In this crazy world we call fashion, the best looks aren’t always the newest trends, but sometimes they’re the pre-loved vintage finds in the local thrift shop. Whether it’s secondhand coats you’re into, or up-cycling some dusty old frocks, there’s an entire world of options and fashion firsts behind the doors of these vintage shops. And in London, where its vibrant history comes to life in new ways around every corner, vintage fashion is a big thing. If you’re in the market for a local, pre-loved treasure on your next trip to London, look no further—we’ve rounded up six of the best vintage stores this side of the globe.
1. Rokit
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It may have started as a humble stall in Camden market in the mid-1980s, but Rokit has since turned itself into a mega vintage retailer. These days you can find the store located across London, where you can unearth bargains priced so low you’re practically stealing. Dive into the racks at Rokit for designer frocks and several “life experienced” garments (never “old,” mind you). This one’s top of the list for good reasons—just wait and you’ll see. 42 Shelton Street; rokit.co.uk
2. The Vintage Showroom
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Since opening in 2007, Douglas Gunn and Roy Luckett’s store The Vintage Showroom has gone on to achieve several marvelous things—like publishing the book Vintage Menswear: A Collection from The Vintage Showroom in 2012 and recently curating an exhibition inside Isetan Tokyo. And, although they focus exclusively on menswear from the mid 20th century, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better selection of denim, shirts, outerwear, leather, knitwear and accessories (really, they have it all). For the women reading this, just know that The Vintage Showroom would an excellent place to shop for your boyfriend/menswear-inspired looks. 14 Earlham Street; thevintageshowroom.com
3. Alfies Antique Market
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Not your run-of-the-mill vintage shop, the Alfies Antique Market is an indoor marketplace where more than 75 resellers come to share their favorite trinkets and treasures, everything from mid-century furniture to secondhand jewelry and clothing. We thought it was a great option to include on this list because it’s been known to contain treasures such as rare flapper dresses, Victorian brooches and designer pieces from the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Oscar de la Renta; trust us, it’s worth the trip. 13-25 Church Street; alfiesantiques.com
4. William Vintage
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A favorite of the local (and international) fashion elite, William Banks-Blaney’s eponymous boutique William Vintage has the reputation of being a go-to vintage destination for celebrities like Lana Del Rey, Rihanna and your random Vogue editor or two. This appointment-only Marylebone gem brings high-end designer discoveries from out of the past—and here, that means anything from your £300 swimsuits to haute couture Chanel, Givenchy and Madame Gres. This one is for the true high-end vintage explorer, and no list would be complete without mentioning William Vintage. (They also regularly work with “guest curators” from the industry—currently it’s the Chief Fashion Correspondent at The New York Times, Alexander Fury). 2 Marylebone Street; williamvintage.com
5. Beyond Retro
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Easily one of London’s largest and most affordable vintage stores, Beyond Retro is the place to go if you’re looking for a bit of everything. They have several locations throughout the city, from Brick Lane and Dalston to Soho, giving you the perfect chance to try your hand at finding your next party dress from the Sixties, or a denim jacket plucked from their huge collection of vintage wares sourced only from charitable organizations. Honestly, Beyond Retro is beyond amazing—and you don’t even need to be a hipster to find something you’ll love. Before you know it, this will be your new go-to vintage spot (they’ve even set up shop in Sweden if you’re around the area). 58-59 Great Marlborough Street; beyondretro.com
6. Deborah Woolf Vintage
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We couldn’t help ourselves. We simply had to include Deborah Woolf Vintage on this list. Mainly because it’s situated across the street from Alfies Antique Market, but also because we think you would find yourself greatly disappointed if you didn’t take the time to explore this store’s refined range of designer garments and accessories from the Sixties and Seventies. (And the rare perfume bottles scattered throughout the jewelry cases are a blast from the past we can’t resist!) 28 Church Street; deborahwoolf.com/