Few people understand vintage fashion like Jenny Walton—and even fewer wear it as well as she does. That’s why this globetrotter (currently based in Milan) has such a devoted following. Her secret to effortlessly blending vintage pieces (spanning decades) lies in her styling expertise—think a vintage brooch with a modern Prada cardigan or a 1950s circle skirt with the latest Gucci slingbacks.
But where does she find these gems? Vintage shoppers usually guard their sources, but just for Vogue, Walton is sharing her secrets. Each month, she’ll scour the internet and handpick the best vintage finds of the moment—here are her must-haves right now.
Lately, I’ve been loving dramatic skirts—full silhouettes, bubble hems, exaggerated A-lines, and tiered designs that make a statement. The shape matters less than the impact. A voluminous skirt instantly elevates an outfit, especially when balanced with something simple, like a knit tee and sandals (think Jackie O. in Capri). While modern designs often lack the volume we crave, vintage comes to the rescue once again.
When hunting for a standout piece, let emotion guide your search—try keywords like dramatic, voluminous, incredible, or amazing. Late ’70s and early ’80s YSL is a great starting point (these styles often featured cropped boleros). Dries Van Noten’s draped skirts are also worth exploring. For full, structured silhouettes, 1950s dresses are ideal—just remember to pair them with a petticoat if you want that iconic volume. Other useful search terms: maxi, midi, circle, A-line, bubble, and draped. Have fun with your search—here’s to a little drama this summer!
### Jenny’s Top Vintage Picks
1. Christian Lacroix
A striking 1990s silk skirt in bold red with black appliqué—perfect with a black tank and sandals.
$425, The RealReal
2. Christian Dior
A colorblock denim midi skirt—ideal for a Beyoncé concert this summer. Pair with a crop top and sandals.
$1,625, The RealReal
3. Fendi
A timeless white pleated midi skirt—a wardrobe staple at a great price.
$425, The RealReal
4. Ralph Lauren Black Label
A luxurious navy silk maxi skirt—worth every penny for the fabric alone.
$565, The RealReal
5. Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
A playful polka-dot flamenco-inspired midi skirt—perfect for summer nights.
$535, The RealReal
6. Issey Miyake
A voluminous pleated midi from the 1991 collection—with a striking shark-like silhouette.
$765, The RealReal
7. Céline (Phoebe Philo era)
A midi skirt with a detailed waist and raw hem—pairs beautifully with minimalist pieces.
$365, The RealReal
8. Lipsy London
An Audrey Hepburn-inspired cotton midi with subtle rhinestone detailing—a steal at this price.
$66, Vestiaire
9. Oscar de la Renta
A show-stopping maxi skirt—pair with a black tank and beaded bolero for ultimate glamour.
$425, The RealReal
10. Genny
A gold pleated maxi skirt—effortlessly chic with a tucked-in white button-down.
$—, The RealRealHere’s a stylish edit of standout skirts for every mood, from vintage treasures to modern must-haves:
1. The Miu Miu Moment
A voluminous 1950s maxi skirt ($388, Vestiaire) that channels the playful spirit of Miu Miu. Pair it with a striped Petit Bateau knit and brogues for a chic contrast.
2. Whimsical Vintage Florals
A vibrant 1950s circle skirt ($150, eBay) in a colorful floral print—perfect with a petticoat to amplify its twirl-worthy silhouette.
3. Drama in Hoops
A vintage-inspired hoop skirt ($47, Etsy) that’s bold enough to wear solo (or tone down by removing hoops—but where’s the fun in that?).
4. Leather Statement
Bottega Veneta’s F/W 2022 flared leather skirt (€1,210, Resee) in acid yellow, or opt for Chloé’s neutral 2021 version if you prefer subtlety.
5. YSL Summer Dreams
A 1980s YSL Rive Gauche yellow silk set (€1,520, Resee)—halter top and voluminous skirt—for Mediterranean nights where standing out is non-negotiable.
6. Provençal Charm
A tiered Valdrôme cotton skirt ($155, Vestiaire) straight from Provence, made for seaside twirls and countryside strolls.
7. Victorian Boldness
A 19th-century brown silk bustle skirt ($250, eBay)—pair it with modern pieces for an edgy historical twist.
8. Prada’s Hidden Volume
A deceptively sleek Prada skirt ($775, The RealReal) from F/W 2002 that flares with movement. Style with a tucked-in tank and Grecian sandals.
9. Emerald Elegance
Gianfranco Ferré’s 1980s emerald evening skirt ($3,200, 1stDibs)—layer a minidress underneath for a transformative night-out look.
10. Quirky Comme des Garçons
A 2017 Comme des Garçons quilted skirt ($445, The RealReal) with buckle-adjustable volume (or use its pockets as a purse alternative).
11. Raw-Edged Sophistication
Another Comme des Garçons gem ($475, The RealReal)—a midi skirt with raw edges in an elegant silhouette.
12. Dries Van Noten Blooms
A full-length floral Dries skirt ($672, 1stDibs). Wear it with a bateau-neck black top or mix prints for the fearless.
13. Simone Rocha Drama
A timeless black silk skirt ($275, The RealReal) from Simone Rocha—effortlessly versatile for day or night.
14. Prada’s Perfect Pleats
A pleated Prada midi ($500, The RealReal) in utilitarian fabric, ideal with a chambray button-down.
Each piece tells a story—whether it’s vintage charm, bold volume, or modern minimalism. Which one speaks to you?The Chanel see-through silk chiffon skirt is perfect if you love the look of a full skirt but don’t want it taking up too much space in your suitcase. For summer, try maxi or midi skirts in lightweight silk chiffon. Style it with a full-length nude slip or black boy shorts.
Chanel 2018 midi-length skirt
$825 at THE REALREAL