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

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.

1. Na Nin Vintage

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.

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2. ASOS Marketplace

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.

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3. Free People x Rose Bowl

Free People's collaboration with the Rose Bowl Flea Market, means you can find one-of-a-kind vintage dresses, blouses, boots, and more—and shop them directly from Free People's site. 

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4. Retro Rhapsody

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

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5. Keep Earth Vintage

If you're looking to score cool minimalist pieces at an affordable price point then follow @keepearthvintage for its latest new drops. They sell out quickly.

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6. Lucia Zolea

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.

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7. Farfetch

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. 

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8. Depop

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.

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9. What Goes Around Comes Around

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.

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10. Imparfaite Paris

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

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11. Luxury Garage Sale

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.

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12. Awoke Vintage Brooklyn

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.

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13. Tigon Vintage

If you're looking for elevated, quality pieces that are fashion-forward then look no further than @tigonvintage. You're bound to find something you'll love forever on their Etsy shop.

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14. William Vintage

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.

15. Vestiaire Collective

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

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16. Retold Vintage

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.)

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17. The Vintage Twin

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.

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18. Persephone Vintage

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.

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19. Goodshop Badshop

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.

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20. The Corner Store

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.

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21. Guermantes Vintage

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.

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Next, 9 Jacket Trends I Found Secondhand for Under $100.

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