An It Girl's Guide to the Best NYC Vintage Stores

Vintage outfits have circulated within the industry for some time now. Between the ongoing Y2K trend and a beloved '90s revival, the styles from yesteryear seem to have made their way back into the wardrobes of Hollywood's finest and runway superstars alike. Grounded in sustainability, pre-loved clothes bring a sense of authenticity to these decade-centric trends. And why buy the re-edition, when you can have the original? Yet it's been fashion's vanguards—the models themselves—who've brought vintage outfits to the forefront of style. 

The industry's biggest names—Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, Mona Tougaard, and Jill Kortleve—are all huge advocates of the movement, time after time attributing their runway-ready wardrobe to vintage outfits. In the era of a fast-fashion, Elsesser explains her love for archival clothing is grounded in an appreciation of craftsmanship, because "maybe [it] doesn't exist as much anymore." But above all else, the appeal of thrifted fashion is undeniable— as perhaps the most inexpensive way to tap into today's latest trends. In New York City, finding these hidden gems in an expansive Goodwill or Buffalo Exchange feels nearly impossible. Luckily, the models have it figured out. From Williamsburg to Greenwich Village, L'OFFICIEL breaks down where exactly to find sustainable off-duty looks from the best vintage stores in NYC.

Simply put—10 ft Single by Stella Dallas is well worth the trip to Williamsburg. A shopping staple for vintage queen and supermodel Bella Hadid, the store's selection is meticulously curated. Wonder around the endless racks to find a refreshing mix of well-loved and deadstock pieces from as far back as the '50s. Color-coded and separated by function, the mix of jackets, tees, sneakers, and sweaters will captivate any curious vintage outfit shopper for hours.

Endorsed by celebrities and fashion It-girls alike, What Goes Around is indisputably the Bergdorf's of NYC vintage stores. Located in the heart of SoHo, it's the accumulation of the most coveted runway ready-to-wear and luxury accessories over the last fifty years. Looking for that one '90s Chanel bag? They've got a case full of them, not to mention one full of Hermès, and another for all your Louis Vuitton needs. As New York's premier luxury purveyor of vintage outfits, Victoria's Secret Angels like Kendall Jenner and Candice Swanepoel have been spotted sporting their exclusive selection—and it's not hard to see why.

Seemingly off the beaten NYC vintage store path, Metropolis is the place to find the ultimate vintage outfit complete with a vintage graphic tee. Since its doors first opened thirty years ago, owner Richard Colligan has simply mastered the art of pre-loved curation. It's no surprise Bella Hadid is a frequent shopper—the main floor is the perfect balance of jackets, jerseys, and fan-favorite band tees. However, Colligan's most prized pieces hang almost angelically from the rafters. And although the pricing is extensive—they're well worth a second look.

Essential to any off-duty look? A pair of supermodel-esque throwback jeans. Luckily, The Vintage Twin exists. Conveniently nestled on Broadway in SoHo, the shop has created what they call a "Jeanius Bar." Typically, finding a pair of vintage Lee's, Levi's, or any other treasured vintage denim—in the right size and style—is impossible. A known favorite of Kaia Gerber for this very reason, a sales associate—or "Jeanius"—will sort through their collection of hundreds of pairs to find shoppers the perfect pair. Sustainability and accessibility truly meet in this stand-out vintage outfit haven.