Holiday Style on a Budget: How to Shop Designer Brands at up to 90% Off with thredUP

The holiday season is officially here — which means festive parties, cozy dinners, gift exchanges, and yes… the annual pressure to find outfits that look expensive without actually being expensive. If you’ve been eyeing those designer brands but don’t want the high-end price tag, good news: you don’t need it.

Enter thredUP, one of the world’s largest online secondhand fashion marketplaces. With up to 90% off estimated retail and thousands of new arrivals every day, it’s the smartest way to refresh your wardrobe (and your holiday looks!) without blowing your budget.

Why thredUP is a Holiday Style Game-Changer

thredUP isn’t your typical thrift shop. It’s a curated, easy-to-browse online treasure chest filled with pre-loved, gently used, and sometimes even brand-new pieces from labels like Lululemon, Madewell, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Zara, Reformation, and more.

Whether you’re styling for a holiday office party, cozy cabin getaway, or elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, you can elevate your look for a fraction of what you’d pay retail — all by shopping secondhand.

1. Shop Party-Ready Dresses at a Fraction of Retail

The holiday dress situation can get expensive fast — especially when you only plan to wear a statement piece once or twice. On thredUP, you can find sequined minis, satin slip dresses, velvet gowns, and cocktail classics that fit every aesthetic and every budget.

Instead of hunting for one-time outfits in fast-fashion stores, try searching for your favorite brands on the thrifting platform and sorting by condition and color. Many items look brand-new, and some even come with original tags.

TIP: Explore by brand (Reformation, Anthropologie, ASTR The Label) to find holiday looks that feel premium without the premium price.

→ Shop holiday dresses on thredUP

2. Build Cozy, Elevated Everyday Outfits

Holiday style isn’t only about the big events. December calls for comfortable yet chic everyday pieces — think chunky sweaters, soft knits, boots, and oversized scarves.

thredUP’s sweater section alone has thousands of options from brands like Madewell, J.Crew, Everlane, and Free People. Whether you want minimal neutrals or winter brights, you’ll find something warm, cute, and wallet-friendly.

→ Explore cozy winter layers on thredUP

3. Find Designer Gifts for Less

Want to give something stylish — without the stress of designer prices? thredUP is a goldmine for unique, high-quality gifts like:

Leather handbags
Cashmere sweaters
Statement jewelry
Designer scarves
Like-new athleticwear

This is the kind of gifting that feels truly thoughtful — elevated, sustainable, and budget-friendly.

→ Shop potential gift finds on thredUP

4. Refresh Your Wardrobe the Sustainable Way

One of the best parts of shopping secondhand is knowing you’re doing something good for the planet. Holiday consumerism can get overwhelming — but choosing pre-loved pieces helps reduce waste, cut down on carbon impact, and support a circular fashion economy.

And honestly… it feels good to save money and look incredible while doing it.

Your Holiday Style Starts Here

Before you head into the holiday rush, check out thredUP’s newest arrivals and see what kinds of deals you can score. Whether you’re building everyday looks or hunting down the perfect show-stopping dress, you can create a luxe holiday wardrobe — without the luxe price tag.