The best stores for vintage clothing in LA

A big sign on the front door of Shareen Vintage proclaims that there are no boys allowed—and not just because there are no changing rooms inside (don’t forget to wear underwear!). Proprietress Shareen Mitchell buys strictly for the ladies, specializing in fanciful, affordable dresses from just about any 20th century decade imaginable, but mostly the ’50s through the ’80s. Her Downtown LA warehouse is stocked with hundreds of cocktail frocks, day dresses and bridal gowns, making it an ideal place to spend an afternoon playing dress-up with your girlfriends and the friendly, helpful sales associates.

This cozy little storefront is packed literally floor to ceiling with ladies’ goods from the ’50s through to the ’80s. You’ll find plenty of dresses that wouldn’t look out of place on Zooey Deschanel, but what we come here for are the scores of accessories, which include both expected items (sunglasses, hats, shoes, bags, jewelry) and those that you don’t see at many other vintage stores (wallets, hair ornaments). The space is divided down the middle by price—items under $50 are closest to the front, while those over $50 are in the back—but there are also plenty of pieces under $10 for those who are truly willing to dig.

Shopping at this costume designer favorite truly feels like you’re stepping back in time. Maybe it’s the sweet salesgirls with pin curls and red lipstick, or maybe it’s the old neon Moorpark Pharmacy sign that spans the back wall. Perhaps it’s the fact that local grannies, who were likely alive to wear the clothes when they were in style the first time around, are browsing the rails alongside trendy young things. All we know for sure is that Playclothes’ reasonably-priced pieces for men, women, children and the home—most from the 1940s to 1980s, both designer and ready-to-wear—is one of the most consistently fantastic in LA. We’ve never once left there empty handed, and are pretty confident we never will.

Ask any denim designer where they go for inspiration, and it’s likely that Mister Freedom is on their list. Owner Christophe Loiron has amassed a huge collection of old-school men’s jeans dating back to the 19th century, including brands both well-known (Levi’s, Lee) and those that have long been off the radar. Be sure to look out for vintage military garb, graphic tees, flannels, western shirts and workwear, along with Loiron’s own Mister Freedom line—some of it made in the store with archival fabrics, and other pieces made elsewhere in the USA and Japan.

Scout is the true fashion fanatic’s vintage store, boasting pieces that might be deemed a bit too conceptual for the general public. You’ll find pieces from big name designers—Thierry Mugler, Alaia and Calvin Klein are just a few of the names that have cropped up in the past—as well as lesser-known brands and sculptural jewelry that are just as jaw-droppingly rad, with price tags that refreshingly tend to remain under $200. Store owner Joey Grana is the co-founder of biannual vintage show A Current Affair, so you can also shop the best of the Scout goods there.