Shopping vintage is not only brilliant for the environment, but it's perfect for giving your summer style a serious boost. There's something truly magical about the ruffle of a printed Emanuel Ungaro number, the air-light caress of a Cavalli mesh top, the feminine floral burst of a Blumarine blouse and the mood-boosting psychedelia of a Pucci shift silhouette. Without question, investing in a one-off designer scorcher is your one way ticket to sartorial supremacy.
It’s near impossible not to be romantic about vintage dresses. Of course, you can nip into the high street and easily scoop up something for your cousin’s wedding at the weekend - but it rarely carries much beyond utility. Archival pieces, by contrast, arrive with their own mythology - the parties they’ve already seen, the messy nights out, the stolen kisses under the club lights, and the lineage of the house that made them.
© Bettmann ArchiveThat's before sustainability comes into play. For seasoned vintage veterans, it will be no surprise to hear that sourcing preloved items is great for both our wardrobes and our planet. Not only does it reduce the amount of resources required to produce brand-new clothing, but it also stops vintage garments from ending up in landfill. According to reports, as much as 92 million tonnes of clothing ends up in landfills - with only 20 per cent of textiles collected for reuse or recycling globally.
Plus, we mere mortals are not the only ones shifting our consumer habits towards shopping more sustainably. In fact, the likes of Maya Jama, Sydney Sweeney, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and Zendaya are also onboard, having each worn vintage designer looks on the red carpet while Kylie Jenner and Sofia Richie Grainge have a slew of retro Chanel pieces on rotation. Opting for vintage is the new cultural capital.
In additional to being a more mindful consumer practice, shopping secondhand ensures that your wardrobe will stand-out - no matter the occasion. From resplendent Versace treasures to affordable Y2K slips, discover the best vintage frocks to shop below and inject your timeless wardrobe with a touch of storied style.
Best vintage dresses to shop now:
2005 Beaded Silk Gold Dress
Lanvin
One Vintage's Lanvin 2004 gown by Alber Elbaz is a rare collector’s item steeped in timeless, understated glamour. Cut in liquid gold silk, this statement piece glimmers with delicate beaded straps and diamanté detailing across the bust.
Printed Halter Dress
Emporio Armani
The dreamiest halterneck piece by Emporio Armani, this ethereal vintage gem sourced by Ramona's Archive is a lesson in luxury prints. Team yours with chunky silver jewels and kitten heels for maximum impact.
60s Print Mini Dress
Emilio Pucci
Featuring Pucci's iconic baroque print in the brand's signature seafoam green, blue and white colourway, this 1960s jewel is not to be missed. Not only do the brand's pieces rarely lose value, but the Sixties shift style of the frock and sleeveless design radiate retro appeal.
Spring/Summer 2000 Floral Silk Crepe Ruffle Hem Dress
Kenzo
Hailing from Kenzo's spring/summer 2000 runway collection, this floral concoction is romance personified. Sourced by Circa Vintage, the ethereal piece features an elegant scooped neckline and blooming florals all-over.
Autumn/Winter 1997 Green Beaded Embellished Shift Dress
Gianni Versace
Feast your eyes on this autumn/winter 1997 Versace Couture mini dress in green colour-blocked lurex, adorned with intricate seed bead embellishment. Strapless and corseted, the vibrant treasure was debuted on the runway by Naomi Campbell.
Multicolour Jersey Sleeveless Dress
Missoni
A sartorial sunburst that will instantly enhance any sun-kissed tan, this colourblocked Missoni bandage dress is perfect for those wanting a touch of Noughties nostalgia.
2000s Satin Mini Slip Dress
Suzy
A Y2K gem for those wanting to embrace the slip dress trend this season, this flirty little mini in the prettiest shade of pistachio green is heading to the top of our wish list.
Spring/Summer 2004 Floral Silk Dress
Blumarine
A touch of vintage Blumarine never goes amiss. Gloriously girlie and unapologetically Noughties, this spring/summer 2004 treasure is a playful investment piece to cherish forever.
1990s Rose Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier
An iconic print beloved by the likes of Bella Hadid, Jean Paul Gaultier's rose motif is bound to reinvigorate your summer wardrobe with some Y2K flair.
Vintage Lace Mini Dress
No Label
There's no need to eschew the all-black palette just because it's summer. Lean into whimsygoth aesthetics courtesy of Second Maison's coquettish vintage lace black mini.
Spring/Summer 2004 Pink Floral Silk Dress
John Galliano
Cut from 100 per cent silk, this slinky yet girlish piece by John Galliano is primed for summer party season. Note the lace trims and bias cut that make for an ever-flattering fit.
1920s Pink Silk Lace Teddy
Annie's Ibiza
An adorable slip dress that's brimming with whimsy romance, this lace-frosted antique dazzles with its handmade lace embroidery at the neckline and trims the bottom. Team yours with ballet pumps or cowboy boots for a Sabrina Carpenter-coded aesthetic.
How we chose the pieces:
Vintage Status: Each item on this list is pre-owned and from an old collection that is no longer available to purchase new.
Price: We have selected items from a range of high street and designer brands, allowing for each budget to indulge in this trend.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. Best Quality Designer Handbag may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
