Looking good needn't mean looking like everyone else. Vintage is an original choice, plus it's an environmentally-friendly way to buy clothes. Below are some of the best shops in London for vintage dresses and retro clothing. If you're looking for cheap second-hand clothes, take a look at London's charity and thrift shops.
Absolute Vintage
If you love shoes, step into Absolute Vintage just around the corner from Old Spitalfields Markets! The shop has a huge selection of cheap vintage shoes, with prices averaging around £20 per pair.
Alfies Antique Market
This is the place to come for antique and vintage clothes, collectables and design pieces. It's the largest indoor market of its kind in London, and also has a Rooftop Kitchen boasting views over London.
Beyond Retro
Head to Brick Lane's original Beyond Retro vintage clothing shop for a fine selection of handpicked vintage clothing. The shop has its own fashion label which gives vintage clothes a new lease of life.
Blackout II
Covent Garden’s vintage clothing shop, Blackout II has been trading for nearly two decades. Staff members have extensive knowledge of all things vintage and are on hand to help you find the right outfit.
Blitz
Blitz is a huge vintage store in East London. Inside you'll find on-trend, handpicked, affordable vintage clothing, reclaimed furniture and eccentricities alongside bikes, books, posters, luggage and more.
Cabbages & Frocks
Head to Marylebone and discover a wealth of designer vintage clothes. Hidden in a cobbled courtyard near St Marylebone Paris Church, this vintage market is full of designer brands at bargain prices.
Camden Market
Bag some bargain vintage or a really special one-off piece in Camden Market. There are lots of second-hand shops and stalls selling everything from elegant 1940s dresses, to cheesy 70s and 80s disco wear.
House of Vintage
House of Vintage is a small vintage boutique, just off Brick Lane, specialising in 40s, 50s, and 60s fashion. There is also a bridal showroom which has some of the best vintage wedding dresses in London at affordable prices. Appointments only.
One of a Kind
Head to Portobello Road for a One of a Kind luxury vintage shopping experience. Designers such as Gaultier, McCartney and Lagerfeld aren't just stocked here, they shop here too, as do super models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
Pop Boutique
Stock up on retro and items from the 60s, 70s and 80s in Covent Garden. Here, each piece of clothing is carefully chosen, and those pieces that can't be sold are recycled, or upcycled, under the store's own brand.
Radio Days
The trendy Lower Marsh behind Waterloo Station is where you’ll find Radio Days, a haven of 20s to 80s vintage clothes, accessories and memorabilia. This is a must for hardcore vintage addicts.
Rellik
A favourite with designers, editors and It girls, Rellik in West London specialises in designer women’s clothing and accessories. Think Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Cardin and Comme des Garçons.
Retromania
Find some great retro gear and help a good cause at Retromania, a charity shop (profits donated to the FARA charity) specialising in retro and vintage clothes and memorabilia.
Rokit
Express your individuality with wardrobe additions from Rokit, one of three such stores in London (Shoreditch, Camden and Covent Garden). At this store old vintage pieces are lovingly reinvented through the shop's recycled designs.