How to recreate a celebrity street-style outfit using only vintage and charity-shop finds

I love the thrill of spotting a celebrity on the street — that perfectly imperfect outfit that looks effortless on them but feels totally out of reach for the rest of us. Over the years I’ve come to realize: you don’t need a stylist or a huge budget to recreate those looks. In fact, the very ingredients that make street-style so appealing — personality, contrast, and interesting textures — are exactly what vintage and charity-shop finds specialise in. In this post I’m sharing my process for recreating a celebrity street-style outfit using only secondhand pieces, plus practical tips that actually work when you’re hunting through racks.

Why vintage and charity-shop recreations work so well

Celeb street style often mixes high and low, new and old. Vintage pieces bring individuality, quality fabrics and unique details (think bold lapels, unexpected linings, or worn-in leather) that elevate an outfit. Charity shops are brilliant for finding those one-off items at a fraction of the cost. When you source everything secondhand you’re also making a more sustainable choice — and that authenticity translates directly into the relaxed confidence you see on the streets.

My approach: start with the reference and break it down

When I set out to recreate a celebrity look I follow a simple three-step method: analyse, source, and adapt.

Analyse — I study the photo until I can describe the outfit in simple building blocks: coat, knit, trousers, shoes, bag, and a key accessory or two. Pay attention to silhouette, proportion, and colour palette. Is the coat oversized? Are the trousers cropped? Is there a tonal, monochrome approach or pop colours?

Source — With the list in hand I go charity shopping with a clear brief. This saves time and makes secondhand treasure hunting feel like a focused mission instead of random rummaging.

Adapt — I rarely find a perfect match. Instead I combine pieces interchangeably, alter hems, tailor shoulders, or use accessories to bridge any gaps. The result often ends up more wearable than the original because it’s been adapted to me.

What to look for in each category

Here’s my quick shopping checklist when I’m trying to recreate a street-style look:

Outerwear: Look for strong shapes — trenches, oversized blazers or long wool coats. Structure and weight are more important than brand. A vintage 80s blazer can be softened by rolling the sleeves or pairing with a knitted scarf.

Knitwear: Chunky knits, turtlenecks and cropped jumpers are common in celeb street style. Check cuffs and collars for wear; a clean mend can save a brilliant piece.

Trousers/Jeans: High-waist, straight-leg or wide-leg jeans from past decades often have a more flattering cut than fast-fashion alternatives. Look for sturdy denim and authentic washes.

Footwear: Leather loafers, vintage trainers, or chunky boots can anchor a look. Even if they need resoling, a cobbler can make them wearable for less than a new pair.

Bags & Accessories: This is where charity shopping truly shines — handbags with character, silk scarves, statement belts, and retro sunglasses can change the whole vibe.

Example: Recreating a celebrity oversized blazer + jeans look

One of the most copied street-style formulas is: oversized blazer + white tee + straight-leg jeans + loafers. It’s flattering, chic and straightforward to replicate secondhand.

Celebrity detail	Vintage/charity-shop target
Oversized single-breasted blazer (neutral)	80s/90s men’s blazer or women’s blazer with shoulder pad — check shoulder seams and lining
Plain white tee	Secondhand brand tees or buy a cheap new organic cotton tee to layer (mixing new basics with vintage pieces is fine)
Straight-leg blue jeans	High-waisted straight or relaxed-fit jeans — look for Levi’s, Lee or other sturdy brands
Leather loafers	Vintage loafers or brogues — bring them to a cobbler if soles are thin
Small shoulder bag	Retro leather shoulder bag or small structured bag — colour can be a contrast to blazer

Tips for successful charity shopping trips

Go often and be patient: The best finds don’t appear every week. Regular visits increase your chances and you’ll learn which stores stock what.

Know your measurements: Keep a note on your phone with key measurements (shoulder width, sleeve length, waist, hip) so you can decide quickly if a piece is worth trying on or altering.

Bring a list, but stay flexible: A loose plan helps, but sometimes a quirky jacket or scarf inspires a new direction — allow that serendipity.

Inspect garments: Look for stains, holes and excessive wear. Small rips and missing buttons are easy fixes; moth holes in visible areas are a no-go.

Have basic mending skills: Learning to sew a button, shorten a hem or patch a small hole dramatically increases what you can rescue.

Alterations and tailoring — the secret weapon

A good tailor is worth their weight in gold. Most charity finds benefit from small adjustments: nipping in a blazer, shortening sleeves, or taking up trousers. Tailoring turns a “found” item into something that feels made for you. If your budget is tiny, learn basic alterations for quick wins: hemming, simple darts, or replacing linings on bags. For more complex changes, prioritise tailoring on pieces you’ll wear often — the cost-per-wear quickly justifies it.

How to mix vintage with modern pieces

You don’t have to be 100% vintage to achieve the look. I regularly pair a thrifted coat with a new high-street knit or vice versa. The key is proportion and colour harmony. If a vintage piece is oversized, balance it with slimmer separates underneath. If a garment has busy prints, keep the rest of the outfit neutral. Accessories are the bridge: a modern belt or a contemporary pair of sunglasses can root a vintage outfit in the present.

Care, cleaning and restoring secondhand pieces

Before you style anything, give it proper care. For most garments, a thorough but gentle wash will refresh them. Leather and suede items might need a conditioner or professional cleaning. For delicate vintage silks, find a trusted dry cleaner. Replace suspicious hardware (missing lining clips, cracked zips) and use reasonable cleaning products — a toothbrush and mild soap can work wonders on stubborn stains. Restoring items not only makes them wearable but also extends their lifespan significantly.

Examples of celebrities and the vintage pieces they inspired

Alexa Chung — known for mixing schoolgirl silhouettes with vintage cashmere; look for cropped knitwear and A-line skirts in charity shops.

Rihanna — her street looks often include bold statement coats and unique accessories; hunt for colourful 80s coats and oversized belts.

David Beckham — classic tailoring mixed with vintage tees and boots; search men’s sections for oversized blazers and sturdy boots.

Alexa, Rihanna, Beckham — all show that a signature item (a blazer, a leather jacket, a bold coat) can define an outfit; focus your search on finding that one piece first.

Recreating celebrity street style from charity-shop finds is a mix of research, patience and a bit of creativity. The payoff is style that feels uniquely yours, kinder to the planet, and often kinder to your wallet. When you start seeing the potential in each rack, dressing like a celebrity becomes less about imitating and more about interpreting — and that’s where the real style magic happens.