Whether refined and modernised in new designs, or the genuine article, retro fashion is big on the style agenda – again. Vintage aficionados say it's all about individuality – that taking something from the past, be it a 1940s evening dress, a pair of rockabilly shoes, or a simple accessory – means your look will always be unique. So if you want to stay ahead of the fashion pack, pluck inspiration from the past and check out Brisbane’s hottest vintage outlets.
Watch an "OP Shop Shopping" video.
Tips for guaranteed vintage success
- The main rule in vintage fashion is this: strut your stuff. If you wear it with confidence, you can (almost) get away with anything!
- Mix old pieces (clothing, shoes, hats, accessories) with new season apparel to create an up-to-the-minute yet unique look
- Check out magazines to see what’s showing on catwalks before you hit the stores – it will help when you’re faced with racks and racks of clothes
- Look for distinctive colours and prints, but avoid any that are too gaudy
- If you’ve discovered an absolute gem, but find it doesn’t quite fit, consider having it altered. Missing buttons, broken zips and open seams can easily be mended
- Be fun, be frivolous – unleash your individuality!
Op-shops: great fashion, good karma
The best place to start your vintage shopping adventure is your local op-shop. Most op-shops don't specialise in vintage, which means you’ll need to be prepared to spend some time delving through the piles and racks for those hidden fashion finds. But that’s half the fun. And as an added bonus, you’ll likely earn yourself some good karma with every purchase – op-shop proceeds are put to a variety of charitable uses, plus you’ll be saving perfectly wearable items from an environmentally unfriendly end (landfills and incinerators).
Top op-shops include Lifeline on Ann at 680 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley and Endo’s in Paddington, the Endeavour Foundation’s retro/vintage specialist.
More happy hunting can be had in St Vincent de Paul shops, Salvos Stores, St Veronica Thrift Shop in West End, Hey Hey It’s Yesterday Thrift Shop in Paddington, Queensland Blind Association Fashions & Homeware in West End and Annerley, and Footprints Thrift Shops.
Other pre-loved and recycled clothing outlets
More second-hand clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories at great prices can be found at outlets like Alpha Pre Loved & Export Clothing in Beenleigh, Annerley Road New & Preloved Clothing in Woolloongabba and Pennies New & Pre-Loved Clothing in Sandgate.
High-end vintage fashion
Lovers of all things (high-end) vintage will find shopping heaven in Paddington, Brisbane’s established second-hand precinct. The standout here is vintage-designer boutique Adornments, renowned for its premium stock of unusual vintage clothing and accessories. Other eclectic Brisbane outlets include Box Vintage in West End, which focuses on 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s clothing and accessories, La Bella Donna in Morningside, specialising in 1930s, ’40s and ’50s outfits, and General Pants, Queen Street Mall, home to a concept Vintage Showcase and clothing line to match.
The “new” retro
Head to Tiger Rag in the Valley for modern-day vintage styles – think custom-fitted pencil skirts and bowling shirts. Owner/designers Greg Riley and Sue Van Dijk copy original patterns from the 1930s and ’40s and tweak them for the contemporary figure. Another Valley store, Honor Lulu, sells fashion and kitsch gifts inspired by the 1950s and old rock ‘n’ roll culture.
Something old, something new…
Celebrate your wedding in vintage style (and save a small fortune while you’re at it) by saying “I do” in a preloved bridal gown. Stunning wedding and bridesmaid dresses, veils, tiaras and other bits of bridal frippery can be purchased from the Woodridge Endeavour Recycled Clothing Super Store, which specialises in bridal wear, and Preloved Bridal. For the north-siders, Endo's at Stafford are also wedding specialists.
“Retro” cool for kids
Kit out your kids in brand-name clothing at a fraction of the regular cost by shopping at outlets like Kids on the Terrace in Red Hill, Kids Kaboodle in Coorparoo, and Weenies To Teenies in Camp Hill, all of which sell a variety of pre-loved children’s wear. It’s not exactly “vintage” but it’s true to the spirit of recycled clothing.
Vintage markets
Some of Brisbane’s markets are a fabulous source of great-value vintage and retro clothing, shoes and accessories. Try the weekend Valley Markets (Brunswick Street Mall) and the Green Flea Community Market by the river at West End every Saturday. Enjoy the eclectic, and occasionally eccentric, offerings!
By Pip, from the ourbrisbane.com team
Tell us about your best vintage buy. Add your comments below.
Hi. Does anyone know of a Brisbane store that specialises in vintage wedding dresses?