Our Top 5 Online Stores for 1950’s Inspired Fashions
- Mar 13, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Updated and expanded June 2026
Retro and vintage-inspired clothing remains a popular choice for women who appreciate timeless style. Trends come and go, but 1950s fashion continues to endure thanks to its classic lines, feminine silhouettes and figure-flattering designs.
One of the questions I'm asked most often is where to find beautiful vintage-inspired clothing online.
The truth is that many of my favourite discoveries haven't been the biggest or most famous retailers. Some are small boutiques, others specialise in a particular era, and a few are treasured finds I've returned to again and again over the years.
If you're ready to explore, here are some of my favourite places to shop for vintage-inspired fashion online.
ModCloth – Founded by high school sweethearts while in college in 2002. The owners started by selling used vintage dresses online. Now they are a premier online vintage inspired clothing store. They focus on real women and were the first retailer to sign the Heroes Pledge For Advertisers. Mod cloth is our top favorite on the list. Not only for their initiatives in supporting women of all shapes and sizes but also for their eclectic retro style, huge selection and prices.
Unique Vintage – Founded in 2000, this company also started selling used vintage dresses online and soon developed their own label of vintage inspired clothing. The company has expanded over the years from online sales as well as a huge brick and mortar store in Burbank. They feature a number of retro designers as well as their own label. They showcase styles from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Top Vintage - Founded in 2008. Top Vintage is one of the leading online retro shops in Europe. It has humble beginnings and I was touched when reading how much the owner gives credit for her success to her faith in God. Top Vintage offers a great selection of old style clothing from the 1920’s through the 1970’s. They offer free shipping to the UK and free shipping to the USA with minimum purchase.
Collectif – Founded in 2000. Collectif first started offering retro style dresses out of a stall in Camden Market. Today they have three stores in the UK and a successful online store. They produce their own clothing labels. Collectif Vintage label is 1940’s 1950’s style clothing and Collectif Mainline label is alternative and pin-up inspired clothing.
Rock n Romance Vintage – Is another vintage inspired fashion shopping option. Rock n Romance Vintage is based in the UK and offers retro clothing inspired by yesteryear's. They have an amazing selection of Mad Men inspired wiggle dresses, as well as cute 50’s style swing dresses. Featuring their own house brand and retro vintage clothing from other designer labels. They ship internationally.
Karina Dresses - Makes the most comfortable, easy to launder, wrinkle free, retro style dresses. They offer quite a few different styles and you can choose the fabric and print of your dress. The company based in the USA ships worldwide.
Anthropolgie is another place to find retro vintage inspired clothing that is right on trend. They also carry modern style clothing.
Lady V is known for their fabulous swing dresses. It's how the company got started. They created the original Lady V Swing Dress and the rest they say, is history. Check out their amazing selection of fabric in classic retro vintage dress patterns.
Beyond Retro is the newest addition to the list. Founded by vintage lovers. This company sells true vintage clothing from the past. One of a kind genuine retro treasures are on offer at Beyond Retro. Draw inspiration with decades of vintage patterns and classic styles to choose from.
And for the retro vintage loving men out there, I thought I would include a vintage men's clothing shopping source for you too. Bear in mind, Beyond Retro also features genuine men's vintage clothing.
Rusty Zipper– Specializing in true retro vintage clothing in all the latest vintage trends. Rusty Zipper offers true vintage men's clothing. From greaser leather jackets, 1970’s disco pant suits, corduroys, Levis, bell bottoms, Hawaiian shirts, bowling shirts and more. Based in Southern California with an extensive selection of retro vintage clothing from the 1930’s to the 70’s. Rusty Zipper will have the men looking dapper.
Continue Your Vintage Style Journey
Vintage style is about more than simply buying clothes. Understanding the fashion, beauty and foundations behind the look can help you create a wardrobe and style you'll love for years to come.
1950s Fashion Guide – Learn about the silhouettes, fabrics and fashion influences that defined the decade.
How to Wear Classic 50s Styles – Practical ways to incorporate vintage style into everyday life.
Best Foundation Garments Under Retro Clothes – Discover how foundation wear helps create the elegant silhouettes associated with vintage fashion.
3 Stunning Retro Makeup Looks For The Old Soul — Explore authentic beauty trends from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
What's Denier? A Guide to 1950s Stockings – Everything you need to know about vintage-style stockings and choosing the right pair.
