Norwich Vintage Fair: Top Picks

The Tab shows you how to shop vintage. Here’s the results of our sifting at Sunday’s fair.

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Vintage fairs can be daunting to the uninitiated, and it’s easy to give up hope of finding a retro gem among the racks of tat.

Yes, some garments probably should’ve been confined to the bin a few decades ago, and others may seem more appropriate as pantomime costume, but persevere.

With a bit of rummaging (set aside an hour or two) you can discover enough on trend pieces to rival the high street chains, with the added satisfaction of unearthing a treasure.

The Tab perused the many stalls of the Norwich Vintage Fair in St. Andrew’s Hall on Sunday, picking out the top pieces to trawl for. They’re more authentic, unique, and often cheaper than anything you’ll find in Chapelfield Mall.

Faux fur leopard print coat for £45.

A winter coat will probably be your most expensive purchase of the season. Head to the vintage stores where they’re stocking on-trend fur, tweed, denim, and everything in between in abundance, and for pleasing prices.

Forget forking over your loan to Jack Wills, this tartan jacket’s only £20.

Oversized denim for only £22.

It’s been hard to ignore the military jacket’s takeover as campus coat of choice this autumn, and the vintage stores are stocked with authentic versions that the chains can’t compete with.

Army jackets from £20.

Accessories are the gentle way to acquaint yourself with vintage. One-of-a-kind costume jewellery, silk scarves and real leather bags come in large supply at knock-down prices.

Wonderfully unique brooches, clip-on earrings, trinkets and rings.

Charm necklaces from £4.

Update your lecture look; vintage leather bags from £5.

Retro-look specs for £5 (despite the price-tags!).

For the more daring, vintage hats and shoes can individualise an outfit with little effort.

Retro brogues for the gentleman.

Cossack hats can be found atop many a stylish head. Get genuine fur for only £15.

80’s ski hats for a fiver.

Garish ties: for men with balls.

The fit on true vintage garments can be dubious, but loose works well for delicate blouses, ditsy tea dresses, and chunky jumpers.

£15 for a dress you can wear year-round.

£12 for this lady-like blouse.

All-the-rage leather hot pants, and the omnipresent cut-off Levi’s.

An embellished black cocktail dress you won’t see anyone else in.

A copious number of fairisle sweaters are sure to greet you whichever vintage outlet you choose. Around £20.

Now you know what to look for, check out Helena Raywood’s tips on where to shop for vintage in Norwich.