From sustainable fashion finds to pre‑loved designer items and re‑worked retro gems, Niamh O’Reilly delves into the growing world of vintage fashion in Ireland.

If a cluttered wardrobe full of fast fashion is leaving you with shopper’s remorse, then it’s time to embrace the chic world of vintage clothing.

We may be living in fast times, but shopping ethically has never been more accessible and if anything, it’s on the rise. Today, in post-recession Ireland where prices are skyrocketing, shopping vintage is now the savvy, sophisticated choice for those who want ethical, sustainable fashion that has a story to tell.

Once seen as the domain of college students who had a love of counterculture or those wanting to make a statement, vintage fashion is now becoming the choice of many fashionistas who love stylish, one-off, bespoke items that are going to last in their wardrobe for more than a few wears.

For the uninitiated there can be a few preconceptions to smash, however. Gone are the days of dark, musty establishments. These days, vintage stores and charity shops are bright, modern, and chic, with most living solely online. The once snobby-held attitudes towards vintage buying are a thing of the past.

So how can you shop vintage like a pro? Katrina Carroll is a modern Irish vintage fashion icon. She’s racked up thousands of followers across Instagram and TikTok with her positive, encouraging approach to rocking vintage clothing. She credits finding a Chloé coat in a charity shop for €12 as one of the “best fashion days of her life” and inspires thousands to get thrifting.

“My top tip is to simply take your time, I can’t stress this enough,” she smiles. “Go through every rail carefully and I guarantee you will find a gem. Look out for labels and the quality of the product. If you find something online from the high street, go to a second-hand website like Depop or eBay and search the item and you will get lots of second-hand, oneoffs that are cheaper too.”

While vintage shopping can require a sharper eye than with high street, Katrina has tips to keep you on track. “Examine the labels,” she says. “This will give you an idea of when it was made. Vintage clothes sizes can be very inaccurate so if a dress says size 12, it’s more than likely a modern size 8/10 that it will fit. Check for any damage; if it’s been lying around for years it could have stains or holes in areas.”

For women who’ve never shopped vintage before but are really keen to try it, she recommends starting with accessories such as earrings, scarfs, hats and shoes and work them into an outfit. If there’s one thing the last 100 years of fashion has taught us, it’s that trends are cyclical, but what about the saying that if you remember wearing the trend the first-time round, you shouldn’t wear it when it comes round again? “Complete myth,” Katrina laughs.

“My advice is keeping that item in your wardrobe; fashion always repeats itself and you will always kick yourself for not keeping it when it comes back on trend.”

Finally, are charity shops worth trawling through or should we be shopping in dedicated vintage stores instead? “Try both. Charity shops are fantastic for finding modern on-trend pieces without the big price tag, vintage shops are perfect for finding a one-off special piece that no one has seen before.

Reverie (shopreverievintage.com)

­The big, slightly more grown-up sister to Nine Crows from Emma Fraser. Reverie has a nice mix of retro styles and designer gems, keep an eye on their social media for the latest drops.

1 Kohl Tassle Leather Biker Size €120

2 Dolce & Gabbana Late '90s Textured Suit €250

3 MAXMARA Navy Cotton Joggers €80

Preloved by Shay and Jo  (prelovedbyshayandjo.com)

Named after Katrina Carroll’s very stylish parents who sparked her love of fashion, this online vintage shop is filled with handpicked quirky pieces.

4 Yellow Cut Out 1970s Maxi Dress €65

5 Vera Wang Satin Shoes €40

Henny Penny Vintage (hennypennyvintage.com)

Henny Penny Vintage is a small online vintage clothing shop which aims to cater for all styles, shapes and sizes. It’s founded by Áine Hennessy, who models and photographs each piece herself.

6 Red Cheque Mini Skirt €32

7 Silk Striped Midi Dress €50

8 Black Cheque Midi Skirt €35 & Black Silky Cami Top €32

Siopaella (siopaella.com)

Ella De Guzman opened Siopaella in 2011 after spotting a gap in the market. Packed with pre-loved designer items such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags, it’s become the destination for designer hunters.

9 Chanel Cream Lambskin Leather Classic East West Single Flap €3,500

10 Louis Vuitton Multicolour Monogram Christian Louboutin Orange Suede 120 High Heels €249 Limited Edition

11 “Game On” Canvas Neverfull MM Tote Preloved by Shay and Jo €1,999

Follow us on Instagram