The Best Vintage Stores in LA for Fancy Parties

Look like a million bucks for the Holidays, New Year's Eve, Awards Season and more

1970s Halston gown at ARCADE
1970s Halston gown at ARCADE | Instagram: @arcadeshops

You just RSVPed for what could be the party of the year and now you have to figure out what to wear. You want something interesting, something that doesn't look like it just came off the rack.

Fortunately, there are plenty of vintage shops in Los Angeles stocked with attire for cocktail and evening affairs. Whether you want to channel the glamour of a bygone era or simply want a classic look, secondhand can be the way to go. Below, we've highlighted ten stores worth a visit.

Model wearing a Rubin Panis gown at ARCADE
Rubin Panis gown | Photo: ARCADE
Model wearing a silver dress at ARCADE
Photo: ARCADE

ARCADE

Located at ROW DTLA in Downtown LA, ARCADE is a retail concept shop brought to you by the community behind A Current Affair. You'll be the belle of the ball after shopping Arcade's Party Season Collection, featuring dozens of vintage gowns and cocktail dresses, as well as jewelry and heels. ARCADE is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 6pm or by appointment.

Pickwick Vintage Show at ROW DTLA
Pickwick Vintage Show at ROW DTLA | Instagram: @pickwickvintage
Jewelry at Pickwick Vintage Show
Pickwick Vintage Show at ROW DTLA | Instagram: @pickwickvintage

Pickwick Vintage Show

Also located at ROW DTLA, the monthly Pickwick Vintage Show features more than 50 local vendors with collections of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, textiles and inspiration of all kinds. Pickwick Vintage Show is a major source for collectors, connoisseurs, and the design community seeking vintage spanning all eras.

Just in time for the holidays, the next Pickwick is taking place on Saturday, December 9. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite: $10 for entry at noon, and $20 for 10am entry. Follow @pickwickvintage on Instagram for updates and info on upcoming shows.

1920s Checkered Beaded Silk Flapper Dress at Blossom Vintage
1920s Checkered Beaded Silk Flapper Dress | Photo: Blossom Vintage
1930s Ecru Lace Bias Gown at Blossom Vintage
1930s Ecru Lace Bias Gown | Photo: Blossom Vintage

Blossom Vintage

Specializing in vintage designer and antique wear, Blossom Vintage focuses on modernity in vintage silhouettes and designs. Located in Downtown LA, Blossom's collection literally spans centuries, from 19th century Victorian to the 2000s. Shop Blossom's Party Dresses and find gems like a Roaring 20s Checkered Beaded Silk Flapper Dress or an Art Deco Ecru Lace Bias Gown.

The DTLA showroom is available for a one-hour private shopping appointment for you and your guests. A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to book - the deposit will go towards your purchase at time of appointment.

Sequin dress at The Left Bank
Sequin dress at The Left Bank | Instagram by @theleftbankla

The Left Bank

When you walk into The Left Bank (2479 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles 90039), the Atwater Village boutique looks more like a gift shop stocked with delightful soaps, fun books, and small accessories. Head into the back rooms, though, and you'll find a stockpile of secondhand clothing. The selection leans towards the '90s and more recent items with a healthy amount of cocktail dresses.

Leslie Fay 1970s metallic gown at LOOK Vintage
Leslie Fay 1970s metallic gown at LOOK Vintage | Instagram by @look.vintage

LOOK Vintage

In a neighborhood that is loaded with vintage shops, LOOK (1459 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026) stands out for its focus. This Echo Park boutique specializes in 1960s and '70s garb and the collection is a fantastic mix of quality pieces that point to a number of trends from those decades. Whether your tastes lean towards hippie lace or sparkly maxi dresses, this is the place to go.

Vintage dress from Luxe de Ville
Vintage dress from Luxe de Ville | Instagram by @danielcrook

Luxe de Ville

Echo Park's Luxe de Ville (2157 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026) lives up to its name with an ample selection of clothing that will make you feel like you're living in luxury. From posh dresses to dapper suits, this small vintage boutique is stocked with attire that's cocktail and evening appropriate. If you're looking for something truly unique, you might find that here as well. A recent peek through their racks turned up vintage dresses hand-painted by L.A.-based artist Nevena Binney.

Blue velvet dress and fuzzy vest at Owl Talk
Blue velvet dress and fuzzy vest at Owl Talk | Instagram by @owltalk

Owl Talk

Located in the heart of Eagle Rock's shopping district, Owl Talk (5060 N. Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles 90041) is a long-running boutique that specializes in secondhand clothing. You'll find a range of styles and eras inside the charming shop and a good amount of nighttime-appropriate pieces. Their racks are also filled with a fairly broad range of sizes. Be sure to check out the accessories here as well.

Sherman Oaks Antique Mall

Jewelry and houseware fill the bulk of the shelves inside Sherman Oaks Antique Mall (14034 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423), but don't overlook the fashion finds inside this long-running vintage outpost. The vendors who do offer clothing have some fab finds, including evening wear, tucked within the stalls of this maze-like shopping destination. Don't forget to check out the ample selection of jewelry and accessories throughout Sherman Oaks Antique Mall as well.

Supergoodie Dresses
Robes Vintage et modernes chez Supergoodie à Atwater Village | Instagram by @supergoodieshop

Supergoodie

With a recently opened shop in Silver Lake, Supergoodie now has two locations for chic shoppers (Silver Lake: 3734 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026; Atwater Village: 3360 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles 90039). The boutique includes vintage and more current secondhand items in a well-edited collection that emphasizes classic shapes and contemporary color palettes. If you shop secondhand but don't want a retro look, this is a good place to start.