If you want a guarantee that the dress you’re ordering will be stylish now but also a few months, a year, and even five years from now, your best bet is to opt for a vintage-inspired dress—and here’s why. Retro pieces follow the classic shapes and silhouettes that worked so well in the past that they’re worth bringing back today, and there are some standout styles from each decade worth trying.
In the ’50s, tea dresses were popular, and they’ve returned now with designers like HVN bringing them back in the fold. From the ’60s, cool mod dresses are making a comeback. In the ’70s, pussy-bow styles were very of-the-moment, and they’re back in a major way. Even styles from the ’80s have returned—digging into the archives of Jean-Paul Gaulier, French designer Jacquemus is ushering back iconic styles from the decade. Want to see the best vintage-inspired dresses to try now?
Ahead, we’re breaking down 18 of the coolest pieces to wear now.
The perfect dress for your next date night.
We are loving this preppy all-white dress from Unique21.
A dress that is sure to draw eyes.
Pair with cool combat boots to dress down the look.
Show this dress off when running your weekend errands.
Pair with black chunky heels for a cool summer look.
The added tulle gives this dress such a pretty, romantic touch.
Try out this floral number from Violeta.
This preppy yet sophisticated dress screams business casual.
Velvet is everywhere this season. Stay on-trend with this adorable tube dress.
The coolest work-appropriate dress.
Add a colorful purse to color-block with this velvet dress.
Take this little number out for a night dancing with girlfriends.
A sleek and conservative look.
So romantic with the ruffled detailing.
The cutest floral dress for spring.
Add a red lip for a cool retro look.
Get your floral fix for spring with this dress from Bershka. Next, find out which gifts to get for the most stylish women in your life.
-
Strong, Feminine, and Red Carpet Ready: Sarah Burton Has Hit Her Stride at GivenchyThe designer's sophomore collection is already a hit in Hollywood.
-
I Know I'm Going to See This Specific Parisian Outfit All Over NYC and L.A. This FallExpect to see everyone wearing some variation of this easy, cool look.
-
Corsets, Fringe, and Lots of Low-Rise: Alexander McQueen Reimagines the UniformA new wave of Y2K is coming.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—Here’s Everything I Highly Recommend Buying From the Mango SaleGet 30% off just about everything
-
Nothing Humbles Your Closet More Than the Zara New Arrivals Section—25 Pieces to Instantly Elevate Your Fall OutfitsDid I mention they're modeled by Alexa Chung?
-
33 Gorgeous Fall Coats I'm Considering From Revolve, Mango, and Banana RepublicSuede jackets, funnel-neck coats, and classic trenches ahead.
-
I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your CartThese will elevate your fall outfits.
-
Hello, 5-Star Wardrobe: Meet 30 Stylish New Zara ItemsFrom stunning jackets to cool knits.
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This FallTake notes.
-
I Officially Have a Zordy Closet—31 Zara andReplica Store Standouts That I'm Living In Straight Through FallPlus, chic fall 2025 outfit ideas that I plan on re-creating ASAP.
