If you love the look of beautiful vintage clothing but don’t have time to scour markets, don’t give up on your quest for those unique fashion finds from decades past. We rounded up eight great vintage clothing websites so you can buy online.

1. Chelsea Girl (www.chelsea-girl.com)
Full of designer vintage such as Dior eveningwear, and cute daytime duds from Diane Von Furstenburg and Lanvin (think colourful minis and classic A-lines), this site is a one-stop-shop for fabulous finds at great prices.  At the time of this writing, we were salivating over a 1980s Lillie Rubin Jersey Tunic mini in mauve with beaded detailing of the shoulder for US$185. Here, the work is done for you. Everything on the site is on-trend, meaning all your have to do is sit back, relax and order knowing that your new duds will leave you looking stylish and fashion-forward.

2. Vintage Vixen (www.vintagevixen.com)
Detailed categories make it easy to find what you’re looking for. For example, there are sections for several types of dresses – mini, cocktail, evening and day – rather than just "dresses." Prices are very reasonable and clicking on any item yields several photos displaying the item at various angles. Close-ups of detailing such as buttons and embroidery are common. At the time of writing, with a chill in the air, we are coveting a three-quarter length 1960s cream quilted wool coat by Andre Laug, priced at US$350.

3. Rusty Zipper (www.rustyzipper.com)
Anything you could ever want from the 1940s to the 1970s is here, in this online warehouse for unique vintage finds – at a bargain – like '60s-era cocktail dresses for under US$50, knit minis from the '70s for under US$30 and fitted '50s-era suits for under US$50. The site is easy to navigate and international orders are usually shipped within 14 business days. The selection of accessories is also ample and includes shoes, belts, gloves, bags, scarves and even glasses.

4. Vintage Couture (www.vintagecouture.com)
This is where the serious shoppers come to play. Balenciaga? Dior? Gucci? They’ve got it all. Prepare to pay for what you get, but if it's high-fashion vintage you’re after, they will have it here. Cocktail dresses, outerwear, accessories and jackets are handpicked with a discerning eye for trends. Colours are bold and each piece here will be sure to make a statement.

Page 1 of 2 - Read page two for 4 more great vintage clothing websites!5. Fashion Dig (www.fashiondig.com)
Score vintage pieces from the turn of the (20th) century through the early '90s and shop by decade, designer or type of clothing. Garment descriptions are detailed and photos show off several angles, along with the item’s tag if it is still intact. The site's alphabetical designer index allows you to see which labels are currently available, at a glance. We found an '80s-era melon green Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dress for an eye-popping US$42. If you know what you want, use the search box to get instant access to potential buys that suit your needs. A search for "mini dress" yielded the perfect '60s-era LBD in velvet with cinched ribbon waist for US$70.

6. Woo Vintage Clothing (www.woovintage.com)
This comprehensive Canadian online store carries everything from children’s clothes to housewares to cocktail dresses – all at great prices. Click on an item and several photos are displayed showing off different angles. At the time of writing we spotted a stunning '30s-era floor-length, black, bias-cut gown for $250. Now we just have to find somewhere to wear it! Items are on-trend, easy to find and cover the '30s through the '70s.

7. Viva la Vintage (www.vivalavintage.com)
Stocked full of vintage clothing, accessories and collectibles, this site even carries plus-size vintage, swimwear and special categories for leopard and cherry prints. Now that’s what we call variety! Items are easily found under various categories such as tops, bottoms, dresses, coats and purses. Clicking on a coveted item (like the '50s pale pink and black sleeveless blouse that caught our eye) opens a second window displaying three photos of the garment in detail, along with brief product description and price. A handy sizing chart takes some of the guesswork out of your shopping.

8. Mystique Vintage Clothing (www.mystiquevintage.com)
Shop for separates, dresses and at very reasonable prices. We spied a gorgeous early-'60s-era black cotton eyelet dress with a full skirt and pretty red fabric flower and ribbon waist tie for an easy-on-the-wallet US$48. Pair it with the elegant red beaded clutch purse we found for US$22, and you have yourself an effortless vintage outfit for a night on the town. Detailed photos show off every angle of the garments so you can be sure of what you’re getting.

Read more: 

How to accessorize your basic jeans and T-shirt
Your office workwear guide
How to find the perfect leather jacket

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