I collect a ton of vintage fashion and, as such, I’ve mastered the tricks of the trade. It all comes down to how you search—and as someone who spends a lot of their time online shopping for secondhand and vintage fashion, I can say I’ve become a pro. Now, I’m sharing my best tips and tricks with you.
It’s all about knowing what to look for and being game for a bit of a hunt in the shopping process. Shopping secondhand, both online—on sites like eBay, The RealReal, and Vestiare Collective—and in person, doesn’t give you the same instant gratification that shopping online might, but the search-and-discover process is the fun part.
Ahead, I broke down everything I wish I had known when I started vintage shopping online. Now, you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did. I also added a few new pieces that fall within the seasonal trends I discuss below. Fashion girls, assemble.
Use Trends to Your Advantage—And Do Your Research
(Image credit: Christie Tyler)
Fashion is circular, so there’s a good chance that whatever is trending now was popular in the past. When I notice subtle details about a garment I love, I mentally note them and use them later in my vintage search. For example, if I find that I’m completely loving the pony hair trend, I’ll use those exact words in the search. Research your favorite details about a garment.
Monolo Blahnik
Ponyhair Slingback Pumps (Were $245)
Leggiadro
Ponyhair Animal Print Slides (Were $100)
Tory Burch
Reva Ballet Flats in Multi
Aeyde
Alfie Pony Hair Loafers
Search By Color
(Image credit: Christie Tyler)
Sometimes, you can discover brands or specific pieces that you never would have thought of by searching by color. If you’re trying to build out your wardrobe through color, this is the easiest way in.
If I’m obsessed with a specific trendy shade—let’s say olive green or butter yellow—I will search for it and narrow down my results from there. It takes some sifting through, of course, but I have found gorgeous pieces just by searching with a tone, and sometimes I don’t even know the brand, which makes it feel even more special.
Ralph Lauren
Vintage Men’s Distressed Yarmouth Button Down Shirt
Paloma Wool
Leather Shoulder Bag
Polo Ralph Lauren
Embroidered Cotton Oxford Shirt
Maude Club
Porter Crinkle Satin Button-Up Top
Damson Madder
Multi-Wear Myrtle Trench in Khaki
Cos
Patch-Pocket Straight-Leg Jeans
Or, Search By Brand
(Image credit: Christie Tyler)
If I’m stuck in a shopping rut, I’ll start my secondhand search by looking into the labels I love. Some of my favorites include Giorgio Armani, Saint Laurent, Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Phoebe Philo-era Céline, Yohji Yamamoto, Margiela for Hermès, Issey Miyake, The Row, and Jil Sander. I can find so many unique items when I broadly search for these brands in TheRealReal, Vestiaire, or Etsy.
Even if you’re browsing casually, you’re bound to find an incredible score. These fashion houses have decades of collections to pull from, spanning completely different creative directions—which means the options are endless. You can find a gorgeous minimalist ‘90s-era piece or a fabulous fur coat you would never have thought of. All it takes is patience and knowing what brands speak to you the most.
Céline
Pre-Owned Tassel Print Silk Scarf
Manolo Blahnik
Patent Leather Slingback Sandals (Were $295)
Giorgio Armani
Vintage 2000’s Top (Was $395)
Manolo Blahnik
Hangisli 50mm Jewel Buckle Satin Pumps
Jil Sander
Tangle Leather Shoulder Bag
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
Ole Pleated Midi-Skirt
Search By Your Favorite Fashion Era
(Image credit: Christie Tyler)
I know ‘90s fashion is having a moment right now, but try narrowing in your search if you love the look. I use terms like “late 90s minimalism” or, more specifically, “mid-’90s Helmut Lang style” to help refine my results. Classic, ’90s-era minimalism is wonderful, but being specific in your search can help even more. It helps you separate something like Prada Sport from the mid-90s Calvin Klein you’re actually looking for—or, vice versa!
Jil Sander
Coat (Was $425)
Helmut Lang
Vintage Late 1980’s – Early 1990’s Top (Was $2450
Calvin Klein Collection
Vintage Long Dress (Was $1,075)
Kallmeyer
Emilee Pencil Skirt in Liquid Twill
Calvin Klein Collection
Mabel Satin-Trimmed Organza Skirt
