I Just Asked Instagram's Most Stylish What Vintage Pieces They're Buying
There's nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a showstopper hidden amongst the general detritus of a vintage store, knowing you've discovered something truly unique that won't be replicated 10 times over the moment it hits the shelves. You can't get the same thrill from shopping on the high street, and (let's be honest) nabbing something new won't give you smug bragging rights amongst your friends.
As anyone who's a dedicated Who What Wear reader will know, we love a good secondhand hunt, whether it's in the designer-packed charity shops of Marylebone high street or in a cupboard-sized boutique in Paris. We know there are plenty of influencers out there who consider themselves dedicated followers of vintage fashion, but too often their beloved throwback buys can get lost amongst the newness—particularly due to the fact that they can't be tagged in a post.
That's where we come in. We wanted to shine a light on all these one-of-a-kind sartorial gems that so often fall under the radar and prove once and for all that shopping "old" pieces can be just as fulfilling than nabbing the new-in. We called on five vintage-loving fashion bloggers to to show us the pieces they love the most. From Bettina's Burberry check kitten heels to Stephanie's oversized checked blazer, scroll down to see which secondhand pieces they treasure, plus shop similar pieces.
@BettinaLooney
"I absolutely love secondhand pieces. I always feel they have a story to tell, and I love that it supports a more ethical way of shopping. I found these Burberry shoes on Vestiaire Collective, and they're one of my favourite vintage pieces. They're like chic slippers you can throw on with a nightgown to either stay in or go out in."
SHOP SIMILAR:
@LottaLiinaLove
"Both of these pieces are sourced from different places—the trousers from eBay and the jacket from a vintage store Amsterdam—but they work so well together, as well as being stand alone pieces. My favourite aspect is that they don't fit perfectly, and I love the way they offer an almost awkward finish."
SHOP SIMILAR:
@Daisy___Murray
"Asking me to chose my favourite vintage item is a near-impossible task, since most of my wardrobe is secondhand. I've rarely bought shop-fresh shoes, and I don't think I've ever purchased a bag that isn't preowned or handmade. This ensemble, however, features some stalwart pieces, namely a Laura Ashley blazer, an unbranded tartan dress and one of my four pairs of vintage cowboy boots (all from eBay). And let's not forget the '90s Prada bag, which is my mum's (yes, we share wardrobes)."
SHOP SIMILAR:
Related: The 9 Vintage Pieces Everyone's Buying, According to Instagram
@UsoMinne
"I live in Washington, D.C., where the fashion scene is pretty much laid-back, so I try to find vintage pieces that are multidimensional. This tie-neck top I got from a vintage store in New York has been my go-to piece this season, as it's perfect for building layers with blazers and jeans to help me stand out against the D.C. crowd."
SHOP SIMILAR:
@StephanieBroek
"I found this oversized boxy tweed men's blazer in one of my favorite vintage stores in Antwerp called Think Twice. I'd been searching for a piece like this for quite some time but couldn't find one that looked like it had been designed by Demna Gvsalia. This one, however, looks like it came straight off the Balenciaga runway. At least, that's what I like to think."
SHOP SIMILAR:
Up Next: 13 Pieces That Reached True Cult Status This Month
-
I'm a Stylist and a Pre-Loved Fashion Company Founder—These 20 Chic Fall Pieces Have My Attention
These boho-chic finds are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
No One Stalks The RealReal More Than Me—38 Finds You Actually Need to See
They won't last.
By Eliza Huber
-
Vintage or Nothing: 4 Summer Styles You Can (and Should) Buy Secondhand
The coolest one-of-a-kind finds are ahead.
By Judith Jones
-
This SHEIN SXY x STAS Collection Is Full of Fresh Spring and Summer Looks
Sponsor Content Created With SHEIN
By Who What Wear
-
I Found the Best Hack for Shopping Ultra-Luxe Designer Handbags for Less
Sponsor Content Created With Fashionphile
By Raina Mendonça
-
From Bella Hadid to Vogue Staffers—These Are the 10 Insider-Approved Vintage Stores in NYC
No gatekeeping here.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
The Women Behind Instagram's Designer-Vintage Craze
I suggest you get to know them.
By Eliza Huber
-
5 Colors to Tap Into If You Want to Look Richer in 2024
Your inspo starts here.
By Kristina Rutkowski