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.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
-
Everything Who What Wear Editors Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFWLet's dive in, shall we?
-
Paris Hilton's World: Her Pink Motorola Razr, Favorite Y2K Looks, and What 11:11 Media Means to HerA glimpse into the life of this savvy entrepreneur.
-
Sure, Trousers Are a Fall Staple, But IMO, Dresses Are So Much Better—33 Gorgeous Styles From Mango, Reformation, and AnthropologieAn underrated essential.
-
I Popped Into Zara to Shop for a New Fall Jacket—Here's What Came Home With MeSo many chic styles.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
Fashionable Clothing Ahead—28 Chic Fall Picks From Zara, Nordstrom, J.Crew, and ShopbopFrom sweaters to jackets.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
