Let’s face it. Famous people are everywhere and we can’t help but be interested. At least a little. Celebrity best dressed lists and “Who are you wearing” segments at awards shows have permeated our TV screen and fashion magazines for decades. Following the fashion trends of our favorite actresses, models, and other well-known figures have inspired our shopping habits for as long as most of us can remember.
Replicating their glamorous and creative looks can be exciting, especially if it’s someone whose personal style and look emulates our own. We feel inspired and then look for the exact high-end brand names and labels or more pocketbook-friendly options that suit our budget and style. But hold up, because for many celebrities, the attitudes and shopping behaviors they have stuck with for years are changing in the most awesome way. Some of our favorite stars have totally jumped on the sustainable fashion movement with seriously good intentions for our planet and the environment.
Others have taken to vintage and thrift shopping to unearth one-of-a-kind, pre-loved items that they can proudly incorporate into their closets for both on and off the red carpet. It’s a win-win, really, finding out that these celebrities choose to shop pre-loved clothes makes us fall in love with them and what they stand for even more! There is nothing quite like a well-known individual with the earning capacity to buy anything they want, but who chooses to do the right thing regardless of what it could do to their reputation. These stars are proving that personal style isn’t defined by the size of their bank accounts, and with a little time hunting for what you like and just a little money in your pocket, you can live your life like a millionaire celebrity too. Ready to dive into the incredible world of celebrity thrifting? Let’s go!
1. **Janelle Monáe: The Thrifting Visionary**
Janelle Monáe, the queen of unique style, once dropped a candid revelation in October 2019: thrift stores used to be her absolutely “irresistible vice.” We totally get it! Her deep desire to flaunt unique styles that genuinely set her apart led her down a path many can relate to, even if it meant spending all her gas money on those precious thrift treasures. Talk about dedication to fashion!
It wasn’t always red carpet glamour and big paychecks for Janelle. Even during times when her bank account didn’t boast thousands, let alone a thousand dollars, Janelle was a fervent thrift store enthusiast. She shared, “If I’ve got $500, I was spending half of it in the thrift store, and I wasn’t saving my money.” This shows her unwavering commitment to crafting a style that was authentically hers, even when it meant bypassing the traditional path of saving cash.
Janelle’s journey proves that incredible style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Her early passion for thrifting shaped her into the fashion icon she is today, always searching for “one-of-a-kind pieces. I don’t like everybody walking around in stuff that I have on.” This ethos has clearly stuck with her, making her a true inspiration for anyone looking to express themselves through fashion without breaking the bank or conforming to mainstream trends.
2. **Helen Mirren: The Savvy Travel Stylist**
Dame Helen Mirren, an iconic actress renowned for her grace both on and off the screen, revealed a travel secret in August 2010 that completely blew us away. When she embarks on journeys to chilly destinations, she literally leaves the packing to just underwear! Can you imagine? Instead of lugging heavy suitcases, her strategy is pure genius and incredibly eco-conscious.
Upon arrival at her destination, she heads straight to a local charity shop, often guided by her trusty driver, to assemble a cozy and stylish wardrobe on a budget, spending around a mere £30 (US$37). This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about embracing local finds and making conscious choices. “I love a good charity shop, especially when I’m travelling. When I’m going to cold places, I take nothing – just underwear,” she told British media. She then adds, “On my way from the airport, I ask the driver to take me to a good charity shop and I buy boots, socks, trousers, jumpers, jumpers, hats and scarves – usually for £30.”
What’s even more impressive and truly heartwarming is that she doesn’t lug these thrifted treasures back home. Instead, she generously donates them to another secondhand store before her departure, spreading the thrifty love and ensuring those items continue their sustainable journey. Helen’s approach to travel fashion is not just practical; it’s a testament to her unique style and her care-free attitude, proving that looking fabulous doesn’t require an overflowing designer trunk.
3. **SZA: The Vintage Tee Queen**
SZA, the “Kill Bill” singer who consistently serves up incredible vibes, opened up about her deep fondness for vintage and thrifted T-shirts in an April 2016 interview with Vogue. Before her debut Coachella performance, she revealed that she had honestly lost count of the vintage tees she had snagged from various thrift stores over the years. It’s a habit many of us can relate to when we find that perfect pre-loved gem!
She confessed that her thrifting journey began during a time when affordable clothing options were scarce, which just goes to show how resourcefulness often sparks the best style innovations. Thrift stores became her go-to, not just out of necessity, but out of a genuine love for finding unique pieces. Her passion for secondhand fashion is a reminder that authenticity often shines brightest through unconventional choices, giving her that effortlessly cool vibe.
SZA playfully called thrift stores “the devil” (in the best way possible, of course!) because you could easily return home with a garbage bag full of new finds and spend as little as $20. Talk about a budget-friendly fashion adventure that delivers serious style impact! This kind of discovery, where you find a treasure without the hefty price tag, is undeniably addictive and makes thrifting such a thrill.
Her love for vintage tees has become a signature part of her cool, effortless look, proving that timeless pieces often hide in the most unexpected places, just waiting to be discovered. It’s a testament to her unique vision that she can transform these affordable finds into iconic, stage-ready ensembles, truly owning her personal style.
4. **Macklemore: The Hip-Hop Thrifting King**
Back in July 2013, Macklemore, the chart-topping rapper, spilled the beans on his passion for thrifting during a tour that followed the release of his iconic track “Thrift Shop.” Speaking to NPR, he expressed how his love for thrift shopping courageously went against the grain of hip-hop’s typical focus on bling and extravagance. It was a bold statement, and we’re here for it!
For Macklemore, thrifting wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about embracing uniqueness and demonstrating fiscal sensibility. He passionately shared, “You know, I love thrift shopping. It is something that has been a part of my life since I was a young kid and it’s outside of the box.” He saw it as a way to express his individuality and stay true to himself in an industry often driven by lavish spending.
He proudly mentioned that his tour bus literally doubled as a treasure trove of thrifted goodies collected from shops across the nation. This truly embodied his commitment to saving money while standing out in the world of hip-hop. Macklemore explained, “Hip-hop is usually an art form that is about … bling, consumption. Yeah, I have [expensive items] too. But I also have a bunch of clothes from thrift shops and it’s about, you know, just saving money. And I think that’s something that’s rare in hip-hop culture.”
He continued, showcasing his dedication by saying, “I like to write songs about my life and things that make me a unique person, and thrift shopping is one of those.” He’s the king of thrifting, making it cool to be conscious and authentically himself, inspiring countless fans to join the secondhand revolution!
5. **Sarah Jessica Parker: The Ethical Fashion Advocate**
Sarah Jessica Parker, forever etched in our minds as Carrie Bradshaw, made a truly noteworthy fashion choice and revelation in November 2016. She told Vanity Fair that her shopping habits took a significant turn after watching the eye-opening documentary “The True Cost,” which delves into the fashion industry’s labor conditions. This documentary was a game-changer for her, as it has been for many of us.
From that pivotal moment on, Parker decided to exclusively purchase secondhand clothes for her son, James Wilkie. This wasn’t just a fleeting trend; it was a profound commitment to sustainable and ethical consumption. She explained, “The documentary The True Cost really changed me. I will only buy secondhand clothes for my son, James Wilkie.” She admitted that pants could be a challenge, noting, “Track pants are hard — boys rip them; I don’t know how to get around that,” but still made the effort for other items like used T-shirts and sweaters.
Her dedication to sustainable fashion extended even further, influencing her professional work. She disclosed that all the outfits she wore in the HBO series “Divorce” were carefully curated from flea markets, vintage stores, and online platforms like Etsy and eBay. Sarah Jessica Parker shows us that you can maintain an impeccable, stylish wardrobe while making profoundly responsible choices for the planet and its people. She’s not just a fashion icon; she’s an ethical fashion advocate.
6. **Lorde: The Down-to-Earth Style Whisperer**
Back in September 2013, Lorde, the “Green Light” singer, charmingly spilled the beans on her thrifting adventures, and her reasons were refreshingly relatable to anyone who’s ever been a conscious shopper. In a chat with Teen Vogue, she shared how thrift shopping perfectly fit her unique style and, just as importantly, her budget. She totally gets the struggle of wanting great style without breaking the bank!
Lorde gushed about the pure thrill of finding treasures for just a few bucks, openly admitting that she felt “weird” splurging on herself. This humble and grounded approach to fashion is part of what makes her so endearing and relatable to her fans. It’s not about the price tag, but the personal connection to a piece that truly makes it special, offering an authentic narrative to her wardrobe.
Her style is generally all about keeping it simple, effortless, and authentic, embodying a minimalist chic that many aspire to. Yet, every now and then, she loves to dive into a goth-witch vibe to spice things up, proving that thrifting allows for incredible versatility and experimentation without a huge financial commitment. These playful shifts in her aesthetic are made all the easier and more fun by the endless possibilities found in secondhand shops.
Lorde’s affinity for secondhand finds beautifully underscores her unique perspective on fame and consumerism, aligning perfectly with her song lyrics that often critique the hype over luxury flaunted by other pop stars. She’s a true style whisperer, showing us how to rock individuality on a budget and stay true to your artistic vision.
7. **Florence Welch: The Enchanting Onstage Alchemist**
In February 2010, Florence Welch, the powerhouse behind Florence and The Machine, spilled the beans on her iconic onstage style, and it’s as enchanting as her music. She revealed to The Guardian that her whimsical, captivating aesthetic was a glorious product of experimentation and pure fun. We love a star who takes her fashion seriously but herself not so much!
While on tour, Florence would experiment with various clothing items, never taking herself too seriously in the process. Whether it was a dramatic ballgown from her own closet or a fabulous find from a charity shop, she’d confidently rock it onstage, transforming each piece into something magical. This fearless approach to fashion is what makes her looks so memorable and truly one-of-a-kind.
Her room even resembled an antique shop, adorned with quirky treasures like a taxidermied bird, newspaper clippings, and an imposing sword, which honestly sounds like the coolest room ever. Florence’s style is truly a magical mishmash of vintage wonders, demonstrating that true style comes from imagination and a willingness to blend high fashion with incredible secondhand finds. She’s an onstage alchemist, turning thrifted pieces into pure gold.
Our journey through the amazing world of celebrity thrifting isn’t over yet! We’re just getting started with more beloved stars who are making pre-loved pieces a core part of their iconic looks, personal philosophies, and serious commitment to living sustainably. Get ready to fall even more in love with their incredible style and conscious choices! These legends are showing us all how to rock individuality, save some cash, and be super kind to our planet, all at the same time.
8. **Zooey Deschanel: The Vintage Prom Queen**
Hold up, because ‘New Girl’ icon Zooey Deschanel has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion! Back in March 2014, she shared the most delightful blast from her past, revealing her teenage obsession with thrifted vintage prom dresses. Can you even picture it? A young Zooey, perhaps in a tiara, surrounded by the beautiful chaos of a messy teen room, yet impeccably styled in a big, fluffy ’50s gown. It’s the kind of charming image that makes you adore her even more!
She’s always championed the idea that limitations actually spark creativity, making you think outside the box when it comes to what you wear. Zooey passionately believes that amazing style isn’t exclusive to the most expensive designer pieces you can find. It’s about how you put things together and the unique narrative each item tells, no matter its price tag. This philosophy totally resonates with anyone who loves to express themselves through fashion without breaking the bank.
Zooey has been a dedicated thrift shopper since her teen years, meticulously building her notoriously vintage-inspired wardrobe with finds that cost a fraction of high-end garments. She makes the rounds at thrift stores, flea markets, and secondhand boutiques whenever her busy schedule allows, consistently proving that previously loved clothing is ‘new-to-her’ and absolutely rocks! Her ability to transform these finds into iconic, whimsical looks is nothing short of inspirational.
She really is a real-life Wonder Woman when it comes to her diverse talents and her unwavering commitment to vintage fashion. Zooey totally embodies the spirit of sustainable style, showing us that with a little creativity and a love for the hunt, you can achieve a truly unique and fabulous wardrobe that totally reflects your personality.
9. **Aya Cash: The Savvy Secondhand Strategist**
When it comes to smart shopping, actress Aya Cash is an absolute pro, especially with her savvy approach to secondhand fashion. In May 2021, she opened up about her reluctance to splurge on clothes, particularly for those one-time wear occasions, which is super relatable for so many of us! She even goes a step further, consigning garments back to thrift stores, keeping the sustainable fashion cycle going strong.
Aya’s secret to successful secondhand shopping? Diversity in her hunting grounds! She’s all about exploring a variety of spots, from well-known gems like CBK and Goodwill to hidden treasures at Beacon’s Closet. And get this – she even finds fantastic pieces on Instagram, where many of her favorite vintage and secondhand shops operate! Talk about being resourceful and knowing where all the coolest finds are hiding.
One of her top tips, and honestly, a game-changer for anyone looking to nail their thrift game, is knowing your measurements. This smart approach helps you confidently snag those perfect pieces without any guesswork. Aya truly captures the thrill of stumbling upon something truly unique during a thrift treasure hunt, transforming her wardrobe into a collection of one-of-a-kind stories.
Her strategy is not just about saving money; it’s a brilliant blueprint for living a more savvy and sustainable life. Aya Cash proves that you can have an incredible, unique wardrobe while making profoundly responsible choices for your wallet and the planet. She’s definitely an inspiration for finding fabulous fashion in unexpected places!
10. **Paloma Elsesser: The Eco-Chic Role Model**
Paloma Elsesser, renowned for her effortlessly cool and eclectic style, shared her incredible sustainable fashion journey in April 2020, revealing that her eco-conscious roots run deep. Her love for sustainable fashion blossomed during her upbringing, a time when used clothing was often the only option available. It’s truly inspiring to see how those early experiences shaped her into the fashion icon she is today!
Paloma openly admires those who live and breathe sustainable brands exclusively, and she’s genuinely striving to weave this dedication even further into her daily life. She’s fiercely committed to avoiding fast fashion, consciously opting for vintage and thrifted pieces that carry stories and character. You won’t catch her falling for fleeting trends; instead, she invests in timeless pieces that resonate with her personal style and values.
Her fashion choices are more than just about looking good; they’re a powerful reflection of her deep dedication to both impeccable style and environmental sustainability. Paloma’s wardrobe is a beautiful testament to the idea that you can absolutely be a trendsetter while also being incredibly kind to our planet. She proves that sustainable fashion isn’t a compromise but an elevated choice.
Paloma is truly an eco-chic role model, inspiring countless fans to embrace vintage and pre-loved items, showing us all how to cultivate a unique, conscious wardrobe. Her commitment to a more thoughtful approach to fashion is a breath of fresh air and a clear message that style and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
11. **Olivia Rodrigo: The Patient Pop Princess of Thrifting**
Everyone’s favorite cool-girl pop sensation, Olivia Rodrigo, has totally nailed her signature style, and guess what? Many of her most cherished pieces come from her amazing thrifting adventures! Olivia’s approach to fashion is as authentic and unique as her chart-topping songs, proving that true style comes from digging for those hidden gems. It’s just another reason why we adore her!
When she shares her top tips for thrifting, Olivia really stresses the importance of patience – because finding those perfect pieces takes time and a keen eye. She also encourages having a vision for how a piece could be altered, transforming something good into something truly spectacular. And in a super modern twist, she confessed to Vogue that she’s a big fan of online vintage platforms like Depop, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective.
She even playfully admitted that instead of scrolling through TikTok, she often finds herself browsing these online vintage sites to uncover cool things. How cool is that? It’s a refreshing take on how a Gen Z star navigates fashion in the digital age, blending traditional thrifting with the convenience of online treasure hunting. It makes her feel even more relatable to so many of us who love a good scroll!
Olivia’s passion for secondhand finds makes her style incredibly unique and authentically her own, setting her apart in the music and fashion worlds. She’s a true inspiration for anyone looking to express their individuality, proving that the most fashionable statements often come from the most unexpected (and affordable!) places.
12. **Drew Barrymore: The Radiant Upcycling Enthusiast**
Drew Barrymore, the queen of sunshine and positive vibes, has been an avid thrifter for what feels like forever, and her wardrobe is practically a museum of amazing vintage pieces! Remember that iconic moment back in 2010 when she absolutely rocked a $25 metallic mosaic print dress on the red carpet? It was a vintage Janine piece she scored from a thrift store in Austin, Texas. Talk about a major fashion win that broke all the rules!
What’s even more endearing is her candid admission that for years, she just loved thrifting for the style and unique finds, not even fully realizing the incredible environmental benefits. She shared on her show, “As a major thrifter in my real life, it’s all I wear, like, vintage clothing, I never thought of it as an eco thing.” She perfectly captures how many of us stumble into sustainable habits just by following our passions.
Coming from a prestigious Hollywood royalty lineage, you might expect an air of pretension, but Drew shatters those expectations with her grounded approach to fashion. While she might not exclusively shop secondhand, her openness to incorporating vintage and pre-loved items into her glamorous wardrobe speaks volumes. It’s a testament to her down-to-earth personality and genuine love for fashion that goes beyond labels and price tags.
Drew truly embodies the spirit of upcycling, showing us all how to look fabulous while making conscious choices that are good for the planet and your wallet. Her radiant personality shines through her style, making her an incredible role model for embracing individuality and sustainability with so much joy.
13. **Billie Eilish: The Unconventional Fashion Explorer**
Billie Eilish, the ultimate trendsetter known for her boundary-pushing style, is a lifelong thrifter who has literally *never* been interested in shopping at a “regular” store at the mall. Seriously, how cool is that? She’s been a dedicated secondhand shopper for years, and for her, thrift stores represent endless possibilities – a true treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Billie describes thrift stores with such a vivid, captivating perspective, calling them “hundreds and hundreds of whatever” and a “giant warehouse” filled with “kind of everything under the sun that you can imagine.” This unique outlook perfectly encapsulates the thrill of the hunt and the sheer volume of eclectic items you can unearth. It’s a wonderland for anyone looking to craft a truly original look that stands out from the crowd.
She’s even mastered her own technique for navigating these vast fashion landscapes, quickly sifting through racks and effortlessly picking up pieces without overthinking it. This spontaneous and intuitive approach is the pure essence of thrifting – letting instinct guide you to those perfect, unexpected finds that become staples in your wardrobe. It’s all about the joy of discovery!
Billie’s thrifting habits are totally in sync with her non-conformist, iconic style, proving that you don’t need designer labels to make a massive fashion statement. She’s an inspiration for anyone looking to ditch mainstream trends and explore their personal style with confidence, creativity, and a whole lot of unique flair.
14. **Eva Mendes: The Goodwill Glamour Queen**
Eva Mendes, the stunning actress and businesswoman, has been a proud fan of thrifting for years, and get this – she even rocked a dress she bought from Goodwill for a mere $6 at her first-ever red carpet event! Talk about setting a precedent for budget-friendly glamour right from the start. This anecdote perfectly illustrates her long-standing love affair with secondhand finds.
Eva has openly shared how growing up in deep LA with hand-me-downs shaped her appreciation for affordable fashion. This personal history directly influenced her decision to ensure her own clothing line, New York & Company, offered an accessible price point and availability for all women. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see a star use her experiences to empower others through fashion.
She even has the most charming way of describing her thrifting adventures, calling herself a “wannabe archaeologist.” As she once told People, she gets a genuine “rush” when she feels there’s “gold in the hills” and she zeroes in on a fantastic find. On Queen Latifah’s show, she playfully quipped, “Give me a Salvation Army and a Goodwill, and I will find stuff in there… I always think I’m going to find a hidden tomb somewhere.” This infectious enthusiasm is exactly why we love her!
Eva Mendes brilliantly shows us that you can absolutely maintain a high-fashion, glamorous image while still embracing budget-friendly and sustainable choices. She’s living proof that incredible style is about the hunt, the discovery, and the confidence to wear what you love, regardless of the price tag. She truly is the Goodwill Glamour Queen!
What an incredible roster of Hollywood legends! From the whimsical finds of Zooey Deschanel to the eco-conscious commitments of Paloma Elsesser, and the red carpet triumphs of Eva Mendes, these stars are totally rewriting the rules of celebrity fashion. They’ve shown us that thrifting isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful statement about individuality, sustainability, and smart living. Who knew that sifting through racks could lead to such iconic style and inspire so many to embrace their inner fashion archaeologist? These celebs prove that you can achieve a look that’s not only uniquely yours but also kind to the planet and your wallet. So, next time you’re looking for some style inspiration, maybe skip the designer boutique and head straight for your local thrift store – you never know what treasures await!
