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We’re all trying to be a little more sustainable. Vintage designer clothing is a win-win. It’s usually more affordable than buying brand new and helps reduce your carbon footprint. However, the rising popularity of vintage designer clothing is on the rise. It’s impossible to scroll through resale platforms like eBay, Depop, or Poshmark without seeing vintage designer items going for three or four-figure sums.
You can get the vintage designer look for less by thrifting or finding inspired pieces online. Fashion is circular with most trends coming back on a 20-year cycle. Are you noticing trends from the early-2000s having a resurgence? That’s the fashion cycle!
Whether you’re thrifting or buying vintage designer-inspired pieces online, I’m sharing the top picks to look out for. These closet staples have stood the test of time and are the ultimate investment in your closet.
The Appeal of Vintage Designer Clothing
Thrifting is the best way to get your hands on vintage designer clothing. It can take a little trial and error to master the art of thrifting. Not every thrift store is made equal. There are tips and tricks you can use to narrow your search to stores that are likely to sell vintage designer items. Look for thrift stores in affluent areas, check reviews online, and learn how to authenticate popular vintage designer brands.
Going to thrift stores isn’t for everyone. Unless you live in a city, it can be hard to find stores that sell vintage designer items. Online shopping is a great alternative, but you can expect to pay a higher price – unless you get lucky on a resale website.
What’s considered vintage? Clothing older than 10 years old is considered vintage, so anything released before 2014 falls into the vintage designer category. When you’re vintage shopping, you’ll find everything from the 1950s onwards. Some stores, both online and in-person, specialize in different eras and styles, while others are more of a catch-all.
Fashion brands at every price point take inspiration from vintage trends. You can get the vintage designer look for less by buying investment-worthy pieces from brands like Coach, Adrienne Landau, and Altar’d State.
What Trends to Look for When Buying Vintage Designer
When you’re buying vintage designer clothing, look out for styles that have made a comeback or trending colors. Sage, olive, lemon yellow, and cherry red are some of the most popular colors for 2024. You can often find higher-quality materials, like suede and leather, at a more accessible price point when buying vintage.
If you’re feeling nostalgia, look for inspiration from shows like Sex and the City, Friends, and Gossip Girl. You’ll be surprised how many outfits look like they’re from this season.
The best trends to look for when buying vintage designer items are pieces you can picture yourself styling in different ways.
DJBM
Faux Fur Cropped Coat
The famous “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” campaign by PETA was the driving force behind the switch from real to faux fur. You can get the look for less by thrifting online.
Adrienne Landau
Faux Lamb Vest
Adrienne Landau
Faux Fox Fur Jacket
Ralph Lauren is one of the best brands to buy vintage. The brand is looking back into its archives and taking inspiration from its 70s collections to give streetwear an elegant feel. The “old money” and “quiet luxury” trends of last year are evolving into the “very demure” trends of 2024 with Ralph Lauren taking center stage. Get the look for less by shopping for vintage designer Ralph Lauren online.
SHOP THE LOOKS
Vintage Western is on the Rise
Everywhere you look right now, the western aesthetic is making a major comeback. Look out for anything with fringe detailing. You’ll spot it on boots, jackets, and even skirts.
One of the perks of shopping for vintage designer clothing is that you can get better quality materials at a more accessible price point. Most vintage western clothing and accessories use real leather, instead of the PVC alternatives you’ll find with fast fashion.
If you can’t find these items in a thrift store, you can get the look for less by shopping vintage-inspired items from budget-friendly brands on Amazon or splurging on labels like Guess. Western-inspired cowboy boots are one of the essential trends for fall 2024.
Vintage Designer Handbags
Designer brands are all bringing back their most iconic vintage styles. Gucci did it with the ‘Jackie’ bag and Prada reissued their entire nylon bag collection. You can get the same vintage designer handbags at a fraction of the price – and often made to a better quality.
‘90s shoulder bags, like the infamous Fendi Baguette, are still going strong for fall 2024. While a brand new one can set you back thousands of dollars, a vintage designer handbag will usually be at least half the price.
You can get the look for less by looking for handbags inspired by these trends.
Coachtopia
Ergo Bag
Kattee
Top-handle Leather Bag
PEEPTOE
Metallic Shoulder Bag
Guess
Sofia Crystal Shoulder Bag
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Vintage Designer Shoes
Shoe trends are more stable than other accessories, drawing inspiration from vintage styles almost every season. Ballet flats were the ‘it girl’ shoe of the early 2000s and have made a comeback with a feminine twist. These lightweight, comfortable shoes have been given an upgrade with elevated detailing, like mesh fabric, crystal studs, and textured leather.
VOLEECE
Crystal Ballet Flats
If you’re shopping for vintage designer, you’ll find the best deals on pre-loved shoes. Make sure to check sizing charts for specific designers and consider the condition before you hit ‘checkout’.
Almost every brand has come out with a ballet flat for fall 2024, making it easy to get the vintage designer look for less. Choose a neutral color palette for ultimate versatility.
MICIFA
Sparkly Flats
Stuart Weitzman
Goldie Ballet Flats
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Vintage Designer Jewelry
Is there anything better than looking at vintage designer jewelry? If you always find yourself admiring the jewelry in classic movies, you’re in luck. Vintage designer jewelry trends are making a major comeback with ‘90s-inspired chokers and charms leading the way.
Jewelry is a great way to express your personality and add a quirky twist to your outfit.
XSILA
Initial Charm Necklace
Layered Necklace
Anisa Sojka
Chunky Chain Necklace
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Fashion is circular. What was old will become trendy again. While shopping for vintage designer fashion is a great way to be more sustainable, you can get the look for less from independent designers and mainstream fashion brands.
Now if you’re into the Row Margaux bag and want to find some affordable options, here’s the perfect post for you. Check out this blog as I’ve listed the Top 11 Row Margaux Bag Alternatives.
You can also see more styles for every trip and season in these posts: fall wedding guest dresses, summer chic dresses, European vacation outfits, and chic airport outfits.
