The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Minimalist Travel Wardrobe
Make packing easier by building a minimalist travel wardrobe. This guide will help you create a wardrobe that will cut your packing time in half!
New York City is easily one of the most fashionable cities, so naturally, it has some of the best vintage shopping in the world.
Over the years in the city, most of my favorite fashion finds have all been from thrift stores.
In a city known for setting the standard in fashion, I’ve noticed a lot of actually fashionable people mainly buy vintage these days. It keeps you unique in a sea of people, all wearing the same trends.
If you want to stand out from the crowd, these are the best NYC vintage shops to check out.
I’ve even arranged them by location to make your shopping trip easier!
Best Vintage Stores in Manhattan
Aberizk
Aberizk is basically heaven on earth for anyone who loves fashion.
This SOHO concept store should be one of your first stops for a mix of rare designer vintage and unique styles from independent designers.
The storefront just launched last year and has already developed a cult following from fashionistas, including Kendall Jenner who was seen rocking a Jean Paul Gaultier 1996 mesh dress from the store to an event for 818 Tequila in Miami.
Local’s Tip: If you can’t make it to the storefront, you can also shop on their website!
Address: 9 Spring Street (between Elizabeth and Bowery)
9th Street Vintage
I love stopping by this shop anytime I’m in the East Village. 9th Street Vintage specializes in pre-1960’s fashion, which is a ton of fun to browse through.
The owner Mari Civorelli has curated her store with an eclectic assortment of evening gowns, lace blouses, perfectly worn in Levis, and vintage tees.
They also offer artisanal products like linen sprays, bamboo soap bars, and reusable face clothes.
Local’s Tip: You can book a personal styling appointment with one of their fashionistas if you need help changing up your style.
Address: 346 East 9th Street (at the corner of 1st Ave.)
Cure Thrift Shop
With all proceeds going to Diabetes research, you can feel extra good about splurging on finds at this shop.
The Cure Thrift Shop has great music, the clothes are well-sorted, with a variety of price points.
Besides a bunch of one of a kind fashion finds, they also carry some furniture and jewelry.
Address: 111 East 12th Street (between 3rd and 4th Ave.)
Resurrection Vintage
If you’re looking for designer vintage, Resurrection Vintage is the place to go. Over the years, it’s New York and Los Angeles locations have developed an almost cult-like status among the fashionable elite.
Even if you can’t afford to buy vintage couture, it’s totally worth checking this spot out. You’ll almost feel you’re strolling through a museum of some of fashion’s greatest hits.
Address: 45 Great Jones Street (between Lafayette and Bowery)
Pippin Vintage Jewelry
This is my favorite spot to check out vintage jewelry, especially if I need a good statement piece for an outfit.
Pippin Vintage Jewelry has the ultimate collection of unique vintage costume and fine jewelry.
Walking around this store is like a feast for your eyes! Every time I go into this shop, I end up leaving with at least one new trinket.
Address: 112 West 17th Street (between 6th and 7th Ave.)
Procell
If you’re looking for 80s and 90s fashion, Procell is the store to go to.
They’ve got tons of rare t-shirts, including concert tees. Plus, a bunch of men’s and women’s streetwear, accessories, and curated collectables.
Address: 5 Delancey Street (between Bowery and Chrystie St.)
Screaming MiMi’s
Screaming Mimi’s is a store so fabulous that it’s often sourced to create some of the best vintage fashion on screen by costume designers.
I always have so much fun shopping here. They have a massive selection and friendly staff who are familiar with every piece in stock and love to help.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even spot a Sex and the City inspired look to wear while you’re in the city!
Address: 240 West 14th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave.)
Madame Matovu
This small shop is a West Village gem for vintage finds.
Rosemarie, the owner, is totally charming and a joy to chat with while shopping. She’s got an eclectic selection of purses, jewelry, furs, and clothing, plus a lot of little trinkets to browse through.
Stopping by Madame Matovu to check out all the vintage purses is one of my favorite things to do when in the West Village. She typically has a bunch that fall into a range of price points.
Address: 240 West 10th Street (between Hudson and Bleeker)
No Relation Vintage
Okay, so this place isn’t the most organized, but if you dig through the racks, you can score some pretty great deals.
No Relation Vintage is fairly large and gets quite crowded, so I always try to swing by when the first open for the best shopping experience.
Check out the leather jacket selection while you’re there, it’s almost always got at least one amazing find in it.
Address: 204 1st Avenue (between 12th and 13th Street)
Mr. Throwback
Are you searching for the perfect 1990s sports apparel?
Mr. Throwback will blow you away with its selection of vintage hats and jerseys.
Obviously, as someone who claims “Broadway” is her team of choice, this store isn’t one I shop at, though I have sporty friends who rave about it!
They also have vintage video games and toys, just in case the sports gear doesn’t sell you on stopping by.
Address: 437 East 9th Street (between 1st and A)
Beacon’s Closet
With locations across America, Beacon’s Closet is a well-known name for most thrift shoppers.
It’s Manhattan location has a fairly solid selection that’s constantly being updated.
The only annoying thing is customers are asking to leave any large bags with security, as it seems they have a bit of a shoplifting problem.
Address: 10 West 13th Street (between 5th and 6th Ave.)
Dear: Rivington
For high-end avant-garde vintage clothes, Dear:Rivington is a solid shopping location.
Schitt’s Creek fans will totally get David Rose vibes from a lot of their merchandise.
These looks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re craving some original fashions, this is your store.
Address: 37 Great Jones Street (between Lafayette and Bowery)
Tokio 7
Tokio 7 has a curated collection of designer vintage fashion that’s worth the sometimes gruff service.
Prices are high, but worth it if you fall in love with one of their typically immaculate designer pieces.
They’ve got lots of funky and unique finds in this well organized little shop.
Address: 83 East 7th Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave.)
What Goes Around Comes Around
For truly one of a kind designer vintage finds, What Goes Around Comes Around, is a little piece of heaven in Manhattan, especially for handbags.
I’ve eyed many Chanel and Dior bags at this store, though have always ended up splurging on travel over the perfect designer bag.
If you’re in the mood to splurge on a special investment piece, you need to swing by this store that’s basically heaven for anyone who appreciates high fashion designers.
Address: 351 West Broadway (between Grand and Broome)
Housing Works
With locations all over the city, swinging by Housing Works is almost a requirement.
The best part is that they’re a non-profit that fights to end AIDS and homelessness.
I always end up buying something every time I go there, since they always have a well-curated selection of high and low-cost items.
I even scored a pair of leopard pony Manolo Blahnik heels there for $80, when in actual life, they easily would have cost hundreds!
You never know what treasures you’ll unearth at Housing Works, which makes shopping there a ton of fun.
Address: Multiple locations across Manhattan. There’s basically one in every neighborhood.
Best Vintage Stores in Brooklyn
Awoke Vintage
This place has a massive selection of vintage Levi’s and dress, making it a must-shop stop anytime I’m in the neighborhood.
It’s a really well curated store that’s clean and only carries high-quality pieces.
Awoke Vintage is a spot everyone should swing by while visiting Williamsburg.
Local’s Tip: Stop by Catbird across the street to shop some stunning and unique jewelry designs. They’re one of my favorite places to browse and buy new jewelry.
Address: 132 North 5th Street (on the corner of Bedford Ave.)
L Train Vintage
With multiple locations in Brooklyn, L Train Vintage is a pretty convenient place to shop no matter what neighborhood you end up in.
The Bushwick location is my favorite one because it’s one of the larger stores. They have fair prices and some amazing finds if you’re willing to do a bit of digging through all the racks.
They have an enormous selection of jackets, shirts, and vintage dresses.
Address: 1377 Dekalb Ave. (at the corner of Wilson Ave.)
Le Grand Strip
Le Grand Strip is easily one of my favorite spots to check out every time I’m in Brooklyn.
The French owner is insanely helpful, fashionable, and always a lot of fun to chat with while shopping.
Plus, they have some of the most eye-catching vintage pieces that I’ve ever laid on eyes on.
You’ll see everything from unknown labels to high-fashion ones like Dior, Pucci, and YSL.
I’m so obsessed that I now follow their Instagram religiously, always on the lookout for my next unique investment piece.
They ship anywhere in the US, so you don’t have to be in the city to shop with them!
Address: 197 Grand Street (between Bedford and Driggs)
Amarcord
This is another one of those kind of perfect vintage shops in BK. Amarcord has wonderful service, and well-curated unique pieces for men and women.
My favorite part about this store is that everything is color coded on the racks.
It makes shopping, especially for special occasions, a breeze!
Address: 223 Bedford Ave. (between N 4th and N 5th)
RISK Gallery and Boutique
This is more than just your typical vintage shop, it’s a full on fashion experience. It’s basically a store and art gallery.
RISK mixes vintage fashion finds with new unique pieces by local artists and designers.
They don’t really carry name brand labels, but who cares when the options are the rack are all unique and gorgeous.
Address: 205 Central Ave. (between Stockholm and Stanhope)
Known to Man
Known to Man has a major vibe that sets it apart from your typical vintage shops.
Besides vintage clothes and jewelry, you can also buy tarot cards, incense, and artisanal candles.
They’re one of my favorite places to shop any time I need a new dress. They have an extensive selection of them, ranging from everyday sundresses to stunning evening wear.
Plus, I love to check out all the magical things for sale, like Palo Santo sticks and crystals.
If you swing by on Sunday afternoon, you may even catch their weekly Tarot card readings!
Address: 320 Graham Ave. (between Devoe and Ainslie)
Monk Vintage
Head to Monk Vintage for a solid collection of well-organized clothing and fantastic music to enjoy while shopping.
They have something for every budget, including racks of items priced at $1 and $5.
It gets a little overcrowded so try to go early in the day for the best experience.
Address: 496 Driggs Ave. (between N 9th and N10th)
Olly Oxen Free
I used to swing by here almost every week with some of my best friends who used to live around the corner.
It was part of a weekly girl’s brunch and shopping extravaganza that was one of my favorite times of the week.
We always found amazing pieces at Olly Oxen Free, including some pretty epic retro outfits to go out dancing in.
Besides having a wonderfully curated selection of vintage fashions, they also sell art, accessories, furniture, and vinyls.
Address: 137 Montrose Ave. (between Manhattan and Graham)
Final Thoughts
Hitting up the stores above is a sure way to have a unique NYC shopping experience.
I know I’ve certainly collected several one of a kind fashion finds over the years.
Ideally, you too will find something special that you’ll treasure forever.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite vintage fashion find has been!
Recommended Reading
Hidden Gems: 50 Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC
Want to have a truly original New York holiday? Embrace this guide to the best non-touristy things to do in NYC and you’ll fit right in with the locals.
How to Spend 24 Hours in NYC According to a Local
Spending just 24 hours in NYC isn't ideal but totally worth doing! This guide with ideas from a local will help you make the most out of one day in NYC.
26 Best Things to Do in the West Village: Advice From a Local
There's way more to see in the village than just the iconic Friends apartment. This local's guide will tell you all the best things to do in the West Village.
Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show
Wondering what the Broadway dress code is? Picking the perfect outfit can be tough. Follow these tips and you won’t be too over or underdressed at the theater.
104 Best Things to Do in New York City: A Local’s Guide
Check out my ultimate local's guide to the best things to do in New York City. Including non-touristy things to do, it'll be a trip you won't soon forget.
Leave a Comment