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When it comes to vintage, some of us are born to hunt in thrift stores and estate sales for a great find. The rest of us? Not so much. But with the price of true vintage clothes perpetually on the rise, it's gotten hard to get that perfectly retro ensemble without shelling out big time.
To the rescue: Vintage reproduction! Which include online stores and sites like Modcloth and Unique Vintage. These companies specialize in modern vintage styles (and usually, more modern fits). They usually carry indie brand clothing and generally, the garments cost less. What's not to love?
We realize our list of 10 Best retro stores has more than 10 choices on it, but we had a hard time stopping.
Heads up: The shops on this list were chosen by our editorial team. Some of the links include affiliate codes, which means if you buy something we may receive a small commission, but you won't pay more on the price. Those commissions help us keep the lights on!
Unique Vintage is a bit of a misnomer, since all of the offerings are reproductions. But there's a lot to love here, especially if you need a formal dress or a vintage-style bathing suit. Though there is a blindingly large selection of Prom and Homecoming gowns, you can find fun day dresses that are acceptable for grown-ups.
Our pick: Black & White Pin Dot Boy Short Pismo Romper Swimsuit $78, from Unique Vintage.
With styles that suggest outfits from the '30s to the '60s, Tatyana features outfits with big buttons and pleats as well as glittering, hip-hugging ensems. You'll find rockabilly, skirts and pin-up dresses and more. If you want to show off your curves they probably have something you'll love.
Our pick: Queen of Dots top $32 and skirt $49 at Tatyana
If Ruche is the Anthropologie of retro style, Modcloth may be Urban Outfitters. A little younger in sensibility with an amazingly large inventory, this popular brand is your go-to place for party dresses and weekend wear. They have an increasing amount of options for petite and plus size girls too, not to mention their home decor section. Modcloth also offers authentic vintage pieces that you can scoop up if you are fast enough. Their customer service is great as well... so no holding back!
Our pick: Pull Up a Cherry Dress in White, $65, at Modcloth
You know how some vintage-inspired clothing can be a little too costume-y? That's not the case at this popular vintage-style boutique. The collection is along the lines of what you'd find at Anthropologie: Timeless and a little feminine.
Our Pick: My Darling Chambray Dress, $59, ShopRuche.
Bettie Page Vintage is one of the most frequently-spotted brands in small retro-oriented boutiques. The styling is absolutely '40s-'50s in feel, trending towards Rockabilly. Totally think the line is cute and classy. If you are looking to channel Joan Halloway from Mad Men, this is your place.
Our pick: Mexicali Mama Dress $128, Bettie Page Clothing.
Rose Gal focuses on a wide range of styles, from the 1920s to 1990s, which means the choices on the site end up being notably varied. There are some common influences, an appreciation for subtlety, grabbers, timelessness and budget friendly.
Our Pick: Mesh Swiss Dot Buttoned A Line Dress, $23.74, Rose Gal
Made in Los Angeles by designer Alicia Estrada, Stop Staring dresses and tops have been worn by celebrities such as Eva Mendes and Kim Kardashian. This is your place to go for a higher-quality pencil dress that won't fall apart after a wash. This is also the place if you are looking for timeless curve hugging dresses that will get you looks without showing off skin.
Our pick: Bombshell Dress, various prices, from Stop Staring.
Though Blue Velvet Vintage offers styles from the '20s-'70s, this brand excels in authentic-inspired dresses. If you love the Gatsby or Downton Abbey early 1920's style you'll be very happy. But, you'll have to invest to impress, with prices that tend to go over the $150 mark.
Our pick: 20s Style Beaded White Lace "Gabrielle" Dress, $175, from Blue Velvet Vintage.
You know you're in the right place with a name like Heart of Haute. They have developed a classic line of dresses that encompass the figure-flattering retro style of the 50's and 60's. They offer fun prints and even have a cute spin off line called "Ava Adorable" for little girls.
Our Pick: Super Spy Dress $66, HeartofHaute Fashion.
One of the first companies to build an online presence, Pin-Up Girl Clothing has been offering "curvy and cute" vintage-style dresses to the masses since 1999. Which is like 50 in internet years. Though some of the styles can skew costume-y, there are some incredibly adorable ensembles that call our names.
Our pick: Holly Swing Dress in Mustard, $179, Pin-Up Girl Clothing.
This brand boasts limited edition vintage reproductions that are gorgeous and handmade. They have expanded their line and it includes fashions from the 1910's through the 1950's. If you're into cosplay or the theater or if you just want a 'going into town' day dress in the 1950's style, this is your place to be. And if you're a little less adventurous, go for the lovely (though limited) selection of retro swimsuits.
Our pick: 1930's Daphne Dress $200, reVamp Vintage.
Original Retro Brand mostly focuses on T-shirts, so there's no need to look for dresses or skirts on that site. But if you want a cool, classic T-shirt to go with some jeans, overalls or capri pants, Original Retro Brand has some great choices.
Our Pick: David Bowie Woman's Hi-Lo Dolman $39, Original Retro Brand
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