It's Official: These Are the Best Vintage Stores in L.A.

There's nothing like walking out of your favorite vintage spot with bags bursting to the brim with unique finds only you'll be wearing. There's a reason vintage pieces are so coveted. They've already stood the test of time, proving themselves to be unforgettable staples in any wardrobe. When fashion meets history, you get vintage, a rare glimpse into the past that you get to revive in the present. If you live in L.A., you're in plenty of luck because this city has some of the best vintage stores you can find. Whether you're searching for designer pieces or streetwear, there's no shortage of wonderful items waiting to be discovered. Keep reading for nine of the best vintage stores in L.A. and start making room in your closet—you're going to need it after crossing these off your list.

1. The Way We Wore

Located on the La Brea in the Miracle Mile district—a haven of vintage shopping—The Way We Wore is your answer to designer vintage in Los Angeles. You won't find piles and piles of vintage here. Instead a small but carefully curated selection of standout pieces from the 1910s to the 1990s awaits. Prices here definitely reflect the selection of designer duds, but great deals can be found with a little persistence. For a wallet-friendlier price-point, the site also has a selection of pieces under $99.

The Way We Wore

334 South La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90036

(323) 937-0878

2. Scout

Scout is one of L.A.'s best-kept vintage secrets. The expertly-curated boutique on Melrose is home to vintage items from high-end labels like Hermès, Balenciaga, and YSL. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to get first dibs on the newest arrivals.

Scout

8021 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90046

(323) 461-1530

3. Recess

The designer selection at Recess is small but meticulously crafted. A mixture of contemporary consignment mingles with exquisite vintage picks. The pieces here are always fresh and interesting, curated with the intent of making a big impression. Displays are filled with vintage costume jewelry, hats, and bags from the versatile to the outrageous. Walking through Recess, you can sense the passion the owners have for vintage, and it's impossible to leave without feeling inspired.

Recess

111 North La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90036

(323) 931-4009

4. What Goes Around Comes Around

You can find What Goes Around Comes Around on both sides of the coast, but in L.A., its storefront is nestled in Beverly Hills. What Goes Around Comes Around specializes in luxury vintage, with its signature items ranging from vintage accessories to band tees and denim. There is a definite cool-girl vibe to this store, and with fans like Kendall Jenner and Rachel Zoe, this is a place that's not to be overlooked when hunting for all the best vintage L.A. has to offer.

What Goes Around Comes Around

9520 Brighton Way

Beverly Hills, California 90210

(310) 858-0250

5. Decades

Vintage couture lines the walls at Decades, situated on Melrose and La Jolla. This shop almost exclusively sells vintage gowns and has become the go-to place for finding just the right dress when special occasions spring up. Ready-to-wear and couture pieces are available, and everything is designer, with a particularly generous assortment of Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier. Contemporary pieces are also available. There's no more glamorous a way to spend an afternoon than in Decades.

Decades

8214 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90046

(323) 655-1960

6. Wasteland

If you're looking to dig into a wide variety of vintage pieces, Wasteland is a great starting point. Most of the vintage here isn't designer but instead consists of carefully selected one-off pieces at budget-friendly price points. The store has three locations in L.A.: the Fairfax District on Melrose, Santa Monica's Promenade, and Studio City. Along with vintage, Wasteland contains a huge consignment selection, including contemporary designer finds.

Wasteland

7428 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90046

(323) 653-3028

12144 Ventura Boulevard

Studio City, California 91604

(818) 980-8800

1330 4th Street

Santa Monica, California 90401

(310) 395-2620

7. Golyester

Golyester on La Brea is small in size but overflowing with an incredible selection of vintage ranging from the 1910s to the 1970s. This store is like a candy shop for vintage lovers and every piece it contains is an incredible example of its era. Gorgeous, intricately beaded gowns, velvet smoking jackets, silk drawstring bags—the treasures are endless. Both designer pieces and incredible one-offs deck the shelves. Jewelry, bags, shoes, and even a generous men's section feature prominently at Golyester.

Golyester

450 South La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90036

(323) 931-1339

8. Playclothes

A list on the best vintage stores in L.A. would be incomplete without Playclothes, located in Burbank. This store features a colossal selection of women's and men's vintage from the '30s to the '80s, along with quirky homeware and furniture. Seriously—you could get dizzy combing through the many racks of this amazing store, which is situated in a gilded, Baroque-inspired space that makes the experience feel that much more authentic. Tulle dresses, beaded blouses, chiffon costumes, cocktail gowns—you name it, Playclothes has it.

Playclothes

3100 West Magnolia

Burbank, California 91505

(818) 557-8447

Up next, these are our favorite sites to buy vintage pieces online.

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