Buying vintage and secondhand has some great perks. From environmental sustainability, to beating the machine of fast fashion to turning old styles into new trends, you really can’t go wrong. Plus, there’s nothing better than scoring a name brand winter coat for a quarter of the price. Here are some of Astoria’s best thrift stores to sift through this year.

The vintage boutique, Loveday31, creates colorful, stylized looks with their complete collection of new, custom and exclusive secondhand pieces. You’ll find scarves, hats, handbags and belts, along with vintage women’s clothing in a variety of sizes. The team is knowledgeable and super eager to help you put together a fabulous look.

3306 31st Ave. | 718.728.4057 | @loveday31_vintage

 

Flash 16 is a small space packed with big items, and lots of them! Keep looking and you are sure to find some amazing hidden gems. The owner has curated a collection of high-end, high-quality pieces at an affordable price, making it an absolute favorite for the average shopper. This art and fashion boutique is no doubt the best place for retro and vintage shopping.

4407 Newton Rd. | 917.406.7557 | @boutiqueflash16

 

This chain has become a go-to for trendy secondhand fashion, making their location on Ditmars the perfect place to buy and sell. Inside Buffalo Exchange, you’ll find shoes, accessories, handbags, plus-size dresses, jeans and jackets all in style for any season. The store’s curated exchange program and inventory makes it incredibly easy to shop through the racks of upcycled trends and styles.

29-16 Ditmars Blvd. | 718.274.2054 | @buffaloexchange

 

 

Ditmars Thrift Shop is the perfect space to pick up a new fleece-lined jacket or heavy coat to bundle up this winter. They have a great selection of men’s clothing, from wool sweaters, to rain jackets to work pants in a wide variety of sizes, all at a price nearly half the original. You’ll also find books, DVDs and a number of other vintage knickknacks.

Tax write-off donations. | 3120 Ditmars Blvd. | 718.545.2529