13 Vintage Buys Londoners Will Be Wearing This Autumn

The Second-Hand Shopper sees Who What Wear's shopping editor, Joy Montgomery, join forces with some of the industry's coolest vintage brands to show you that second-hand does not have to mean second best. This series will give you exclusive access to sellout second-hand drops, which will be hand-selected by our editor and styled to show how you can wear them for the season ahead. Prepare to get clicking because these pieces won't stick around for long.

From the iconic Portobello Market to the bustling streets of Brick Lane, the vintage-market scene has deep roots in London's history. Seamlessly woven within the high-rise apartment blocks and shiny façades of corporate London, the markets are a perfect example of the city's old-meets-new identity—one that continues to draw in the crowds. Of course, some of the city's most famous spots may have developed a certain polish that didn't exist 50 years ago, yet the spirit of market-stall culture remains. 

For this month's Second-Hand Shopper, I have joined forces with Goldsmith Vintage, a brand that started out life as a Brick Lane market stall back in 1990. While the founder, Peter Goldsmith, has grown his namesake brand into a million-pound operation, at its core, it is a story of the power of small business and the internet's ability to give a platform to bricks-and-mortar brands when they need it the most.

Boasting three Central London stores, a cavernous vintage warehouse (the largest in the capital, FYI) and a recently launched website, the Goldsmith Vintage brand merges the traditional, DIY appeal of the vintage market with the throwback '90s aesthetic beloved by Gen Z. Covering womenswear, menswear, unisex and a reworked collection, the online edit is as contemporary as pre-loved gets, with all items professionally photographed and some shot on models. With the majority of items coming in under £100 (with a couple of higher-priced designer exceptions), it's a vision of what vintage could be: a genuine rival to the multi-million-pound fast-fashion machine. 

I wanted my edit to reflect the multifaceted nature of the brand, covering everything from '70s leather coats to '90s button-down dresses. I have also selected both summer and autumn items as, in my experience, when you find that one-of-a-kind vintage buy, you have to snap it up whatever the season. Just as a disclaimer, I have decided not to model a couple of items, which are more than two sizes different from my usual size (a UK 10), as I didn't want to give an inaccurate depiction of the fit. However, I have styled them up as flat lays to give you some outfit inspiration. If in doubt, triple-check the measurements listed on the site. 

But first, I sat down with Peter Goldsmith to pick his brain about everything from his ultimate vintage find (Chanel, of course) to his hopes for the future of the second-hand market.

How did you first get into the vintage business? 

My first vintage business was the result of a market stall in Central London. I would buy and sell items I saw at car boot sales and would sell pieces from my own archive. Before I knew it, the business had built into three Central London stores and evolved into a growing million-pound business. In my view, you have to have the right eye and a good business mind; put those two things together, and you’re unstoppable.

How has the vintage industry changed over your career?

There has been a definite move away from vintage being about classic historical fashion styles. In recent years, the industry has become led by high-street fashion trends, with the '90s dominating the industry for some time now.

What do you think are the main barriers to second-hand becoming a more mainstream practice? 

I think vintage shopping is still largely centred around a regional demographic of shoppers. In the UK, this can be clearly seen in cities like London, Brighton, Manchester and Leeds. However, the rise of the internet, social media and online shopping is helping to break the regional nature of vintage fashion along with its continued exposure in the fashion and wider media outlets.

I also think, historically, audiences might have assumed thrifting is almost a second-class option and that buying vintage is associated with second-hand and is consequently less desirable. Having said that, times are definitely changing. I am increasingly seeing people from across different cultures, ages and regional demographics buying vintage clothing. They are, in my view, increasingly understanding that the garments are made from high-quality fabrics, often superior to what you will find being used in current high-street outlets. It also offers the opportunity to find branded and high-end designer items at a fraction of the usual price. Vintage is definitely already impacting mainstream fashion and will continue to grow over the coming years.

What's been your best-ever vintage find?

I once found a Chanel handbag at a thrift store in New York being sold as a bootleg item. I have sold many Chanel handbags in the past, and we continue to stock them through our webstore and Portobello Road shop, so I have a keen eye when authenticating them. When I saw the bag, I was convinced the item was real. After buying the bag for $40, it later transpired, after being sent to a company that authenticates bags, that my initial assessment was correct, and the bag had a retail value of over £2000. 

What are your top tips for first-time vintage shoppers?

Online shopping is great for people who live outside of major cities and might not have the opportunity to access so many vintage stores. It also offers a safe and easy alternative during the pandemic. Being able to look through an online archive at your own pace from home is also a massive benefit.

However, in my view, first-time vintage shoppers must get out there onto the high street and visit vintage stores first-hand. You can’t beat the atmosphere, touching the garments, chatting to enthusiastic staff and being able to try items on and style yourself in the fitting room. Being on the high street, you can also learn so much just by watching people’s style and trends. Through this, you can inspire your own looks and have greater confidence in ways to wear and explore vintage.

Where would you like to see the vintage industry in five years' time?

I think the vintage industry has the opportunity to be one of the biggest authentic exponents of environmental protection in the fashion industry and can lead the existing fashion industry to become more environmentally conscious. Through buying vintage, you are supporting the recycling industry and rejecting unethical fast fashion and the throwaway landfill culture that surrounds so much of the clothing industry today. I think in five years’ time, vintage fashion can continue to position itself as an ethical and environmentally friendly way of buying fashion and protecting the environment through your everyday.

Scroll down to see and shop my exclusive Goldsmith Vintage edit, which goes live today.

The Checked Blazer

Style Notes: Two words: Christian Dior. With a velvet-lined collar and cuffs and covered buttons and made from the most beautiful grey wool, this is the ultimate heirloom piece. It's listed as a M, but I would say it could happily fit any size between a UK 8 and a 12 depending on the desired fit. I'm usually a UK 10 and have belted it to create a more cinched-in effect. 

SHOP THE LOOK

The Scenic Knit

Style Notes: I'm not usually a novelty-jumper person, but there was something about the Parisian seascape and primary colours that felt unexpectedly premium. Coming with shoulder pads for added impact, this would look great styled with classic tailored trousers and leather loafers—just add a trench come autumn. Très chic (if I do say so myself).

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The Straight-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: If you've never shopped second-hand before, allow me to point you in the direction of vintage denim. Brands such as Levi's can be found at most second-hand stores and, more often than not, are still in mint condition. This is a pair of the brand's classic 560s, which sit straight on the leg and cinch in at the waist. These are listed as having a 29-inch waist, but I would usually buy a 28-inch, or UK10, for jeans, and they fit me perfectly. Top tip: If in doubt, size up, as you can always get items tailored. 

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The Throw-On Boilersuit

Style Notes: Vintage jumpsuits can be a bit hit-and-miss, whether it's in regard to fit, proportions or simply how well-worn it is. However, this beige one-piece could easily be mistaken for brand-new. It's listed as M/L, but I would say in real life it's more like a S/M, but I prefer a slightly looser fit in general. It looks great both belted and left loose and styled with chunky sandals.

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The Colour-Pop Mini 

Style Notes: Disclaimer: This dress is a little too small for me. Hence the layering over trousers. That's always the tricky thing with vintage, right? I adore the mid-blue hue, button-up fastening and thigh-grazing length. I'm usually a UK 8 on top and 10 on the bottom, and while the bust fits well, the hips are a bit snug, so I would recommend double-checking those measurements if you're uncertain.

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The Patterned Denim Piece

Style Notes: There's something about these colourful striped shorts that reminds me of childhood holiday photos from the '90s. They simply put a smile on my face. I would pair them with a white tee, a leather belt and chunky sandals for an easy summer-in-the-city outfit. NB: I didn't try the shorts on, as they're a recommended UK 14 to 18, and I didn't want to give an inaccurate portrayal of the fit by belting them.

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The Long Leather Trench

Style Notes: I'll put my hands up now and admit that I have a bit of a vintage-jacket addiction, especially anything from the '70s. This turquoise-blue number has the dagger collar and the contrast topstitching and is honestly in such amazing condition. Talk about ticking all the boxes. It's a little big on me, but I think it would be perfect on a size 12.

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The Tailored City Shorts

Style Notes: This is a great example of how easy it is to buy current trends second-hand. Tailored shorts have been everywhere this summer, and this vintage pair comes in a very 2021 beige hue and with an accompanying cream belt. I would say the sizing is accurate. However, it's worth bearing in mind that they fall to just above my knees, and I'm roughly 5'7", so check the inside leg measurement if you're petite. 

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The Statement Belted Blazer

Style Notes: Another day, another vintage jacket. This '80s Versus Versace number comes in the most amazing shade of postbox red with an elasticated belt, which only emphasises the fabulous OTT shoulder pads—a great way to add interest to your favourite jeans. I would recommend it for anyone who wears a UK 8 to 12, depending on how oversized you want it.

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The Feel-Good Printed Jeans

Style Notes: These jeans are a bit of a curveball, but like the landscape jumper, sometimes it's the pieces that feature unexpected fits or fabrics that end up feeling the most high-end. Colourful, straight-cut and printed with the word "Hope" (and don't we all need more of that right now?), these jeans are just amazing. Whether you style it with a basic white shirt or create a clash with a printed tee, these jeans are sure to make a statement. These are listed as a UK 10, but I would say they'd also fit someone who wears a 12. (I'm a 10, and they're a little roomy on me.)

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The Tie-Dye Tee

Style Notes: It's time to revisit your teenage self because tie-dye is back. If, like me, you don't love the idea of going back to boho, I would recommend styling a tie-dye tee (like this very cool pre-loved one) with smart tailored trousers. It's high-low styling at its best. Listed as XL, this is a great unisex style that could fit up to roughly a UK 16, but double-check measurements to be sure. 

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The Suede Party Skirt

Style Notes: I'm all over the checkerboard trend this year, and so naturally, I made a beeline for this amazing suede mini. Listed as a UK 12 to 14, this rainbow-coloured A-line would make a great head-turning party piece, especially when paired with a sleeveless top and heeled boots.

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The Retro-Print Shirt

Style Notes: One thing you will never be short of in a vintage store is printed shirts, a category that can be surprisingly hard to find on the high street, unless you want stripes or polka dots. This style won me over with its green-and-orange colourway and dagger collar and will look great with colourblock separates (see it styled with the leather coat above). 

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Up Next: How to Find the Best Vintage Pieces, According to a Second-Hand Expert