Washington DC has no shortage of sweet finds waiting to be uncovered at a plethora of vintage boutiques, consignment shops, and thrift stores. With so many universities and professionals in town, you’re sure to find racks packed with the latest styles and gems from bygone eras as you look for the perfect outfit.
Buying clothes second-hand is the most sustainable way to shop. Hit these spots and get thrifty purchasing second-time-around wares at these vintage stores in Washington DC.
Where to find high-end vintage stores
If you’re after a luxurious item with a budget-friendly price tag head to Ella-Rue. You’ll be able to seriously step up your style at this glamorous consignment shop in Georgetown. The shop opened up in 2011 by the chic sister duo, Krista and Alexa. Browse through covetable items from major design houses including Chanel, Fendi, Saint Laurent to contemporary brands such as Mara Hoffman, Rag & Bone, Diane von Furstenberg, and more. The collection features items consigned from all over the globe—from Paris to DC.
For rows of beautifully curated luxe labels visit the ultra-chic Secondi consignment shop in Dupont Circle. Since 1986, boutique owner Caitrine Callison has been stacking the shelves with almost-new womens’ designer clothing and handbags from Miu Miu, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik, and more for a fraction of the price. The offering includes of-the-moment trends and timeless classics.
If you’re looking for the latest styles stop into one of Current’s four locations including, the Logan Circle store in the District. Fashionistas are sure to find a haul of goodies at the thrift store founded by Carmen Lopez which carries an array of popular brands and vintage finds. Current takes pre-loved designer garb on consignment so you may even find the latest it-bag here.
The best thrift stores for vintage finds
If you’re looking for quirky finds from the 60s to 90s stop into Meeps vintage store in Adams Morgan. The treasure trove has loads of gems for men and women that will transport you to the past. Think mod dresses, bohemian shawls, and retro pants. For over two decades Meeps has been scoring some of the best vintage duds in DC. There’s even a section dedicated to costume clothing.
DC fashionistas on a budget have a best-kept secret, REDDz Trading in Georgetown. It’s also the best place in town to find gently used menswear. Fashionable locals trade in their goods for cash and then you get to discover them and add them to your wardrobe. New items are added to the floor every hour so you’re always sure to find something you’ll love. Some items are just $2.50—talk about thrifty!
There’s something for everyone at Fia's Fabulous Finds. The shop offers a variety of budget-friendly and name brand pieces and is size-inclusive with many items going up to size 3X. If you’re lucky you’ll be in DC during their famous fill-a-bag sale. If you don’t make the sale, don’t worry, most of the items in the store are under $50.
Digital vintage finds
We’re in the digital age, so it only makes sense that some of the best vintage shopping in DC can be done virtually. If you’re looking for colorful and unique plus-size clothing check out More Than Your Average. The vibrant curation is put together by Mya Price who finds the most lust-worthy pieces size 12 and up. Price organizes pop-ups at markets every few weeks throughout the DC metro area.
If you’re tired of the clothes you’ve been traveling with find out if there’s a Swap DC event happening while you’re in town. You’ll be able to trade your clothes with other stylish folks who are looking to sustainably update their wardrobe. The ‘creative recycling’ events sometimes focus on other goods such as books and vinyl.
Vintage stores that sell more than clothing
If you like your shopping with a side of rock n’ roll go to Smash! The Adams Morgan vinyl store also has a decent-sized vintage collection complete with old school band tees and Doc Martens. You can also pick up gently used CDs at Smash to complete your nostalgia-induced shopping adventure.
Analog is a cabinet of curiosities. At this Brookland boutique in the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market you can seriously find everything but the kitchen sink. In addition to a hearty selection of vintage clothing they also sell handmade stationery and paper goods.
If you’re looking for vintage homewares The Shed D.C. is where you’ll find a haven of irresistible items. The female-owned vintage store just celebrated a year in business and often partakes in community projects such as furnishing an apartment for a returning citizen. Don’t miss the Sip n’ Shop events on select Sundays for even further discounted goods.
