9 Times Celebs Ditched Designer Brands On The Red Carpet, And Honestly They Still Made It Work

    "I've always loved a cheap find."

    Elizabeth Cotton
    by Elizabeth Cotton

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We may be used to seeing some of our favourite celebs adorned in Chanel, Valentino, or Versace as they grace various red carpets, but some stars opted for a more budget-friendly look...

    1. Lana Del Rey — Grammy's 2020

    Lana Del Rey at the Grammys, wearing a sparkling full-length gown with short sleeves and a split neck
    David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/Amy Sussman / Via Getty Images

    During an interview with Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet, the singer revealed that she had bought her dress just before the show: "So, I actually had another dress and then my boyfriend and I were getting a belt for him at the mall, and I saw this, and I loved it."

    2. Selena Gomez — Disney Fulfillment Gala 2011

    Selena Gomez in a one-shoulder dress posing at an event, close-up on smiling face also shown
    Jeffrey Mayer / Via Getty Images

    Although Selena can now be found wearing custom Armani Privé and Versace on red carpets, there was a time when the Disney star rocked a Forever 21 gown instead.

    3. Bryce Dallas Howard — Critics' Choice Award 2016

    Woman in a yellow dress with a plunging neckline at the Critics' Choice Awards
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Jon Kopaloff / Via Getty Images

    Bryce showed up in a Topshop dress that honestly looks custom made for her. I mean, look, it still cost $240 but that's a whole lot better than paying full price designer.

    4. Jourdan Dunn — Met Gala 2017

    Jourdan Dunn at an event in a white top with a black pinstripe skirt, looking at the camera
    Karwai Tang / Dia Dipasupil / Via Getty Images

    Jourdan has worn a mixture of Topshop, Balmain, and Burberry to the Met Gala in previous years, but her H&M look has to be one of my personal favourites. It is, of course, a custom creation, but Jourdan commented: "They make high fashion affordable. But they are also my go-to brand for staple pieces."

    5. Eva Mendes — The Others premiere 2001

    Eva Mendes on a red carpet in a chic sleeveless white dress with a collar and a shoulder bag
    SGranitz / Barry King / Via Getty Images

    The actors first ever red carpet look was a $6 find from Goodwill: "I did my own hair and makeup...I’ve always loved a cheap find. Viva thrift shops!" Now that's a bargain if ever I've seen one.

    6. Rita Ora — British Fashion Awards 2023

    Two images of a female celebrity in a black sleeveless dress with unique shoulder embellishment
    Mike Marsland / Via Getty Images

    After partnering with Primark earlier in 2023, Rita Ora picked one of their sleek black dresses for the red carpet. I can't work out whether it's the timeless silhouette or the silver spine that make this look, but either way, I'm a fan.

    7. Gabourey Sidibe — Cannes 2009

    Gabourey Sidibe in a black tiered dress at two events
    Kristian Dowling / Gareth Cattermole / Via Getty Images

    In 2018, Gabourey was the key-notes speaker for Curvy Con and shared how for her first red carpet appearance she had to buy a dress from Torrid as no designers offered to dress her: "Even though we are moving towards more visibility for plus-size people, there is a lot of pushback. So it’s important to keep fighting and to keep being visible until the conversation changes and it is no longer about our bodies because I'm not my body. I'm a whole person."

    8. Suki Waterhouse — British Fashion Awards 2023

    Celebrity in a strapless red gown with ruffles on the left, close-up on the right
    Mike Marsland / Via Getty Images

    After announcing her pregnancy earlier, Suki hit the red carpet in a red tulle gown from H&M (the only thing added was the train for a lil' extra pizazz). She commented that she is a "high street girl at heart", and I'm all for these more affordable brands being centre stage.

    9. Jenifer Lewis — Emmy Awards 2018

    Two images of a woman at the Emmys; on the left, full body, in a red Nike jacket and trousers, on the right, a close-up
    John Shearer / Kevin Mazur / Via Getty Images

    The actor wore head to toe Nike and ditched the usual gowns for the 70th Emmys: " I am wearing Nike to applaud them for supporting Colin Kaepernick and his protest against racial injustice and police brutality" she told Variety. Jenifer added that she wanted to do something "meaningful" and to get more of corporate America to stand up.

    Do you have anything else to add? Let us know in the comments below!