I Picked These 26 Spring Buys Based on Sensational Vintage Items I Can't Afford
Vintage shopping certainly has its pros and cons. You're guaranteed to find a unique item and you often can invest in designer labels at a fraction of the original price. A lot of people also enjoy the thrill of the hunt and delight in owning a piece of fashion history. On the flip side, however, there's typically only one lone item available, so you either have to magically be the same size or take it in for expensive alterations. Plus, when it's gone, it's really gone—a heartbreak for avid shoppers.
Considering both of these points of view, I was excited to put together this story that includes a mix of both vintage and vintage-inspired, accessible items that have a wider range of sizes available. Ready to go on this journey with me? Scroll down to shop my favorite spring pieces inspired by designer vintage items.
Vintage:
Contemporary Options:
Vintage:
Contemporary Options:
Vintage:
Contemporary Options:
Vintage:
Contemporary Options:
Vintage:
Contemporary Options:
Next, Meghan Markle wore a beautifully symbolic outfit for her Oprah interview.
Opening image: @himichelleli in a Fendi jacket

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.
-
If Fashionable Clothing Is Your Thing (Okay, Obviously)—These 29 New Nordstrom Items Will Interest YouTrend-forward sweaters, cool jeans, beautiful coats, and more.
-
I'm Helping My Best Friend Navigate the Black Friday Sales (Early!)—I Suggested These Chic Finds From Nordstrom, Revolve, and ShopbopAdd to cart.
-
25 Elevated Basics Worthy of a Fashion Person’s Closet From Gap, Banana Republic, and Old NavyWho's in need of closet refresh?
-
These $50 Old Navy Zipped Boots Are Just as Chic as the $1500 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last WinterThey're on sale for $30 right now.
-
My Friends Love Reformation—I Sent Them 31 Gorgeous Picks I'm Eyeing Right NowOne of each, please.
-
Sorry, Crewneck Tees—in 2026, Everyone With Taste Will Be Layering Sweaters Like ThisThe recipe for a perfect winter outfit.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic, Rich-Looking Nordstrom FindsEverything is under $150.
-
H&M Just Dropped a $40 Version of The Row's Winter Flats I Keep Seeing on Chic New YorkersA sellout is imminent.
-
The 30 Items Set to Define Winter 2025 FashionWhat to buy before the temperatures drop.
-
Looking Chic This November Means Owning These 10 ItemsBring on the compliments.