Shopping vintage is not only brilliant for the environment, but it's perfect for giving your summer style a serious boost. Tracking down hidden gems can be unbelievably satisfying, especially when you come across a designer scorcher.
For seasoned vintage veterans, it will be no surprise to hear that sourcing pre-loved items is great for our planet. Not only does it reduce the amount of resources required to produce brand-new clothing, but it also stops vintage garments from ending up in landfill.
© GettyPlus, shopping vintage is a stellar way to find really cool pieces that are unique and move away from high street trends. If you're considering upping your vintage-style game, rest assured, you'll be in excellent company.
© Instagram /@kyliejennerUs mere mortals are not the only ones shifting our consumer habits towards shopping more sustainably. In fact, the likes of Sydney Sweeney, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and Zendaya are also on board, having each worn vintage designer looks on the red carpet while Kylie Jenner and Sofia Richie Grainge have a slew of retro Chanel pieces on rotation.
Hello! Fashion shares the stylish vintage dresses that you need in your summer wardrobe right now:
1940's Baby Blue Slip Dress
Annie's Archive
Why we love:
Crafted from handmade silk in the most decedent baby blue shade, this lace-trimmed slip dress is perfect in more ways than one.
This original 1940s silk gown with lace detailing is like finding a diamond in the rough and will quickly become your most prized possession. Wear with dainty ballet flats, chunky boots or no shoes at all to activate your inner Disney Princess era.
Camellia-print mini dress
Chanel
Why we love:
Vintage Chanel is hot property among the fashion set and this camellia-print mini dress is set to be snapped up in a matter of mere moments.
Featuring a halterneck tie fastening, an open back and a straight hem and made in Chanel's iconic camellia print, this itty bitty mini dress is a summer style staple that will forever be in style.
Vintage S/S 1999 Venus De Milo Mesh Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier
Why we love:
Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier is as iconic as it gets in the fashion world and this spring/summer 1999 famous ‘Venus De Milo’ mesh dress option is a piece of style history
Printed with Jean Paul Gaultier's iconic ‘Venus De Milo’ print in burgundy and yellow, this low scoop neckline maxi dress is a summer style option of dreams and could also work hung on a wall as an art piece.
1960s Waffle Cotton Floral Print Dress with Belt
Rhona Roy
Why we love:
This floral print dress is the epitome of 60s housewife dressing and features both its original fabric belt and belt buckle, both accents which are hard to find in this day in age.
It's not a spring wardrobe without a perfect floral dress and this 1960s number is perfect in more ways than one. Easily worn on its own with your favourite knee-high boots or dressed up with a pair of heels, this is a versatile gem that is deserving of a second life.
Y2K 00s Darling Green Check Midi Dress
Rokit London
Why we love:
Let's be honest, we love anything Jenna Rink from 13 Going On 30 would wear.
If there's ever one rule to live by it's that you can never, ever go wrong with a vintage midi dress that's tailored to perfection. This green tartan option screams summer in all the right ways and can even be styled over pants when the temperature starts to drop.
1960s Cotton Full-Length Dress with Crochet Trim
1ST DIBS
Why we love:
Made in the 1960s, this ethereal, custom-made dress is a fashion gem readily awaiting its second home. Featuring eyelet accents, machine crochet inserts in 4 bands on the skirt, a ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline and cap lace sleeves.
Live out your boho Lana Del Rey dream this spring with this divine 1960s cotton maxi dress with intricate crochet detailing. This would look amazing with chunky sandals and lots of gold jewellery.
White Beth Dress
Cecile Bahnsen
Why we love:
Though Cecilie Bahnsen only founded her namesake brand in 2015, we already know that her whimsical pieces are going to go down in the history books, with many already being resold for twice their original price.
Personally, this dress has been on my wishlist for months. It's the perfect comfortable yet elegant option that will quite literally go with anything. I love the idea of wearing it with chunky combat boots and cat-eye sunglasses or with a colourful cardigan and metallic ballet flats.
2000s crochet-knit cotton slip dress
Versace
Why we love:
Who doesn't love a Y2K fashion moment?
This is a summer slip dress Paris Hilton most definitely would approve of. Made in the 2000s from a crochet-knit fabric, this simple, yet elegant mini is perfect for when you have nothing to wear but want to look cuter than cute.
1990-2000s Zucchino-jacquard minidress
Fendi
Why we love:
Nothing beats a timeless designer monogram piece and this thigh-length option is the epitome of timeless elegance.
Fendi's signature Zucchino monogram pattern is a hallmark in the fashion world, featured on an array of RTW and accessory pieces throughout the late 90s and 2000s. This spaghetti strap dress is one of those pieces you'll pass down to generations.
Floral print maxi dress
Beyond Retro
Why we love:
Have you ever seen a more perfect park picnic frolicking frock?
Though it's not clear as to when this gorgeous excuse for a summer dress was made, it's maxi length and baby pink gingham print make it likely that it's from the late 90s or early 2000s.
How we chose the pieces:
Vintage Status: Each item on this list is pre-owned and from an old collection that is no longer available to purchase new.
Price: I have chosen items from a range of high street and designer brands, allowing for each budget to indulge in this trend.
Why you should trust me:
I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Features Writer. With a love for all things fashion (the quirkier the better), I can usually be found playing dress-up in my own wardrobe, watching Gilmore Girls for the 8th time or finding new outfit inspo and DIY musts on TikTok, nothing in my closet is safe from a safety-pin bow embellishment. I have been in the styling world for almost 5 years now, specialising in editorial features, luxury campaigns and music videos. As for the world of magazines, I have worked for various digital and print publications around the world, focusing on fashion. Basically, fashion is my bread and butter.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
