Celebrity stylist Allison Bornstein knows that some of the best things in fashion come with a little history.
In between browsing at Poshfest 2026 at City Market Social House in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 2, alongside over 1,000 fellow shoppers including Tori Spelling and Lucy Hale, Bornstein shared her secrets for scoring hard-to-get gems with ET.
For starters, the wardrobe consultant, who’s worked with Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, and Isla Fisher, suggests giving pre-loved pieces a chance before splurging on the latest trends.
“I’m a vintage lover. I love second hand. I feel like anything you can find, you can kind of find it better, or even the original version. Everything is a reference, so I think it’s fun to go to the source.”
As for what’s in right now, Bornstein is ready to make a statement.
“On the runways and in general, I’m seeing more faux fur. I’ve been seeing boas, vests, ostrich feathers, and things that are a little bit more ‘look at me.’ There was a while where we were all being very refined, but I’m into glamorous looks,” she explains.
But before adding anything to your cart, the Wear It Well: Reclaim Your Closet & Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed author has a few tricks up her sleeve.
“If you’re shopping online, I always like to go to the highly curated expensive places, find things I like, and then go on Poshmark and find them for less expensive. Another really good tip is sometimes sellers don’t know exactly what they have, so dumb down the description. Describe what you want like your friend’s husband would describe it to you. I was looking for a tiger’s eye necklace, and I just typed in ‘brown beaded necklace’ and I found really good options,” she says.
Another rule of thumb is to pay attention to the fabric label versus the designer one.
“I look at materials, which is great because a lot of the Poshmark sellers put the composition in their listings. I think that’s really important. Sometimes it’s more about the way something’s made than the designer that’s on the label,” she notes.
“People can get obsessed with the label, but with vintage, that’s less important because Banana Republic and Gap had amazing pieces in the 90s. You don’t have to get something from Armani. It can still be an incredible leather jacket that has really stood the test of time.”
In fact, Bornstein believes some items only get better with age.
“I like vintage leather and suede because I know I’m going to mess it up a little bit, so I feel less precious when things are already worn in. When things are too new, even if it’s not, it will look cheap. When things are broken in, it gives it that character.”
Of course, no wardrobe is complete without some classic denim.
“If you can find some good vintage jeans, God bless you. Get them. It’s a hard find, but I have two pairs of vintage Levi’s that I’ll never get rid of and always stay in my wardrobe,” she shares.
Once you’ve struck gold, a little upkeep goes a long way.
“I love the Rowenta AeroSteam Twist Steamer because it’s nice to give a little refresh to things that have been pre-owned. It makes it feel more like it’s yours and gives it a little freshness. … Some vintage things are really delicate, so you actually don’t want to dry clean them. I have so many vintage pieces that have beading and details and you can be a lot more precise with a steamer. This one has iron-like results, but without ironing it.”
And while everyone loves a throwback, keeping one foot in the present is key to a look that feels timeless rather than stuck in the past.
“I never want to look like I’m in a costume. … If you’re wearing a cool 1930s tap short, pair it with a sweatshirt, or do it with a really nice structured white t-shirt, as opposed to doing it with a lace white cami. I don’t want to take things all from one era and like to mix it up with something that feels modern. It’s just kind of about the contrast and the tension.”
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