Where Vintage Style Bloggers Get Their Clothes

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While interest in true vintage clothing is growing, it can be difficult to find authentic items from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, and much tougher from times earlier than those eras. If you can find something, the size range of what’s available is often small, leaving out large groups of vintage fans.

And within the last few years, thanks to the popularity of things like Mad Men and, more recently, Hidden Figures and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, more and more people are open to experimenting with retro styles — so long as that doesn’t involve scanning thrift stores for days or paying a fortune for a delicate piece of clothing.

That’s where reproduction boutiques come in. Many shops have popped up within the last decade to reproduce items from the post-war time period, some even using original patterns and fabrics. If you’re looking to try out a pillbox hat like Midge Maisel, interested in a classic red lipstick, or thinking of going full pinup, there are lots of options at myriad price points, not to mention styles and sizes for many bodies.

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Clothes

Unique Vintage: The go-to for entry-level retro fast fashion. Coming out of a boutique in Burbank, California, Unique Vintage carries a huge variety of dresses, skirts, shoes, and accessories from many of the brands on this list, and it frequently sends sale alerts and email discount codes to newsletter subscribers and members of its Facebook group. If you’re just starting out, this is a great place to begin.

Trashy Diva: The bright patterns and colors on Trashy Diva’s in-house line of dresses are really special, and the brand also carries a small collection of accessories and jewelry, as well as children’s versions of the adult-sized dresses. The clothing cuts are some of the most accurate when it comes to replicating the styles of the ’40s through ’60s, and despite the shop name, the stuff is totally appropriate for work, too.

The Pretty Dress Company: As the name suggests, this is the place to find the dress of your dreams. The cuts are extremely ’40s-, ’50s-, and ’60s-leaning, with tucked-in waists and longer hems and pencil skirts. They aren’t cheap, but the quality is amazing. If you’ve been eyeing a gorgeous vintage blogger on Insta, this is where they got that dress.

Top Vintage: Retro outerwear is tough to find, but Top Vintage does a great job of stocking thick sweaters, coats with faux-fur collars, and very 1950s bomber jackets.

Ains & Elke StyleHaus: At this Etsy boutique, stock up on sweaters with adorable patterns like color-blocking and kitschy animal print. It specializes in the 1930s through the ’70s and also offers children’s and men’s vintage reproductions.

Emily and Fin: Falling somewhere between twee and retro, this British brand’s dresses, skirts, and knitwear are perfect for entry-level retro shoppers or anyone who wants to add a splash of vintage to their wardrobe without looking too cosplay.

Pinup Girl Clothing: Leaning a little more mainstream and rockabilly, Pinup Girl has an enormous fanbase that spans a variety of subcultures and demographics, from hardcore pinup enthusiasts to true vintage hounds to Disney fanatics. The shop always features some kind of sale and carries collections inspired by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Dita Von Teese that go up to a size 4X.

Stop Staring Clothing: As the name suggests, the dresses at this online shop are slinky and sexy, more apt for the Bettie Page or Marilyn fans than the Audrey or Jackie O. lovers. Between the gingham and cherries and polka dots, you’ll find plenty of ’40s-cut dresses in mermaid and pencil shapes.

Vixen by Micheline Pitt: Micheline Pitt’s pinup empire includes Vixen, La Femme Noir, and Bad Girl Denim. The latter is a line of retro-cut jeans and shorts popular among bloggers. La Femme Noir leans goth, with a lot of lace, coffin accessories, and body-hugging, well, everything. But Vixen is the real star here, particularly for its size-inclusive tops and pencil skirts (which come in up to a 4X!). Don’t sleep on the kinky/cute lapel pins and hoop earrings, either.

Lindy Bop: If adorable is your thing, then Lindy Bop definitely has a sugary-sweet dress for you. The site’s bright floral and patterned tea swing dresses go from a size XS to 6XL and skew from rockabilly to ’40s-inspired.

Vivien of Holloway: Sure, VoH’s dresses are killer, but the brand also features a line of women’s tops and trousers that are some of the best in the industry, complete with ’40s- and ’50s-style details like side buttons and flattering high cuts in full-length pants, shorts, and even capris.

Top Vintage Boutique: This shop’s dresses, which come in a variety of styles (like wrap and pencil fit) and sizes (up to 5XL), are an extremely wearable option for anyone looking to start experimenting with vintage style. The best part of the site, though, is the shoe selection, which includes everything from flats to Keds to vampy heels.

Whositswhatsit: Fantasy and retro fans alike will adore these simple T-shirts, hats, and accessories in old-school Disney park themes that look more vintage than gift shop. Many replicas come in kids’ sizes, too.

Hell Bunny: If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Hell Bunny was one of the first vintage reproduction brands to go mainstream, and it’s now sold on major e-comm sites like Modcloth and ASOS. The wide-leg trousers and tight knit sweaters are extremely flattering, and Hell Bunny is one of the only brands to feature quality outerwear.

Voodoo Vixen: While the brand has the same themes as many of these other shops (swing dresses for everyone!), Voodoo Vixen has two unique angles. It does collaborations with popular retro bloggers — like this winter’s collection with Chicago Chic — and it creates its own vintage-inspired prints in house (this nautical dress is everything), which means you can’t get some of these looks anywhere else.

The Original Bad Girl: This Sydney-based shop is a treasure trove for three-quarter-length-sleeve tops, boat neck sweaters, and other ’50s-inspired tops that veer more into the Grease zone than the crinoline skirt arena. And there’s always a good sale.

Doll Me Up: The collection of accessories here is worth checking out whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting with vintage. The nylon hair scarves and vintage hair kits are particularly authentic-looking and well curated.

Miss Candy Floss: No one does a mermaid skirt the way Miss Candy Floss does, and in extremely wearable solid colors that don’t feel cosplay or kitsch.

Collectif Clothing: Collectif focuses on 1950s glamour with four distinct brands. Playful tropical prints, gingham dresses, and kitschy circle skirts make up Collectif Mainline. If you want a more subdued look but still prefer colors and patterns, like this fan-favorite pencil dress, you’d enjoy the Vintage line. Lulu Hun is the shoe collection, comprised of very rockabilly flats, sandals, and heels. And Bright and Beautiful is the latest line, with ’70s-inspired caftans, mini dresses, and accessories. All styles are designed in-house.

Heart of Haute: This California shop carries 1940s-era classic shapes that flatter so many body types, including a patterned short-sleeved dress called the Millie, a linen line with Teresa Marie, and very wearable off-the-shoulder and tie-neck blouses under the Mandie Bee line.

Bernie Dexter: This rockabilly model designs the kind of dresses befitting of a modern-day pinup, with ’50s The Lone Ranger-inspired dresses in gingham and fringe, atomic prints, and animal prints. The clothes aren’t cheap, but the quality is fantastic, and they’ll last just as long as true vintage.

House of Foxy: You won’t find more authentic 1920s or 1930s dresses or separates anywhere else, from trousers to skirts to tie-neck blouses. Plus, House of Foxy carries flapper dresses without the costume-y fringe.

Tatyana Boutique: If you’ve ever been on vintage Instagram, then you’ve seen a blogger in the Alika dress. Tatyana is famous for that sassy dress, and the brand carries a few others with the same feel.

She’s Dynamite: Where vintage reproductions are concerned, sometimes it’s easier to get something custom-made to your measurements and in the fabrics and colors you prefer. The wiggle dresses from She’s Dynamite are especially popular, known for their really modern-looking jagged necklines and ruffled hems.

Cherry Tree Lane Dress Shop: Disney finally realized, after seeing Disney Bounders and Dapper Day participants spending huge wads of money on clothes, that it should respond in turn with a boutique geared toward vintage reproductions. Cherry Tree Lane has a mix of both very whimsical dresses that most would only wear to the park or a cosplay, and some more subdued options with graphics based on Disney rides. Though the shops at Disneyland and Disney World have the full selection, you can buy a select few from Disney’s own online store.

Atomic Swag: Experiment with a rockabilly look via these adorable graphic tees featuring sailors, buxom shipwrecked ladies, and suave hellcats in retro patterns.

Dainty Jewells: Most vintage repro shops focus on the post-war era, but Dainty Jewells is your spot for turn-of-the-century-inspired “modest” dresses, with high button collars, layers of lace and frills, and big, pastel floral patterns that will remind you of Victorian wallpaper (in a good way).

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Lingerie

Bettie Page: As the name implies, this line of Bettie-inspired lingerie consists of nothing practical but everything beautiful and tantalizingly sexy, like bullet bras, high-waist mesh panties, and transparent girdles.

What Katie Did: This is where all your favorite retro Instagrammers are getting their stockings, and most of their lingerie, too. The site has a variety of colors of seamed nylons and more modern seamed pantyhose, plus seam-free nylons and fully fashioned stockings (a knit nylon fit to the specifications of the leg shape of the wearer with little to no stretch).

My Retro Closet: I didn’t know I needed a bed jacket until I visited this website. Sure, it has the usual list of gorgeous separates, but the nighttime and lounge items are really noteworthy, in all their transparent polka-dotted splendor.

Orchard Corset: If you’re looking to try out corsets, this is the best place to start. The website has such a wealth of information on how to find the best one for you, how to wear it when you’re just starting out, and where to go from there. Choose from a ton of options, from waist cinchers to full overbust corsets, and designs and shapes for just about everyone.

Rago: Before you even buy a vintage dress with a tucked-in waist, you’ll want to check out Rago Shapewear for waist cinchers, high-waisted panties, girdles, and suspenders. The brand’s best product, though, is its longline bra, which creates the kind of cinched waist that helps retro dresses fall more naturally. They come in a huge variety of sizes (up to 7X in some styles) and many different styles.

Under the Root: This boutique is a little more costume-y than authentic, but it’s still super cute. Its bloomers are reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking, and the cotton thigh-highs (with detachable garter straps) are thick enough to wear outside or around the house.

Dottie’s Delights: At Dottie’s Delights you’ll find every shade of pink and heart appliques plus fluffy babydolls and lace tap pants, and you’ll have no trouble understanding why it’s the favorite of modern pinup models.

Playful Promises: When it comes to lingerie you can find everything here, but more specifically, you’ll find a great curation of garter belts to wear with all those retro dresses. The site also carries several of the brands mentioned above, so it’s a great bet if you want to check out a few lines at once.

Evgenia Lingerie: This line is more modern than the shops listed above, but it’s great for anyone who wants to add a sample of retro-style lingerie to their drawers. The high-waisted tap pants are a favorite.

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Shoes and Accessories

Bait Footwear: Look no further than Bait for the perfect saddle shoe. The brand has lots of cutesy sandals and kitten heels in plenty of pastel shades to match a closet of 1950s cutesy dresses, but the saddle shoes are some of the most well-made available today (and they come in 15 colors, too).

Miss L Fire: Adorable ’40s and ’50s styles populate this site, but there are two clear winners: the Loretta, in both muted reds and greens and bright silvers and golds with an alluring ankle tie, and the very wearable Copacabana stacked heel.

Lola Ramona: Lola is an almost David Lynch-esque boutique of pinup-inspired heels; you’ll find stripes and straps and bows and polka dots in lots of red and black. The brand also has vegan leather.

Royal Vintage: This online boutique specializes in 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s heels, and in spectacular quality and comfort; the Spectator is particularly popular among retro bloggers. The historian behind this brand also has a line that focuses on the Renaissance, if you want to go way back.

Erstwilder: Pins in every quirky shape you can imagine — from woodland creatures to modern structures to Disney characters to whatever you had for lunch — are available here to adorn your retro cropped sweater.

Splendette: Inspired by mid-century Bakelite pieces, Splendette makes “fakelite” bracelets, earrings, and other accessories that are reminiscent of what you’d find in a typical 1950s jewelry box.

Bow and Crossbones: Visit Bow and Crossbones for the earrings, because no one else comes close to its Marilyn Monroe-style gold hoops or kitschy transparent glitter-speckled half-moons.

Bonlook: This Canadian eyewear company doesn’t claim to jump on the reproduction bandwagon, which makes it that much better. You won’t find any cartoonish cat-eyes here, just sleek shapes that call to mind retro designs, and collaborations with vintage influencers like Keiko Lynn.

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Beauty

Besame: There really is no better choice for authentic lipstick shades, cake mascara, or brightening powder than Besame. Creator Gabriela Hernandez uses vintage formulas to create just the right shades and looks. The Snow White collaboration with Disney is a top seller at Box Lunch.

Suavecita: Ever wonder how all those retro bloggers get their page boy and poodle cuts to stay put? They all use Suavecita products. They’re the best in the industry for the kind of flexibility and hold you need to achieve those styles.

The Balm: A host of concealers and foundations in many shades and bright pink palettes makes this a favorite brand of the retro scene, but truthfully, Balm just has great beauty products everyone can use. Try this totally waterproof mascara.