In today’s fashion industry, secondhand shopping is a sport. Hard-to-find designer dresses and runway looks go fast, and securing something special that stands the test of time and represents an era of seasons past is a victory. Here, we round up our favorite vintage pieces and the best vintage fashion finds to shop before they’re gone.
This week in Paris, when creative director Chemena Kamali presented Chloé’s fall 2024 collection, it quickly proved to be one of the buzziest shows of the season. Making a case for the return to 2000s bohemian chic (the poster child of the era herself, Sienna Miller, sat front row), the looks were an ode to the house and its predecessors’ all-time greatest hits. The show—heavy on billowing silks, rippling white lace, and fringed leather—served as a reminder of what makes clothing special: The old stuff, the lore, and the historical references that make getting dressed, and even following fashion at all, interesting.
This latest segment of secondhand treasures pays tribute to just that, with a look ahead to spring dressing. If there’s one timely item that feels equally nostalgic and fitting for the upcoming season, one that Chloé always mastered, it’s the empire-waist maxi dress. A perfect example is look 28 from the house’s fall 2020 collection, a quintessential Chloé number worth scooping on eBay. Speaking of ideal empire silhouette dresses, this one from Celine’s fall 2017 collection is also on the market at Vestiaire. To bring it back to fashion lore: Chloé and Celine’s overlap in aesthetic is no coincidence—Philo was Chloé’s designer from 1997-2006, and Chloé’s current creative director, Kamali, worked under Phoebe Philo in the early 2000s. Proof that what goes around really does come back around.
Adding to the return to our bohemian roots, this edit also includes a Marni sheer chocolate empire-waist midi dress (it’s giving 2000s Mischa Barton) and a can’t-miss Prada find: a sheer, beaded number that has been in my The Real Real obsessions for months.
Below, enjoy these bohemian finds plus a mix of vintage florals—including a pair of Gucci wide-leg pants, a daisy-stitched Fendi baguette, and a Kelly green Molly Goddard cardigan. The star of the selection? Prada’s 2002 PVC runway raincoat, just because those spring flowers most likely will come with some April showers. Shop them all while they’re still here.
Spring Showers
If one has to go out in the rain, ideally it happens while wearing Prada’s PVC translucent runway raincoat. Found on Poshmark, it’s the one item that can make a rainy day feel far less gloomy. Pair it with a swingy skirt, like Margiela’ lace-trim iteration (an item you’ll wear season after season), and a perfect chunky knit from Dries. Finish the look with a sleek flat, like this highly-coveted pair from The Row (found at an ideal price, too).
Ethereal Elegance
Marni’s sheer chocolate dress, coming in at under $100, is an item that will surely sell fast on The Real Real. It’s the perfect dress to wear in-between seasons while still staying ahead of the trends. Elevate this number with a pair of strappy sandals, like this silver pair from Dior. A pair of silver Sophie Buhai hoops round out the look. Give the ensemble a true vintage edge with a rare handbag find: Christian Dior’s chocolate ostrich Double Saddle Bag.
In Full Bloom
It always comes back to Miranda Priestly’s famous line: “Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking.” But when those flowers take shape in a pair of Gucci’s 2017 flair floral pants from Alessandro Michele, they could actually be groundbreaking. Make it a monochromatic look with a brown trench coat, another spring essential, like a felt-collar iteration from Burberry (this one comes in at an especially competitive price). Hereu’s brown leather block-heeled Mary Jane’s give this look a touch of height. Go full garden in bloom with one of Fendi’s famed floral-embroidered baguettes.
New Horizons
If you’re jetting off for one last warm escape before spring’s arrival, here’s a look to consider. Chloe’s 2020 empire-waist, spaghetti-strap maxi gown is a timeless number that simultaneously masters boho chic. Pair it with statement silver jewelry, like Tiffany’s silver cuff necklace, and a pair of platform sandals. Add color to the ensemble with a vintage staple: a Molly Goddard Kelly green flower-embroidered cardigan.
Lighter Layers
Speaking of maxi dresses, here’s a vintage find you won’t want to skip. From Phoebe Philo’s 2017 Celine runway collection, this elastic and jersey dress is one that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. For more casual outings, pair it with a vintage Polo Ralph Lauren denim jacket, silver Lana hoop earrings, and strappy Saint Laurent sandals.
Warmer Nights
Last, but certainly not least, is the floral maxi moment we’ve all been waiting for: Prada’s blue beaded and sequin dress, found on The Real Real. Whoever swipes this number (at a price drop, too) is a true vintage winner. Make it a true look of secondhand luxury by wearing it with a Louis Vuitton late 1990s jacket, a pair of Chanel black mesh mules, and an Elsa Peretti for Tiffany cuff.
Previous monthly arrivals, below