From Blumarine to CDG: “New” Vintage Finds To Shop Now

In today’s fashion industry, secondhand shopping is a sport. Hard-to-find designer dresses and runway looks go fast, and securing something special that stands the test of time and represents an era of seasons past is a victory. Here, we round up our favorite vintage pieces to shop before they’re gone.

Ever since Sandy Liang’s Fall 2023 runway show—yes, the one riddled with chiffon, silk, and taffeta bows—it’s become impossible to unsee bows. They’re everywhere, and as The RealReal, Vestaire, and Poshmark’s latest arrivals affirm, they’re not new. A ribbon bow belt opened Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2003 show, and bows of various textures, seemingly holding various fabrics together, became a quintessential detail of Simone Rocha’s collections in the 2010s.

Among these new vintage arrivals, several special pieces pay homage to the re-emergence of this feminine detail: Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2022 mini dress, Sandy Liang’s Ischia dress in navy, and Simone Rocha’s embroidered rose dress from the Fall 2018 collection each feature subtle and not-so-subtle bow cameos. But don’t worry, this edit isn’t a one-trick wonder. Junya Wantabe’s Comme des Garçons’ bondage floral skirt from spring 2003 and Phoebe Philo’s Celine button-down cream jumpsuit from spring 2015 also present iconic details worth considering, alongside summer statement pieces from Prada and Paco, fancy footwear from Marc Jacobs and Celine, and highly sought-after handbags from John Galliano and YSL, too.

Let’s start with a few pieces that win in the price-per-wear category. This Prada color-blocked mini dress, side-button jumpsuit from Phoebe Philo’s Celine, and versatile Sandy Liang dress are each pieces you’ll never want to part ways with. Pair them with statement essentials that also stand the test of time, such as Elsa Peretti’s iconic Tiffany bone cuff, Judith Leiber’s black evening bag, or The Row’s T-strap loafer.

Prada colorblock pattern midi dress

Tiffany & Co. medium bone cuff

Judith Leiber vintage leather handle bag

The Row Monceau T-strap loafers

This Blumarine tiered maxi skirt hits on the it-girl trend of the season: big skirt, big shirt. Pair it with an oversized band tee or The Row’s white Bare sandals for a dressed-up look. And while on the topic of dressing up, Simone Rocha’s embroidered rose dress, Comme des Garçons’ bondage skirt, and Acne Studios’ black silk tie dress do the trick, too. Wear them with a classic Prada nylon bag (in red, for a twist).

Comme des Garçons bondage skirt

Because nothing is better than leaving the house in the summer wearing a mini dress, Carolina Herrera’s bow dress, Prada’s pistachio sequin situation, and Paco Rabanne’s white buckle dress feel especially timely. Keep the look festive and fashion’s swinging sixties energy alive with Marc Jacobs’ silver plastic sandals or Celine’s T-strap metallic sandals. Top it all off with Christian Dior’s pink Mini Girly Saddle Bag.

Carolina Herrera mini dress

Paco Rabanne buckle dress

Christian Dior Girly saddle bag

If you’re tasked with the challenge of packing in a carry-on this summer, these last six pieces are for you. First, two easy, everywhere dresses: Toteme’s spaghetti-strap smock dress and Jacquemus’ iconic La Robe in black. Pair either (or both!) with Bode’s quilted jacket (this boxy cotton one is especially nice for summer nights). John Galliano’s newspaper bag and YSL’s mombasa bag both somehow go with everything, especially these two aforementioned midi dresses, and feel just right for day or night. Pair it all with a classic Carel Paris shoe—a Mary Jane that looks elegant and can be worn for hours on end without causing any pain. If that’s not a footwear miracle, what is?

Jacquemus La Robe Saudade Longue dress

Bode One-of-a-Kind quited jacket

YSL Saint Laurent Mombasa hobo bag

Previous monthly arrivals, below

Below, our first installment covers summer dresses, strappy sandals, and seasonal accessories you won’t want to miss (including unforgettable runway numbers, like the sweet Rodarte Fall 2020 heart dress, Molly Goddard Summer 2019 halter dress, and Paco Rabanne’s floral, chainmail dress). Pair these pieces with everyday essentials: Marni’s, Jill Sander’s and The Row’s highly-coveted leather sandals are seasonal staples. Adidas’ blue Wales Bonner sneakers are the most envied trainer of the season, so if they’re your size, snatch them while you can. Wear them with a classic white Prada cotton skirt or black Khaite cotton dress, and you’ll embody a certain sense of cool.

Khaite square neckline midi dress

Wales Bonner X Adidas Originals Japan sneakers

Saint Laurent wicker tote

Molly Goddard floral print long dress

Marni leather slingback sandals

Paco Rabanne floral print long dress

Jil Sander leather sandals

One guaranteed way to have an unforgettable summer night is by dressing to the Tom Ford Gucci era dress code. This silk, deep-plunge Tom Ford LBD is a statement dress that somehow also passes as an essential. When it comes to summer romance, three things come to mind: Grease, Mamma Mia!, and fluttery, floral dresses. This John Galliano for Christian Dior 1999 silk, chiffon dress and Lanvins sheer, embroidered dress match the mood perfectly. Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic prints bring a sense of originality and artfulness to any wardrobe. For a more modern look, pair Eckhaus Latta’s asymmetric sequin dress with Coperni’s black swipe bag (this one comes and goes fast), and top it off with a quintessential Bode jacket.

Eckhaus Latta asymmetric sequin dress

Tom Ford for Gucci cutout silk dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil vintage 1990’s skirt set

Christian Dior by John Galliano print dress

Fendi beaded floral shoulder bag

Fendi’s floral applique maxi dress, Celine’s Phoebe Philo cutout runway maxi dress, and Prada’s silk maxi dress are ethereal pieces and function as outfits all on their own. To add flair, pair them with Celine’s leather gladiator sandals, Gucci’s tortoiseshell cat-eye sunnies, or Louis Vuitton’s Fleurs Pochette bag—a true relic of the 2000s. Prada’s pink silk babydoll top is another style from the aughts. Add texture with a unique Fendi beaded baguette bag—a sure-to-appreciate vintage find. For a more modern look, pair Eckhaus Latta’s asymmetric sequin dress with Coperni’s black swipe bag (this one comes and goes fast).

Emilio Pucci printed bandana

Celine leather gladiator sandals

Gucci round tinted sunglasses

Bottega Veneta cat eye acetate sunglasses

Jean Paul Gaultier vintage midi length skirt

Fendi mesh floral applique maxi dress

Louis Vuitton multicolor pochette bag

Of course, it wouldn’t be right to enter summer 2023 without addressing the obvious: Barbie’s revival. The highly-anticipated film drops in July, and preparing the wardrobe accordingly seems appropriate. This Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel pink babydoll halter dress does just the trick (or if you’re not a pink girl, you could go with this Dior tiered dress), especially when paired with Gabriela Hearst’s pink satin clutch and Louis Vuitton’s Damier patent kitten sandals. Moschino’s collared, color-block mini dress is another retro-inspired all-day summer wear, which pairs well with Vivienne Westwood’s clasp handbag. For another color palette, Schiaparelli’s pink and red blazer with pockets achieves the same retro feel, and layers well over Junya Wantabe’s Comme des Garcons circle dress. Pair it with Prada’s plaid platform sandals, and you’ve basically been transported to another time.

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld halter mini dress

Gabriela Hearst satin bag

Prada plaid print sandals

Louis Vuitton kitten heel mule sandals

Comme des Garcons Junya Watanabe dress

Vivienne Westwood vegan leather handbag

Moschino color block dress