You know the saying, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.
Well it couldn’t be more true, because if you know where to look, you can find second-hand vintage clothes that are just as stylish for half the cost.
WATCH BELOW: We asked op-shop pros: What is your favourite thing in the shop?
While fashion is all about setting the trends for the future, thrift shopping is all about revisiting the past. And more often than not, digging through the archives and finding “old” clothes actually sets the way for new trends.
We’re talking classic old racing jackets that are perfectly oversized, or those denim, wide-leg jeans from the 90s that fit just right. Not to mention all the little gold mines that are out there, which you can get ridiculously cheap.
And opportunity shops (called op shops for short) are the perfect place to go to find vintage gems without breaking the bank. So keep scrolling to see our best picks for stores all across Australia.
Vinnies in Waverley, NSW
While it may look small and dainty with its light-blue walls, Vinnies holds very cute and very stylish treasures inside – ones that you’ve been looking for your whole life. And they just don’t sell clothes! You can also fine shoes, handbags, accessories, and so much more.
Find a full outfit by pairing a black denim skirt with a big retro coat or some vintage thigh high boots. Top it up with a snazzy belt and you’re good to go.
RetroStar Vintage Clothing in Melbourne, VIC
Expect to find band tees, boots, and great vintage bomber jackets and the like at RetroStar Vintage Clothing. It’s the perfect place to find some of those real gems from past years that should absolutely make a comeback.
The shop has some great classics from the ’40s to the ’90s and has a amazing eclectic selection. Major bonus, the place is always on sale, so you can dress from head to toe in classic clothes without breaking the bank.
Mekko Market & Café in Prospect, SA
When an op shop meets café, introducing Mekko Market & Café. This super cute crossover store is home to sustainable fashion, where you can also sit and have brunch after you shop – the total dream.
Add that with the green plants and colourful walls, it will have you wanting to move in. And the clothes aren’t the only thing have history, with the building itself having been a police station and a courthouse – with the old jail cells still there and everything!
The unique space also lets you ‘rent a rack’, where you can actually sell your good quality clothes that you don’t want or need anymore. It’s practically an all-in-one.
Store Room Vintage in Surry Hills & Newtown, NSW
It’s possibly one of Sydney’s most iconic vintage destinations, with Store Room Vintage so good it evens attracts celebrity customers, including Halsey. And if it’s good enough for her then you best believe it’s great enough for the rest of us.
The place has everything from the ’70s all the way through to the early 2000’s, and it has all the best vintage classics you can find. It also has heaps of brand names like Adidas, Nike, and Calvin Klein, so you can be ahead with the trends.
Bluebird Vintage in Wembley, WA
Bluebird Vintage is a cosy little nook that has a stunning mix of vintage fashion and accessories, where you’ll find everything from Polaroid cameras to ’50s dresses.
The fun and original pieces from the fifties, sixties and seventies are all vintage gold – with the staple cat eye sunglasses particularly cute.
Red Cross in Dalby, QLD
Over at Red Cross Dalby you’ll find brands galore, where they have Witchery, Country Road and you might even a cheeky Burberry trench hidden somewhere in racks.
It’s also perfect if you’re on a budget (as most of us are) as it’s not too pricey, and you’ll find plenty new and vintage clothing so it’s a total win.
American Vintage Clothing Co. in Fitzroy, VIC
If you’re into grunge rock or cowboy boots, you’ll find loads of biker jackets, tees, and shoes from the ’40s to the ’90s! Don’t forget about the edgy pieces from all-American brands like Guess, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Harley Davidson.
The racks at American Vintage are also super easy to explore, so finding that limited edition dark denim wrangler jacket is entirely possible.
Vinnies in Hobart, TAS
This era-specific store has been recently renovated and is untapped with cute little finds that you didn’t know you needed.
It also pretty much guarantees that you’ll be best dressed on the block after shopping here and will leave you thinking you were born in the wrong era.
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