Thrift Shop Royalty: 10 Celebrities Who Rule the Secondhand Fashion Scene

10 Celebrities Who Share Their Passion for Thrifted Treasures

Fashion isn't just about clothes; it's a canvas for self-expression. Some celebs have turned thrifted and secondhand finds into their style signatures, proving that unique fashion doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Beyond looking fabulous, these stars are also eco-conscious trendsetters. From Janelle Monáe's budget-savvy thrift store hauls to Paloma Elsesser's commitment to sustainable fashion, let's dive into the closets of these 10 celebrities who've embraced thrifting and secondhand style as a way to express themselves while being kind to the planet.

1. Janelle Monáe: The Thrifting Vice

In a candid revelation back in October 2019, Janelle Monáe shared that thrift stores used to be her irresistible "vice." Her desire to flaunt unique styles that set her apart led her to spend all her gas money on thrift treasures. Even during times when her bank account didn't boast thousands, let alone a thousand dollars, Janelle was a fervent thrift store enthusiast. With just $500 in her pocket, she'd happily part with half of it in search of those one-of-a-kind fashion finds, unapologetically bypassing the path of saving her cash.

2. Helen Mirren: A Thrift-Shop Traveler

Helen Mirren, the iconic actress known for her grace on and off the screen, revealed a unique travel secret back in August 2010. When she embarks on journeys to chilly destinations, she leaves the packing to just underwear. Upon arrival, 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 £30. What's even more impressive is that she doesn't lug these thrifted treasures back home but generously donates them to another secondhand store before her departure, spreading the thrifty love.

3. SZA: Finding Affordable Vintage

In April 2016, SZA opened up about her fondness for vintage and thrifted T-shirts in an interview with Vogue. Before her debut Coachella performance, the "Kill Bill" singer revealed that she had lost count of the vintage tees she had snagged from thrift stores. She confessed that her thrifting journey began when affordable clothing options were scarce. SZA playfully called thrift stores "the devil" because you could easily return home with a garbage bag full of new finds and spend as little as $20, making it a budget-friendly fashion adventure.

4. Macklemore: Thrift Shopping Anthem

Back in July 2013, Macklemore spilled the beans on his passion for thrifting during a tour that followed the release of his chart-topping track "Thrift Shop." Speaking to NPR, the rapper expressed how his love for thrift shopping went against the grain of hip-hop's typical focus on bling and extravagance. For him, it was about uniqueness and fiscal sensibility. He proudly mentioned that his tour bus doubled as a treasure trove of thrifted goodies collected from shops across the nation, embodying his commitment to saving money while standing out in the world of hip-hop.

5. Sarah Jessica Parker: Secondhand for Her Son

In November 2016, Sarah Jessica Parker, famous for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City," made a noteworthy fashion choice for her son, James Wilkie. She revealed to 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. From then on, Parker decided to exclusively purchase secondhand clothes for her son. Her commitment to sustainable fashion extended to her work, too, as 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.

6. Lorde: Simple and Affordable

Back in September 2013, Lorde spilled the beans on her thrifting adventures, and her reasons were refreshingly relatable. In a chat with Teen Vogue, the "Green Light" singer spilled the tea on how thrift shopping fits her style and budget. She gushed about the thrill of finding treasures for a few bucks, admitting that she felt "weird" splurging on herself. Lorde's style is all about keeping it simple, but every now and then, she dives into a goth-witch vibe to spice things up. 

7. Florence Welch: Experimenting Onstage

Back in February 2010, Florence Welch, the powerhouse behind Florence and The Machine, spilled the beans on her iconic onstage style. She revealed to The Guardian that her whimsical aesthetic was a product of experimentation and pure fun. While on tour, she tried out various clothing items, never taking herself too seriously. Whether it was a ballgown from her own closet or a fabulous find from a charity shop, she'd rock it onstage. Her room even resembled an antique shop, adorned with quirky treasures like a taxidermied bird, newspaper clippings, and an imposing sword. Florence's style is truly a magical mishmash of vintage wonders.

8. Zooey Deschanel: Vintage Prom Dresses

In a delightful blast from the past, Zooey Deschanel shared a charming anecdote from her teenage years back in March 2014. The "New Girl" actress revealed that she had a penchant for thrifted vintage prom dresses. Despite her room being a perpetual messy-teenager disaster zone, her love for these big, fluffy '50s gowns remained impeccable. Picture it: Zooey in a tiara, typing away at her computer, surrounded by chaos, but with her vintage dress and perfectly styled hair, she was a teenage fashion maven with a unique sense of style.

9. Aya Cash: Secondhand Enthusiast

In May 2021, Aya Cash, known for her acting prowess, opened up about her savvy approach to shopping, particularly when it comes to secondhand fashion. She revealed her reluctance to splurge on clothes for one-time wear and even mentioned her habit of consigning garments back to thrift stores. Aya's top tip for successful secondhand shopping? She's all about diversity, scouring spots like CBK, Goodwill, Beacon's Closet, and even Instagram, where many of her preferred vintage and secondhand shops operate. She emphasized the importance of knowing your measurements, highlighting the thrill of stumbling upon something truly unique during your thrift treasure hunt.

10. Paloma Elsesser: A Sustainable Upbringing

In April 2020, Paloma Elsesser, renowned for her eclectic and effortlessly cool style, opened up about her sustainable fashion journey. She revealed that her sustainable wardrobe roots were nurtured during her upbringing when she could only afford used clothing. Paloma admitted that she admires those who exclusively wear sustainable brands and is striving to incorporate this into her daily life. She emphasized her commitment to avoiding fast fashion, opting instead for vintage and thrifted pieces, and steering clear of trend-driven purchases. Paloma's fashion choices reflect her dedication to both style and sustainability.