What Celebs Think About Buying Pre-Loved Fashion

4 August 2025

Thrifted and secondhand clothing has gone from taboo to trendy, with online thrift stores and consignment stores becoming staples in the modern fashion landscape. But even as sustainability and individuality drive this shift towards thrift online, not everyone is on board with the idea of used clothes.

What do celebrities and the tastemakers and trendsetters really think about buying pre-loved fashion and engaging in online thrifting?

Let’s take a closer look at both sides of the style conversation, exploring the world of secondhand goods and thrift store finds.

Celebs Who Love Secondhand

Some stars proudly embrace thrift stores online, resale platforms, and vintage pieces not for the savings, but for the uniqueness and sustainable shopping aspects of it all:

Sarah Jessica Parker: Inspired by the fashion documentary The True Cost, she pledged to buy secondhand clothing for her son.

I’ve worn dresses to the Oscars that I got for $10.– Winona Ryder

Helen Mirren: Known for red carpet elegance, Mirren has said you can’t always tell the difference between designer pieces and thrift finds if you style it well.
Chloe Sevigny: A longtime vintage enthusiast, she said she’d rather buy “10 vintage pieces” than one expensive designer item.
Emma Roberts: As a Fashionphile ambassador, Roberts supports luxury consignment

Jaden Smith: Collaborated with Grailed and called resale fashion “the only sustainable path forward” in the circular economy.

Why Some People Still Resist

Despite the buzz around the online thrift options, secondhand fashion still meets resistance from celebrities and everyday shoppers alike.

Common concerns include:

Stigma: For some, pre-owned clothing is wrongly associated with poverty or “not being able to afford the real thing.”
Hygiene: Concerns about how used clothes were worn or cleaned can turn people off from thrift online platforms.
Convenience: Online thrifting takes time, from hunting the right size to ensuring authenticity and dealing with shipping costs.
Perceived value: Some shoppers simply prefer new items believing it’s better quality or more desirable than secondhand goods.
Return policies: Concerns about buyer protection and the ability to return items can deter some from exploring thrift stores online.

A Bit of Drama: Bethenny Frankel & the Poshmark Debate

Not everyone in the public eye is championing the resale business for the right reasons.

In 2025, Bethenny Frankel was accused of reselling gifted designer items on Poshmark, one of the popular thrifting apps, under an alias. Designer J. Logan Horne criticized her for damaging brand relationships and potentially affecting profit margins. Frankel responded that proceeds were going to charity but the situation stirred up debate about ethics, transparency, and the blurry lines between gifted and personal property in online consignment.

This incident highlighted the need for clear guidelines in the world of consignment apps and online thrifting apps, especially when it comes to luxury consignment and authenticated luxury items.

Final Thought

Whether it’s for the thrill of the find, a love for vintage pieces, or a commitment to sustainable shopping and reducing fashion waste, pre-loved fashion is gaining high-profile fans. At the same time, some remain skeptical due to social dynamics, personal taste, or simple habit.

At TheStylishCity, we believe pre-loved fashion is more than a passing trend, it’s a movement worth watching (and wearing). As the industry evolves, addressing concerns like shipping costs, return policies, and buyer protection will be crucial in making secondhand shopping apps and online thrift stores more appealing to a broader audience.

By embracing the circular economy of fashion, we can all play a part in reducing our environmental impact while still looking fabulous with unique thrift store finds.