Vintage fashion is everywhere—walk into any boutique or department store, and you’re likely to be surrounded by iconic trends that have made their way into the present, like cut and sewn fabric ghosts. From jumpsuits to bell bottoms and, yes, even shoulderpads, these vintage styles are not only trending but also have classic and wearable appeal.
At local retailers around the Upstate, you can find new and authentic vintage fashion. New vintage, mimicking the past but not from the past, is crisp, flawless, easy to find, and clean when you find it—which isn’t always the case with authentic vintage garments. Still, there’s something alluring about material relics of the past, and many enthusiasts offer them for purchase.
With this guide, walk down memory lane and discover local retailers carrying vintage fashion. Find vintage looks that fit your style, wear a piece of history, and maybe even dust off one of your own treasures, breathe new life into it, or pass it to someone who will adorn it with love. There’s a reason these looks have staying power. Find the reason that speaks to you.
Vintage Style by Decade
1950s
With the recent popularity of television shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, silhouettes worn by this decade’s emblematic housewives have gained momentum. In the post-war years, women often wore swing and day dresses or circle skirts paired with slim-fit blouses—always accentuating the waist. Standout accessories included scarves, gloves, and cat eye sunglasses. Men had a classic, simple style: pleated suits, cuffed jeans, trousers, and T-shirts. Wear the decade’s nostalgic look with a fit-and-flare shirtdress or a T-shirt and cuffed jeans.
Fun Facts
I Love Lucy debuted in 1951, and its last season aired in 1957.
In 1956, Elvis Presley first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Shop the look
Womenswear: Folly Dancing Daisy Dress by Victoria Dunn, Southern Girl Chic Boutique, $220; Hazel Heels in Cappuccino by Sam Edelman, Muse Shoe Studio, $135; Vintage Faux Pearls, RetroMarketplace, $12
Menswear: Men’s Tailored Slim Denim, Billiam Jeans, $25; Vintage Bomber Jacket by Harve Bernard, RetroMarketplace, $75; Loafers by Martin Dingman, Smith and James, $250
1960s
With their playful, bold, and flattering variations, the mod patterns of the 1960s deserve their reach into the present. The era’s dresses and skirt suits—inspired by the race to space and mid-century modern movement—featured contrasting lines and colors, geometric and understated patterns, and Art Deco and Art Nouveau revival designs. As women entered the workforce, structured shift, sheath, and chemise dresses were also popular. If the era’s mid-century modern prints lean too bold, a solid or color-block mod dress is a great way to wear the decade’s memorable look.
Fun Facts
Andy Warhol designed his iconic Campbell Soup print between 1961 and 1962.
The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1966.
Shop the look
Vintage Art Deco Revival Dress, River Sisters, $175; Jina Ivory Boot by Marc Fisher, Muse Shoe Studio, $190; Art Deco Oval Drop Earrings, Custard Boutique, $61; Sunrise Ring, Custard Boutique, $37; Artemis Shell Chair by Nuevo Living, DZN Home, $1,562
1970s
After living through COVID in quarantine attire, the resurgence of 1970s prairie dresses, with their easy, flowing silhouettes, comes as no surprise. The prairie dress’s form harks back to a time when flower children, longing for simplicity and self-sufficiency, wore pastoral, DIY, and billowing looks. Today, the decade’s denim, fringe, and Western outfits have stood the test of time. If you’re not ready for a prairie dress or bell bottoms, try pairing a ’70s-style shirt or blouse with boot-cut or flare jeans.
Fun Facts
Star Wars: A New Hope Episode IV entered popular culture with its debut in 1977.
In 1979, The Who, Joan Baez, and Jimi Hendrix performed at Woodstock.
Shop the look
Womenswear: San Lorenzo Flora prairie dress by MISA, Monkee’s of the West End, $470; Brooklyn Cognac Suede Clogs by Steve Madden, Muse Shoe Studio, $120; Acrylic Flower Hoops, Custard Boutique, $42
Menswear: Redone Men’s Flare Denim, Billiam Jeans, $250; Emanuel Berg Modern 4 Flex by Albini, Superfine Shirting, Smith and James, $278
1980s
There are some 1980s trends we can live without . . . and some we can embrace. The decade’s structured womenswear is a commanding and flattering aesthetic, and its utility dresses and shoulder pads are trends that exude this feminine prowess. While the decade’s matching sets leisure sets are also trending, its business sets make for an easy professional look worth reviving. Attire from this decade often featured bold solid colors, statement details, and tubular graphic designs. Wear a utility dress, or find a vintage set for a standout, professional ’80s look.
Fun Facts
MTV went live in 1981 with its broadcast of the Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star”
Lady Diana became Princess Diana when she married Prince Charles in 1981
Shop the look
Vintage Blue Utility Dress by Peri, Carla Sue Vintage, $52; Estate Belt by Rachel Comey Accessories, Augusta Twenty, $265; Dea Bootie by Attilio Giusti Leombruni, Monkee’s of the West End, $545; Vintage Rhinestone Earrings, RetroMarketplace, $10; Brass Geometric Bracelet from India, Southern Girl Chic, $80
1990s
It’s hard not to buy into the effortlessly cool styles of the 1990s, and many are rocking its streetwear and grunge aesthetics, including combat boots and sneakers, flannel and graphic T-shirts. The decade, however, is also celebrated for its sharp, chic looks—not to mention its luxe prep style. This attire includes satin slip dresses, silky shirts, oversized blazers, and tweed skirt suits. On the more casual side, the decade’s relaxed jeans paired with button-down shirts also makes for a polished look. If you’re feeling edgy, pair a slip dress with a jacket and boots for simple, sleek ’90s style.
Fun Facts
Friends aired in September 1994
Shop the look
Dusty Pink Bay Dress by Anine Bing, Augusta Twenty, $299; Mylah Shirt by Anine Bling, Augusta Twenty, $349; Tiggy Camel-Delice Boots by Attilio Giusti Leombruni, Monkee’s of the West End, $535; Butterfly Hoop Earrings by Julie Vos, Muse Shoe Studio, $75; Catalina Hinge Bangle by Julie Vos, Muse Shoe Studio, $285
Crochet Dress by Lisa Todd, Monkee’s of the West End, $285; Vintage Levi’s Jacket, Billiam Jeans, $150; Dea Bootie by Attilio Giusti Leombruni, Monkee’s, $545
Retail Guide
Augusta Twenty
20 Augusta St, Greenville
(864) 354-5857
augustatwenty.com
Billiam Jeans
147 Wellborn St Suite A4, Greenville
(864) 430-2762
billiamjeans.com
Custard Boutique
718 S Main St, Greenville
(864) 271-0927
custardboutique.com
Great Glen Vintage
250 Mill St, Taylors
etsy.com/shop/greatglenvintage
Monkee’s of the West End
103 Augusta St, A, Greenville
(864) 239-0788
monkeesofthewestend.com
Muse Shoe Studio
2222 August St, #5, Greenville
(864) 271-9750
museshoestudio.com
RetroMarketplace
128 S Main St, Travelers Rest
(864) 610-6001
retromarketplacetr.com
River Sisters
Clemson, SC
etsy.com/shop/shopriversisters
Smith & James
777 Verdae Blvd, Greenville
(864) 234-8880
smithandjames.com
Southern Girl Chic
2815 Woodruff Rd #106, Simpsonville
(864) 430-6717
southerngirlchic.com
Meet the Models
Crystal Emory is married with two teenage daughters. She’s a dental hygienist and a member of Parisview Baptist Church, where her husband is a pastor, and she recently started a free clothing ministry.
Chadwick Chambers is a real estate agent, investor, and family man with two kids. He’s a part of the Greenville Fellowship and enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
Karen Sobocinski runs her own business development firm and has a teenage daughter, Camila. She’s on the Greenville Symphony Orchestra board and supports Mill Village Farms.
Modeled by Crystal Emory, Chadwick Chambers, and Karen Sobocinski of the Millie Lewis Agency, Styled by Ashley Bickerstaff, Photography by Eli Warren, Hair and Makeup by Cotton Rouge and Company
