Our Guide to Buying Vintage Clothing Online

No other shopping experience will ever compare to the joy you feel when shopping for vintage clothing. Finding unexpected treasures and nostalgic designs can help you be more original and creative in your personal style. But for the best purchases you need to know where to look, which is where this guide is here to help.

Open Your Mind

The fantastic thing about vintage clothing is that you never know what you will find. Therefore, going in with an open mind can make the shopping experience a lot more enjoyable. You may even discover colours, styles and silhouettes which you would have never looked twice at before.

Nevertheless, still keep in mind the styles which you do adore and feel most confident in. Finding the balance in your shopping mindset can make all the difference.

Discovering Different Eras

With each era being famous for individual styles, it is worth researching which fits best with your personal taste:

1920: Flapper style was very glamorous with drop down waists, delicately beaded designs and lots of feathers.

1930: Skirts were made longer again with well-tailored dresses and fur became popular.

1940: Pin up dresses, swing dresses and A-line dresses were popular for daily fashion.

1950: With cinched in waists and voluminous skirts, this era flaunted structured silhouettes. Full mid-calf skirts were also commonly paired with sweaters.

1960: Miniskirts and vibrant patterns were popular in the 1960s.

1970: Platform heels, wide leg jeans and synthetic fabrics were staple wardrobe pieces. 

1980: The decade of voluminous hair, colourful leggings and shoulder pads.

Where to Look

With vintage clothing becoming increasingly popular, so are the platforms available to purchase them on. However, the best shopping experiences will be at specialist vintage stores.

With expertise in this area of fashion, specialist vintage shop employees can advise you in the right direction. If you have a style or an era in mind which you want to recreate, or if you’re unsure on how to begin your vintage wardrobe, they can help.

When browsing their collections, you will find an array of different textures, prints and colour combinations. Unique one off pieces are almost always available too to keep your style one of a kind.

Dressing for the Occasion

Vintage clothing can be suited to any occasion when you find the right pieces. Voluminous skirts, sweetheart necklines and lace are adored by many brides when looking for a vintage inspired wedding dress. Retro styles are also a party favourite, especially when you are trying to avoid matching someone else’s outfit.

Never be afraid to combine different eras in your outfit, as it can work nicely when balanced.

Shop Vintage Clothing Online

At Cherry Red Vintage we supply the latest 1940s and 1950s fashion. Stocking brands including Hell Bunny, Sheen, Dancing Days by Banned, Collectif, Dolly & Dotty and Seamstress of Bloomsbury. With colourful designs and feminine silhouettes, browse our authentic styles online today.