Manchester is well equipped with vintage shops that will transform your wardrobe with unique, one-of-a-kind finds. From funky retro pieces to secondhand designer gems, this city has something to match every style.
Manchester has so many amazing options for finding sustainable and gorgeous pieces for the party season— We asked The Flâneuse, Manchester's premier platform for culture, lifestyle, and fashion, to pull together some of our top tips for dressing for the festive season and our vintage shopping spots for sourcing beautifully festive vintage pieces.
Top Tips for a Sustainable Party Wardrobe:
Shop local and shop second hand: Manchester has so many Vintage and charity shops to browse through, you’re bound to find a hidden gem you love. Plus, shopping vintage is always the better, more sustainable choice.
Shop for the Occasion: Have items ready in your mind that you know you want. This will help when looking through rails of second hand pieces, so you can find those hidden gems easier and quicker.
Shop Your Wardrobe: Rediscover pieces you already own by re-styling or pairing with different accessories to add a little bit of pizzazz.
Swap with Friends: Host a mini swap event with friends to exchange pieces and refresh your party wardrobe without buying new.
1. Suzylovesmilo - Northern Quarter
Vibe: Cool streetwear and one of a kind designer vintage pieces.
What to shop: Suzylovesmilo is our go-to for funky, retro, out-there pieces. Expect a mix of carefully curated pre-loved items, perfect for an understated festive style. Look for statement jackets, street inspired fits and bold accessories. You’ll also find some big brands and designer labels in-store if you are after something more stand out.
2. Sylk Store - Ardwick
Vibe: Unisex premium vintage and designer store with a focus on minimal and timeless design.
What to shop: SYLK Store is our go to for premium vintage and designer staples. Their pre-loved clothing and accessories collection consists of beautiful, quality designer pieces. They are our favourite place to shop for our Autumn / Winter wardrobe, think chic, elegant and cool. You can shop online or visit their studio by booking an appointment or attending one of their monthly open days.
3. Cow - Northern Quarter
Vibe: Reworked and vintage eclectic, colourful, and playful pieces.
What to shop: Cow is known for their reworked and upcycled pieces, giving outdated vintage items a new lease of life. They also have an amazing collection of vintage dresses, evening wear and shoes! Perfect for party season and finding one-off items that no one else will have.
4. Oxfam – City Centre
Vibe: Hidden gems and party pieces, featuring mostly high street brands.
What to shop: All items are pre-loved, and you never know what you’re going to find in here. Its central location means that it’s full of so many interesting fashion pieces, and a lot of evening and party items that people often only wear once. Every purchase supports the circular economy so you’re contributing to a good cause too!
5. Blue Rinse - Northern Quarter
Vibe: ‘90s nostalgia with a fun twist.
What to shop: Blue Rinse offers a curated selection of vintage and re-worked items. Their jacket offering is our favourite selection to shop, they have everything from suede to leather and faux fur - there really is a jacket in-store for every style. We also love their accessories selection – because adding a bag, belt or jewellery to an outfit can really take you from day to night in festive season.
6. Pop Boutique - Northern Quarter
Vibe: Retro, quirky, and affordable vintage pieces.
What to Shop: Pop Boutique offers a huge range of retro and quirky vintage pieces. It’s a complete treasure trove that you could spend hours raiding, it’s full of items from 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. You will without a doubt come away with an item you didn’t go in there for but there is an outfit for every kind of style and that’s part of the fun of it.
7. Elite Pre-loved – King St & Altrincham
Vibe: Luxe, sophisticated, designer finds.
What to Shop: Elite Pre-loved offers a carefully curated collection of high-end, pre-owned items, making it a great spot for those wanting to wear high-end fashion without the price tag. If you’re looking to add a little bit of luxe to your festive wardrobe this season, Elite Pre-loved can help you add that bit of sparkle.
8. ReMarket – City Centre
Vibe: A market place full of vintage sellers.
What to shop: ReMarket is a vintage, pre-loved, circular clothing marketplace with six independent units and a range of rail spaces. As there are individual stalls, you can shop everything from streetwear, to casual wear, party wear, and cool accessories. Their selection of jeans, jackets and tops is huge! If you’re looking to add a little bit of edge to your festive wardrobe, ReMarket is the place to go.
Shop then drop at Whitworth Locke.
Once you’re done shopping until your heart's content, Whitworth Locke is your place to unwind. Our Manchester aparthotel sits moments from the city centre in a former cotton factory. With 160 apartments to sleep, work and lounge about in.
Cook your food your way in your very own sleek kitchen with all the designer gear you need.
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