hugging bodycon dresses, eye-catching sets, and trendy jeans, this brand delivers non-stop newness with prices mostly in the $15 to $50 range.

Fashion Nova captures the show-stopping, look-at-me energy that often defines Gucci's more daring pieces. While Gucci offers fine Italian craftsmanship, Fashion Nova provides instant trend gratification for a night out, making that head-turning aesthetic super accessible.

Shop now at fashionnova.com

4. PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing is another powerhouse for youthful, trendy fashion that keeps up with celebrity and influencer styles. Think oversized blazers, sleek satin dresses, and chunky footwear, all priced between $10 and $80. Their vibe is edgy, glam, and always ready for a photo op.

Just as Gucci keeps a finger on the pulse of high fashion, PrettyLittleThing watches social media like a hawk to deliver the looks you're seeing in your feed. It’s perfect for capturing a high-end aesthetic in a fun, youthful way.

Shop now at prettylittlething.com

5. Shein

Shein is known for its absolutely massive catalog of ultra-affordable clothing and accessories, with most things costing between $5 and $50. No matter how niche the trend is, you can almost certainly find a version of it on Shein, from Y2K revivals to sleek minimalist pieces.

While Gucci's value is in its exclusive, high-quality designs, Shein's is in its endless variety and rock-bottom prices. It's the best option for trying out a bold, fleeting trend inspired by luxury runways without any financial commitment.

Shop now at shein.com

6. Boohoo

As a leading UK-based online retailer, Boohoo serves up non-stop trends for a young, style-savvy audience. With hundreds of new items dropping daily, ranging from $10 to $60, you can find everything from festival-ready looks to glamorous party dresses.

Boohoo shares Gucci's knack for creating buzz through collaborations, but focuses on influencers and reality TV stars to launch its trendy collections. It's built for those who want of-the-moment looks that feel exciting and fresh without the designer price.

Shop now at boohoo.com

7. Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal is for the fashion-lover who isn't afraid to make a statement. Its collection - mostly between $20 and $100 - is filled with edgy, vintage-inspired pieces, glamorous dresses, and bold separates. It's where you shop when you want to feel cool and stand out from the crowd.

Where Gucci provides high-end rebellious glamour, Nasty Gal delivers a gritty, rock-and-roll take on trends. It’s perfect for adding a dose of unapologetic confidence to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Shop now at nastygal.com

8. ASOS

ASOS is a massive online marketplace carrying thousands of styles from its own in-house labels and other popular brands. With a wide price range, generally $15-$100 for most items, its aesthetic is incredibly diverse, so you can find minimalist basics, edgy streetwear, and formal dresses all in one place.

Much like Gucci, ASOS knows that fashion is about variety and self-expression. Their site is a treasure trove for finding affordable pieces that echo high-fashion trends, making it easy to create a unique look on a budget.

Shop now at asos.com

9. Lulus

Lulus is your spot for those moments when you want to feel chic and polished without dropping a ton of cash. Their collection is full of trendy, feminine pieces like dresses and sets that are perfect for everything from weddings to weekend brunch, mostly hovering in the $30-$150 range.

While Gucci delivers bold, opulent luxury, Lulus offers an accessible take on romance and elegance. If you're looking for an outfit that feels elevated and high-quality for a special occasion, Lulus nails that expensive look for less.

Shop now at lulus.com

10. Princess Polly

Hailing from Australia, Princess Polly offers playful and youthful fashion that's all over TikTok and Instagram. Specializing in festival wear, trendy mini dresses, and cool separates, most pieces are between $30 and $80. The vibe is fun, flirty, and effortlessly cool.

Princess Polly has perfected the art of creating coveted items that define the new generation of trendsetters, much like Gucci does for the luxury market. It's the place to go for outfits that are sure to be a hit with the Gen Z style crowd.

Shop now at us.princesspolly.com

11. Romwe

Romwe is another player in the ultra-fast fashion world, offering styles that are extremely trendy and incredibly cheap - we’re talking $5 to $40 for most items. The aesthetic is youth-focused, leaning heavily into social media trends, from e-girl grunge to vibrant kawaii aesthetics.

Similar to Shein, Romwe strips a trend down to its most basic, affordable version. If you love Gucci's willingness to embrace bold aesthetics and subcultures, Romwe offers a low-risk way to play with those looks yourself.

Shop now at us.romwe.com

12. Cider

Known as "your closet's happy hour," Cider is a social-first brand that curates its collection by mood, such as "Feeling Cute" or "Feeling Elegant." With prices from $15 to $50, their clothes are aimed at the Gen Z shopper who loves experimenting with TikTok trends. You'll find tons of crop tops, fun prints, and wide-leg trousers.

Where Gucci reinterprets vintage for the luxury consumer, Cider serves up micro-trends for the digital age. It’s a perfect source for playful, mood-based pieces that feel very current.

Shop now at shopcider.com

13. Bershka

As part of the same parent company as Zara, Bershka is its younger, edgier sibling. The brand targets teens and young adults with fashion that’s heavily influenced by music, technology, and streetwear. Prices typically sit between $20 and $70 for items like cargo pants, graphic tees, and trendy outerwear.

Bershka channels the more experimental and casual side of Gucci's aesthetic. If you're into the logomania and streetwear-heavy trends that rule the luxury space, Bershka offers a much more affordable version of that vibe.

Shop now at bershka.com

14. Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is a goldmine for finding discounted designer and contemporary brands alongside affordable labels. You can snag items from popular brands like Topshop or Free People for 30-70% off. It carries everything from trendy clothing and shoes to handbags that might remind you of higher-end designers.

This is where you can hunt for a deal and find pieces that feel closer to luxury quality without the Gucci price. It offers the thrill of the find and gives you access to a mix of mid-tier and fast fashion brands for less.

Shop now at nordstromrack.com

15. Forever 21

Forever 21 is one of the original fast fashion giants, known for packing its stores with an overwhelming amount of trendy, low-priced clothing. Centered on a very young demographic, most of its apparel, from mini skirts to graphic tees, falls in the $10-$40 range.

While it may not have Gucci’s prestige, Forever 21 has always been a go-to for affordable versions of high-fashion and celebrity trends. It's an excellent stop for party tops or seasonal items you only plan to wear a few times.

Shop now at forever21.com

16. Mango

Mango strikes a balance between timeless style and on-trend details, making it a slightly more mature and polished alternative to Zara. With prices generally from $40 to $200, it excels at sophisticated workwear, elegant dresses, and quality outerwear that punches above its weight.

If you're drawn to Gucci’s polished, European sensibility, Mango offers a grounded, real-world version of that chicness. Its pieces often feel more expensive than they are, making it a great resource for building a stylish, modern wardrobe.

Shop now at shop.mango.com/us

17. Topshop

Topshop has long been the icon of British high-street cool, famous for its trend-setting denim, edgy dresses, and unique collaborations. Now primarily available through ASOS, the brand maintains its hold on "It Girl" style with pieces that perfectly balance trendiness with wearability.

Like Gucci, Topshop has a distinct brand identity that’s both aspirational and deeply connected to pop culture. It captures a rebellious, city-cool energy and makes it accessible for anyone who wants a piece of that London vibe.

Shop now at topshop.com

18. & Other Stories

Designed in Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, & Other Stories offers chic, contemporary pieces that feel creative and sophisticated. As part of the H&M group, it sits at a slightly higher price point (around $50-$250) but delivers elevated quality and design in its clothing, shoes, and accessories.

If you appreciate the storytelling and artsy eclecticism of Gucci's collections, you'll love & Other Stories. It offers a more understated yet equally fashion-forward aesthetic for those who value unique details and a grown-up sense of style.

Shop now at stories.com

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