Faking It: Why Wearing Designer Knockoffs May Have Hidden Psychological Costs

Within just a few blocks from my office, street vendors will sell me a Versace T-shirt or a silk tie from Prada, cheap. Or I could get a deal on a Rolex watch or a chic pair of Ray-Ban shades. These are not authentic brand-name products, of course. They are inexpensive replicas. But they make me look and feel good, and I doubt any of my friends can tell the difference. That’s why we buy ...