Online Shopping

I'm Taking a Zara Break and Shopping These Awesome Vintage Stores Instead

Judith Jones  Mon, 15 Nov 2021  Who What Wear

I’ll be the first to admit I’m a Zara devotee. But the thrill of finding a one-of-a-kind vintage piece that is unique is far more exciting than scooping up another Zara top. Vintage shopping is one of my favorite pastimes—my earliest (and fondest) childhood memories involve scuffling through racks of musty old clothes at the local secondhand store with my mother. It’s a shopping ritual I wholly believe led to my enduring love affair with fashion.

So today I wanted to share some of my favorite online vintage stores where you can find charming, pre-loved pieces that you can guarantee no one else will be wearing. Not only does shopping secondhand maintain individualism, but it also offers affordable access to designer heritage brands, it’s cost-effective, it favors quality over quantity, and it encourages sustainability.

Scroll below to see my favorite online vintage shops that range from Zara prices to investment-worthy discount designer rates.

Na Nin Vintage is a favorite among the Who What Wear team. Its minimalist pieces are super-wearable and affordable. Simply DM the team on Instagram when you want to make a purchase. If you're the first to message and pay, you'll receive the item.

Home to over 900 independent brands and vintage boutiques around the world, ASOS Marketplace is the perfect place to find wallet-friendly retro pieces that are also the latest must-have styles. If you're searching for the perfect pair of authentic Levi's, '80s party dress, or old-school sportswear, this is your one-stop shop.

This L.A.-based store has gained a cult following on Instagram for its colorful vintage dresses, blouses, and sleepwear.

From vintage hair barrettes to head-turning earrings and a beautiful selection of vintage apparel, @smallneeds is a verifiable treasure trove. You can DM the account or shop its pieces on Etsy.

If you're looking to score chic, '90s minimalist pieces for under $100, then follow @eliavintage for its latest new drops. They sell out quickly.

You'll find a small but mighty selection of the prettiest satin cocktail dresses, unique pearl jewelry, and Insta-worthy sheer tops, to name but a few of the gems at Lucia Zolea.

Farfetch features vintage pieces from various boutiques and designers across the world, so if you are looking for a fast track to retro designer goods, this is a great place to start. Use the filters to find items that are within your specific size and budget. Then peruse the selection and be prepared to find some serious gold. 

How do you shop pre-loved and vintage clothing like a pro? Use Depop's app as a search engine for your vintage-shopping desires. Just type in what you want—no matter how niche—and watch the options roll in.

On the hunt for designer pre-owned and vintage accessories? From Chanel necklaces to Louis Vuitton handbags, head on over to What Goes Around Comes Around for major designer discounts.

Loved by French influencers, Imparfaite sells pre-loved, one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories from France’s coolest vintage shops.

For everything from vintage Hermès belts to Chanel ballet flats, Luxury Garage Sale is another one of our favorite luxury consignment stores for the best in pre-owned designer clothing and accessories.

You never know what vintage gems you'll find @awokevintagebrooklyn, from cool retro tees to the perfect-fitting Levi's. Most pieces clock in under $100.

Singer-songwriter Jessica Manning has opened her own vintage shop on Instagram. While it's still relatively new with a small collection of pieces, we can't wait to see what other affordable gems arrive on Mae Vintage's Insta account soon.

William Banks-Blaney is a leading figure in the world of designer vintage, with his London store being a honeypot for A-listers buzzing around to snatch up rare, red carpet–ready gowns from. While his pieces are on the more expensive side, they're worth the money if you're looking for a special forever piece.

Vestiaire Collective offers both high-end vintage designer pieces and unlabelled, rare finds at reasonable prices. 

Minimalist fashion lovers, rejoice! This UK-based online vintage store has the chicest vintage finds for those who love modern and unfussy styles. (It ships worldwide.)

The Vintage Twin hunts down the most authentic vintage jeans and reworks each pair with the kind of modern fit you're looking for. It also has an impressive collection of graphic tees and tops.

If you love gold earrings, neutral tailored separates, and cozy knitwear, then Persephone Vintage is a store you need to bookmark. See the entire collection on Etsy.

From the coolest cotton waffle pullovers to vintage cashmere sweaters, the pieces from @gs_bs sell out super quickly, so fingers at the ready to be the first to DM.

If you're looking for a showstopping party dress or a statement piece that will wow, head straight to the wonderful and whimsical Corner Store.

One of the best stores I've found that specializes in much older wares, Guermantes on Etsy has some really intricate, delicate pieces from the 1920s to the 1940s. This is one store with an impeccable rating and even an online catalog that acts as a digital museum.

Up next, I can't get enough of puff-sleeve tops and dresses—here's how to wear them.

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.