Chicago

Vintage Shopping in Chicago: Where to Find Old School Treasures

Knee Deep Vintage in Chicago (Photo: Ten Photos)

If you’re a true fashionista, you know the importance of adding a few pieces from ages past to your wardrobe. Vintage apparel has made a comeback in recent years, but it can be hard to tell the difference between true vintage pieces and unremarkable thrift store finds. Chicago has a few neighborhoods that are particularly known for their great vintage and thrift scenes: Wicker Park and Pilsen are at the top of this list. Here are a few gems that stand out from the rest of the city’s vintage stores.

Krispyfringe Vintage

(Photo: Ten Photos)

This super-cute shop in West Town sells tons of vintage items. Besides the usual apparel, shoes and jewelry, Krispyfringe also has retro housewares and furniture. They also maintain an updated Etsy store for when you leave town but still want to keep tabs on what they currently have in stock. The shop is colorful and inviting, right down to the changing room, which is designed as a garden shed with a swinging barn-type door.

Knee Deep Vintage

(Photo: Ten Photos)

Knee Deep Vintage is nestled in the heart of Pilsen, a thriving arts and culturally diverse neighborhood. Unlike some “vintage” stores, you definitely won’t find anything from Forever 21 or Gap in the selection at this vintage store. Their collection of clothes spans the eras from the ’30s to the ’90s. At Knee Deep, housewares are not as prominent as clothes and accessories, making it a perfect shop for finding a standout outfit.

Vintage Underground

chicago-vintage-underground.jpg(Photo: Ten Photos)

Located in the trendy neighborhood of Wicker Park, this store caters to anyone who has a love of sparkly jewelry and fabulous accessories. The store occasionally holds a small collection of clothes, but their true value lies in the cases and cases of jewelry and antiques. Along with perusing through layered necklaces and brooches, you can also find vintage suitcases, sunglasses and unique memorabilia.

Shangri-La Vintage

(Photo: Ten Photos)

No matter the season, Shangri-La Vintage is always bursting with colors. This store has oodles of clothes and accessories to check out, even a growing collection of “ugly sweaters” for Christmastime. If you like adding your own vintage flair to existing outfits, the store has a great selection of vintage buttons you can use for any DIY project. Check out the sales rack as well; it’s always full of great deals!