The Best Vintage Shops in East London for Students

Fashion is often a way people choose to express themselves, and a diverse range of looks and styles can be seen throughout London. In recent years, it’s clear that vintage clothing has come back in fashion, taking us back in time and showing the evolution of fashion over the decades. If you’re looking to kick it back to Y2K or rock on with a leather jacket, this guide provides you with our top 5 student clothes shops for vintage items.

 

 

 

 

From sustainability and cost to style and nostalgia, there are so many reasons why people want to experiment with vintage clothing. With Millennials’ and Gen Z’s growing concern about climate change, it’s a top priority for many to filter out fast fashion and shop sustainably. So, if you’re looking for vintage clothing, here are our top student clothing shops that we think you should try:

 

From eBay and Vinted to Depop and Gumtree, there are a variety of second-hand sites that you can grab a vintage find from. What’s great about online shopping is that you can filter down and find exactly what you’re looking for. By selecting your size, style of item and colour of choice, you can say goodbye to endlessly flicking through clothing rails only to be disappointed that the shop doesn’t have your size!
 

You’ve heard the saying one man’s trash is another man’s treasure; the markets are a great example of how you can enjoy a stylish steal that would have otherwise been discarded. Similar to online marketplaces, flea markets are the perfect opportunity to bag a vintage bargain. Depending on the market, they usually take place at the weekend – but it’s best to check on their official websites or Facebook pages to confirm the dates and times of the markets you wish to attend.

 

 

Similarly, finding a car boot sale in East London, such as The London Car Boot Co at Princess May School, will have similar treasures for you to rummage through. Both are affordable options and if you’re nice enough to the sellers, you might even be able to bargain with them.
 

Got an eye for vintage finds? Go thrifting in charity shops! If you’re a fashionista who knows what to look out for, you won’t be put off by the rest of the stock. There are plenty of charity shops in East London, such as Oxfam, Cancer Research UK and the British Red Cross to name a few, so explore your nearest charity shops and keep your eyes peeled for vintage finds. With so many wonderful finds, not only will you protect your pocket and your planet, but you’ll also be making a positive difference in your community by supporting the causes.
 

For all things vintage, Beyond Retro is one of the best vintage stores in East London. Though some of the items might be on the more expensive side, Beyond Retro has stock from just £5, making it the perfect way to stretch your money. The second-hand retailer is a sustainable way to shop for retro goods. It purchases bundles of charity clothing and picks out the best bits, so whether you need a going-out ‘fit or something for your lectures, be sure to check this place out.
 

The vintage department store is the biggest of its kind in London. The two-storey shop boasts over 20,000 sustainable pieces of vintage clothing expertly reworked by designers and artists. Atika London’s impressive stock is the ideal shop for students to expand their vintage collection with a modern twist, giving second-hand goods a new lease of life.

 

 

Look out for the latest offers too; you can really get your money’s worth with their Fill A Bag scheme where, on a date of its choice, you can fill one of its bags up with as many clothes as possible for as little as £15.

 

Exploring the vintage stores of East London is a must for all fashion fanatics. With so many stores to choose from, each shop will offer something unique to suit your style. From statement pieces to staple pieces, the vintage stores of East London are sure to elevate your wardrobe. So, grab your friends, hit the streets and enjoy your new shopping adventure.
 

Enjoy retail therapy? Lucky for you, Hackney Wick, our student housing in London, is only a short walk away from Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. Secure your place today!