Vintage Shopping: Exeter’s Gems

Vintage shopping is a great way to find unique clothing and to add some character to your outfits. Luckily for us, Exeter is teeming with independent stores, making it easy to find retro pieces. So next time you’re in town, why not give Topshop a miss and check out some of the best vintage stores Exeter has to offer.

If you don’t want to stray too far from the high street, Vintage Store is situated on South Street just behind the cathedral green. This store has plenty of vintage essentials, from windbreakers to high-waisted shorts, as well as on trend items such as flannel shirts, converse and velvet crop tops. Vintage Store also sells remodelled and branded items such as Ralph Lauren summer dresses and Levis. Plus, with 20% off everything at the moment, you don’t have to break the bank in order to revamp your wardrobe.

Exeter’s most renowned vintage store, The Real McCoys is situated in McCoy’s arcade, which has a cool, retro vibe to it. There is a great range of casualwear across two floors, as well as a selection of quirky home wear. The Real McCoys stocks items from every decade, including 20s flapper dresses, 60s shift dresses and 80s puffball skirts. This store is also perfect for formal wear, with ball gowns and suits available for hire, so why not take a look for your end of term ball? With a great array of fancy dress, you can also find some great outfits for your next social. 

If you are looking for more high-end items, take a visit to Relevant at the end of Fore Street. This is a smaller store with a selection of hand picked vintage pieces. Although the clothing – described as ‘couture quality vintage’ – is more expensive, the pieces are all beautiful making this store a perfect destination to find dresses and accessories for your next formal event.

These are just a few of the vintage stores Exeter has to offer. If you want to find more check out Exeter’s ‘Vintage Trails’ online which can guide you around the city. Alternatively, try attending some vintage events. Last week Supernice brought retro style to the forum, setting up a small store throughout the day, making shopping between lectures easy. The Corn Exchange in Exeter also often run vintage events with a selection of traders, providing great variety all in one place.

Don’t rule out charity shops either – although you may have to do more rummaging, you’re certain to find some treasures. Charity shops have the added benefit of being less expensive, and you can shop guilt-free in the knowledge that your money is going to a good cause.  If you’re short on time, some charity shops in Exeter have specific vintage sections, such as Children’s Hospice. Most importantly, if you don’t find anything on your first try, the products in both charity and vintage shops are constantly changing, so with some perseverance you can create your perfect retro look!

• exeter
• fashion
• vintage