15 Jul Pro Tips to Score Affordable Vintage

There’s nothing better than a vintage garment, but sometimes the prices are insane. I mean, it makes sense that you’ll pay for the superior craftsmanship {clothes were really well made back in the day!}, but if you’re on the quest for those 20+ years old clothes and accessories, you don’t have to pay a fortune.

Here’s how to buy those statement making vintage garments at a wallet-friendly price.

Skip the Big Boutiques
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for small businesses, but some vintage shops, especially in major cities, should be ashamed of their prices. This is why I prefer to patronize mom and pop shops, flea markets {more on them later!} and even Instagram retailers. These sellers aren’t looking to rip you off and typically have lower overhead costs, so they can pass the savings along to you. You can easily find blouses, dresses and shoes for $30 and under. And I’ve found that the experience is more personalized, so if you’re seeking something in particular, these sellers will really help you out and even alert you to new merchandise. I like TracyChambers Vintage. You can buy pieces online and if you’re in the NYC area, the owner, Helen, has regular shopping events. Just follow her on Instagram for the latest.

Get Out of the City
As mentioned above, shops in major cities jack up prices because they can {and they have insane rental prices to cover!}, so that’s why a trip outside of the city is a must. A suburban area can be a great option for those vintage gems that have been donated by professionals who work in the area or older women who donate their fly wardrobes from back in the day. That green pleated dress above? It came from a small shop in Ohio and was just $7.

Find the Warehouse Sales
One common gripe about thrift shopping is that it takes too much time to go through the racks. Well, most thrift stores are now a bit more organized. But if you really want those cheap chic vintage goodies, you’ll have to dig for them at warehouse sales and outlets. These are the places many vintage resellers get their inventory from, so you’ll be dipping directly into the supply and cutting out the middle man. When shopping these locations, take a friend with you and don’t be afraid to ask the owner for help. One of my favorite vintage warehouses is Udelco. It’s a massive space and full of every retro piece you could ever want and most goods are less than $10. And the owners are always helpful. Check out my last visit to Udelco Vintage here.

Thrift Shops, Flea Markets and Estate Sales
Finally, check out your local thrift store, flea market and even estate sales. You’ll find a mashup of vintage and contemporary, but when you do score a vintage item, it will usually be worth it! Also, at flea markets and estate sales, you can haggle the prices, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.

So to wrap it up: check out the smaller stores in your area, venture outside of the major cities and don’t be afraid to dig!

How do you find affordable vintage clothes and accessories? Do you have any shops in your area or websites you frequent?