There’s something very natural and spontaneous about fashion in the United States, especially in Los Angeles. This is a city that cares about comfort and street style, modes of expression that are more than just catwalk trends. Los Angeles residents like to use a combination of the exclusive and the casual, the classic and the haute couture, all while keeping our atmosphere constantly cool. Whether you’re a vintage clothing fan or just want to bring your wardrobe to life with an exclusive “wonder of the past” garment, Los Angeles houses many outstanding second-hand stores. Read on and you’ll find a guide to some of the best retro clothing and accessories stores in town. Get ready, your retro treasure hunt is about to begin!
Before we continue, since the pandemic is still going on and we are limited to staying at home, it is better to check Shoppok.com first if you are looking for vintage clothing and accessories.
So, here’s where you can buy vintage clothing and accessories if you have time to go on shopping.
- Chuck’s Vintage
Do you love jeans? Are you excited about America? Head to Chuck’s Vintage for a delicious slice of good American “fashionable” cake. Chuck’s Vintage boosts “American Elegant and Classic” fashion, offering men’s as well as women’s clothing, although it is predominantly men’s clothing. Specializing in retro jeans such as Levi’s and Wrangler, Chuck’s Vintage offers shelves of worker-style work shirts, military boots, 1970s rock polo shirts, and sturdy leather jackets. You might get lucky and find a pair of funky flared pants, or overalls dating back to the years before 1900.
- Decades, Inc.
Cameron Silver’s Decades is definitely one of the most famous retro clothing stores in the world. Whether you’re looking for a classic Chanel, an amazing 1970s Dior dress, or pre-2000 pieces from Gucci, Valentino, or Versace, there you’re going to have it. Known for his impressive selection of retro haute couture that is continually replenished with content from celebrity wardrobes, Decades receives great congratulations from fashion world superstar-stylist, Rachel Zoe. With that endorsement, you can’t go wrong.
- Golyester
Scarves, handbags, bow ties, jewelry, shoes, and dresses, oh, my God! Golyester is an intimate boutique in Hancock Park that is packed with second-hand accessories meant to please any retro fashionista. The owner Esther Ginsberg manually selects each item, so you are sure that such a garment is a real business and that the quality is unmatched. Prices may seem high, but considering they have specialized in pre-1980s clothing and accessories, along with many fabulous items ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s, well worth every penny.
- Iguana Vintage Clothing
With three floors full of vintage-style goodness in the heart of Hollywood, Iguana Vintage Clothing is the place to go for retro-style garments or to get that perfect Halloween costume. It looks a little like entering the time tunnel. But the prices are reasonable, from $5 handbags, $45 leather jackets, to over $100 for selected items from well-known brands. Wigs, uniforms, wide-brimmed felt hats, retro polo shirts, and even old discs carefully organized by decade, style, and color. Be sure to put extra money in the parking meter when you park, you’ll need time to catch the deals!
- Jet Rag
Jet Rag is hipster paradise – all inside and out, practically screaming at retro elegant. The shop is full of shelves filled with retro polo shirts, tight dresses, leather jackets at hip height, and prices are reasonable. From cowboy or cowboy boots to super-short shorts and countless fedora hats, Jet Rag will surely have that piece that completes your outfit available. Don’t miss your weekly $1 Sunday sale, where everything in the parking area is priced at just a dollar.
- Lemon Frog Shop
This cozy shop is filled from floor to ceiling with second-hand clothing and accessories from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The selection is so wide, it even gets to the front with more shelves of attractive merchandise – you get a sample of what’s inside even before you enter the store. Once you’re inside Micki Curtis’ retro jewel, you’ll find countless dresses, shoes in all styles and sizes, and even an extensive retro collection of Gucci handbags. Lemon Frog updates your assortment of merchandise daily, so you can shop here frequently and you’ll always find something new.
- Playclothes
Playclothes is located in the heart of Burbank, where countless stores feature retro clothing and showcase stylish clothing. This establishment in the San Fernando Valley is known for its wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing from the 1900s to the 1980s, specifically from the 1940s to the 1960s. Find items to fill your wardrobe, from hats to suits, shoes, and underwear. It also features stunning furnishings – think creatively and decorate your apartment with lamps, chairs, crockery, and retro curtains.
- Shareen Vintage
Shareen is the dream of retro shoppers, located near the historic Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles. Fashion’s warehouse-sized ‘Wonderland’ offers everything from exclusive daily dresses to unique outfits to wear on your next wedding invitation. They really have a little bit of each thing – be sure to give yourself the time to carefully check the carefully organized shelves. Keep in mind that here you have a “No Boys Allowed” policy, but that only makes the store perceived as a gigantic walk-in closet – or, better yet, a sleepover with all your most fashionable friends!
- Sielian’s Vintage Apparel
This shop, owned by a couple, is a real gem. Hollywood celebrities, stylists, and designers always take a moment to review the huge collection of women’s clothing and accessories dating back to the early 1920s. With a mix of standard design and manufacturing merchandise, there’s something that fits each person’s budget, and their wardrobe will no longer be the same. ATTENTION: Attention on Sundays is by appointment only.
- The Way We Wore
Owner Doris Raymond has a good eye for style and brings knowledge and flavor to her Store The Way We Wore. Having Raymond carefully selected every piece of his collection, you can be sure to discover the most unique and amazing finds under his roof. Buying here looks like entering a retro stylist’s closet, which makes retro fashion hunting more efficient. Whether you’re looking for a 1960s Pucci dress, an elegant 1990s Versace suit, or even 1970s platform shoes, Raymond will find the best retro clothing to complement your modern wardrobe.
Last but not the least, your ultimate choice during this time of the pandemic – Shoppok is an online classified that lists tons of vintage clothing and accessories from different sellers all over the United States. No need to go to the above stores if you value your health (at least during this time of pandemic). Just use the search function and find what you are looking for.