If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you’ll know I’ve got a bit of a thing for quirky clothing, anything that’s, gothic, witchy, retro, vintage and just a little bit different. Life’s too short for boring clothes, right? But here’s the thing — once we hit our 40s (and beyond), society often whispers that we should tone it down, blend in, play it safe. Well, I say rubbish to that. Now is our time to shine — to embrace who we truly are, quirks and all. We’ve earned the right to wear what we love, whether that’s velvet and lace, neon florals, or boots that could stomp through a vampire novel.
So this post is dedicated to all my fabulous over-40 gals (and anyone else who needs the reminder): don’t dim your light. If you love the weird, the whimsical, the gothic or the gloriously different, lean right into it. Fashion is meant to be fun — and I’ve rounded up some of the best places to find clothing that proves exactly that.
Whenever I’m hunting for quirky clothes, I always start with second-hand options. There’s nothing better than finding a one-of-a-kind piece in a charity shop or online resale app. It’s kinder to the planet, often more affordable, and you’re giving clothes a brand new life. My absolute favourite is Vinted (great for UK and Europe—actually, as I’m writing this, I see that there IS a Vinted in the US which I had no idea!), but there’s also Depop (perfect for unique fashion worldwide), and your local Red Cross shops, for example, if you’re in the UK. If you’re elsewhere, check out ThredUp or even Facebook Marketplace for hidden gems. And when I can’t find what I’m after second-hand… that’s when I turn to quirky online stores like the ones suggested below.
And just to be clear—being quirky doesn’t always mean hunting for “specialist” stores. Sometimes it’s about taking pieces from regular high-street shops like Zara, H&M, or Mango and styling them in unexpected ways. A plain black dress can feel totally gothic with chunky boots and layered silver jewellery, or a simple floral blouse can become whimsical with patterned tights and a statement belt. The magic is in mixing textures, prints, and accessories in ways that feel like you, turning everyday clothing into something truly one-of-a-kind. And if you’re really on a budget, there’s always places like Amazon, Shein or Temu which sometimes actually have that elusive piece you’ve been hunting for everywhere else!
Grunge / Goth / Alternative
For those who like their wardrobes with a side of rebellion and drama.
- Disturbia – Dark, edgy, and unapologetic. Their pieces feel like they were made for stomping around at midnight under a full moon. (Tip: also worth browsing Vinted or Depop for second-hand Disturbia gems!)
- Dolls Kill – Iconic for bold, gothic, and quirky styles that let you fully embrace your inner rebel. Perfect for statement outfits that stand out from the crowd.
- Attitude Clothing – If you love subcultures, this is your spot. Punk, goth, retro rockabilly—you name it, they’ve got it.
- Killstar — Known for its gothic and alternative fashion, Killstar offers a range of clothing and accessories that combine dark aesthetics with contemporary style.
- Cyberdog – If you’ve ever been to Camden Market in London, you’ll know it’s like stepping into another world—neon lights, futuristic rave gear, and clothes that wouldn’t look out of place at an alien disco.
- Lewkin (Grungecore Collection) – Think 90s music video meets Tumblr aesthetic. Casual, edgy, and perfect if you’re channelling your inner Courtney Love.
- Dracula Clothing — A Gothic lover’s dream from the Czech Republic, this brand serves up Victorian-inspired corsets, steampunk flair, and dramatic outerwear with free worldwide shipping. The pieces are rich in brocade, velvet, and brooding romance—and while some reviewers note sizing can be tricky and shipping a bit slow, many rave about the beautifully crafted designs and statement quality.
Vintage & Retro Quirky Clothing
Because sometimes the best style inspiration comes from the past.
- Beyond Retro is a total treasure trove of vintage. One day you’ll find the perfect 70s maxi dress, the next it’s 90s denim gold.
- TopVintage – topvintage.com — A Netherlands-based treasure trove of retro-inspired fashion, offering beautifully feminine dresses, tops, and accessories that span iconic eras from the 1920s through the 1970s. With excellent fit guidance, regular new drops, and rave customer reviews, it’s a go-to spot for authentic vintage style with modern flair.
- Veena Vintage – veenavintage.com offers a curated selection of authentic vintage clothing, including dresses, coats, and accessories from past decades, ideal for those seeking timeless pieces.
- Deadly is the Female – deadlyisthefemale.com is UK-based brand that blends ’40s–’90s silhouettes with playful prints and modern twists, offering dresses, tops, and accessories that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
- Thrifted – thrifted.com is a curated online thrift store full of vintage and retro pieces, perfect if you love sustainable fashion and unexpected finds.
- Unique Vintage – unique-vintage.com specialises in retro-inspired dresses and accessories from the 1920s–1980s, ideal for adding a classic twist to your wardrobe.
- Rokit – rokit.co.uk is a UK favourite for authentic vintage clothing, from denim jackets to quirky statement pieces, all carefully restored.
- My Vintage – myvintage.uk Offers a handpicked selection of authentic vintage clothing, including dresses, coats, and accessories from past decades.
- Joanie Clothing – joanieclothing.com is a British brand that blends ’40s–’90s silhouettes with playful prints and modern twists, offering dresses, tops, and accessories that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
- ModCloth specialise in brand-new clothes that look delightfully vintage. Expect quirky prints, retro silhouettes, and pieces that give off serious “indie film heroine” vibes.
- And don’t forget Etsy – etsy.com is a treasure trove for vintage lovers. You can find everything from retro dresses and classic jackets to unique accessories that feel like they’ve stepped right out of another decade. The great thing is that many sellers specialise in specific eras, so you can hunt for that perfect 70s floral dress, 80s leather jacket, or 90s grunge staple all in one place. Here are some great examples of Etsy sellers of quality Vintage:
Desdemona
Mushroom and Rabbit
MadameEvintage
Hope and Harlequin
Vic and Bertie Vintage
AModernEVintage
Jessica Monroe
Anthea’s Attic
Sally Hoban
Vintage Violet’s Attic
Lucky Charm Vintage Co
Quirky / Indie / Joyful
Clothes that make you smile before you’ve even put them on.
- Lazy Oaf – Bright, bold, and always a little cheeky. Their pieces feel like wearable cartoons (in the best possible way).
- Wolf & Badger – A global platform for independent designers. If you want something nobody else will be wearing at brunch, this is where to go.
- Popsy Clothing – Their dresses often feature whimsical prints (books, animals, you name it), and they even offer alterations. Comfort + quirk = win.
- Damson Madder – Colour, print, and joy turned up to the max. If you love maximalist fashion, you’ll adore them.
Whimsy – Where Quirky Clothing and Fashion Meet
If your wardrobe leans towards the whimsical, you’re in for a treat. This section celebrates brands that infuse a sense of magic, nostalgia, and playful elegance into their designs. Whether it’s through delicate lace, oversized bows, or dreamy silhouettes, these labels offer pieces that feel like stepping into a fairytale.
- Sister Jane – sisterjane.com — A London-based brand that masterfully blends vintage-inspired designs with whimsical details. Known for their romantic aesthetics, oversized proportions, and smock dresses, Sister Jane brings a touch of fantasy to everyday wear. Their collections are refreshed regularly, ensuring a continuous stream of fresh, limited-edition pieces.
- RainSisters – rainsisters.com — A Latvian brand of ultra-feminine, fit-and-flare coats that blend vintage silhouettes with bold floral prints. Unlike the endless parade of plain, straight-up-and-down coats on the high street, these beauties are full of shape, style, and personality—waterproof and handmade to keep you chic even in the rain. Oh and they also have dresses and accessories now too!
- Retro Fairy – retro-fairy.com — A dreamy destination for fairycore, cottagecore, and Victorian-inspired fashion. Retro Fairy offers custom-made dresses, corsets, and accessories that transport you into a fairytale world.
- Son de Flor – sondeflor.com — Specialising in timeless linen pieces, Son de Flor crafts dresses and separates that evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance.
- Free People – freepeople.com — Embracing bohemian chic, Free People offers garments that evoke a sense of wanderlust and free-spiritedness. Flowing fabrics, intricate embroidery, and earthy tones characterize their collections, perfect for those who love to blend comfort with whimsical flair.
- Anthropologie – anthropologie.com — Known for its eclectic mix of vintage-inspired and contemporary pieces, Anthropologie’s clothing often features unique prints, textures, and silhouettes. Their designs cater to those who appreciate a blend of whimsy and sophistication.
- Spell & The Gypsy Collective – spell.co — This Australian brand offers boho-luxe pieces that transport you to a dreamy, sun-soaked world. With their use of vintage-inspired prints and flowing fabrics, Spell captures the essence of whimsical elegance.
- LoveShackFancy – loveshackfancy.com — A brand that epitomizes romantic femininity, LoveShackFancy’s collections are filled with pastel hues, floral prints, and delicate lace. Their designs are perfect for those who want to add a touch of fairytale charm to their wardrobe.
- Vetch & Clover – vetchandclover.co.uk — A UK-based brand offering made-to-measure, sustainable garments with a cottagecore and historical flair. Their pieces, crafted from natural materials, are perfect for those who appreciate timeless, whimsical fashion.
- HolyClothing – holyclothing.com — Specialising in Renaissance, Wiccan, Viking, Celtic, and Boho styles, HolyClothing provides ethically crafted, vegan-friendly dresses and tops. Their designs are ideal for embracing fantasy-inspired fashion with a touch of history.
- Nana Jacqueline – nanajacqueline.com — A Los Angeles-based luxury fashion brand known for its romantic and feminine designs. Nana Jacqueline’s pieces, often featuring delicate fabrics and intricate details, offer a modern take on whimsical elegance.
Bonus Quirky Clothing Discoveries
A few more places that are worth a mention if you really want to stand out:
- Black Milk Clothing – Famous for their wild leggings and themed collections (yes, they’ve done Harry Potter and Labyrinth collabs before!).
- Desigual – A Spanish brand that thrives on colour, patchwork, and being totally extra.
- Current Mood – is part of the Dollskill brand. Punky, alternative, sometimes outrageous—but never boring.
- Silverwind — If quirky and sustainable is your vibe, Silverwind is well worth a look. They transform recycled plastic bottles into activewear that’s anything but basic, with bold prints and flattering cuts. It’s eco-conscious fashion that still feels fun and fresh.
- Heavy Red – Gothic romance fashion, with a touch of theatre about it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, quirky fashion isn’t about following rules or fitting into a box — it’s about expressing who you are, right here, right now. And if you’re over 40, even better. This is your time to stop worrying about what’s “appropriate” and start dressing for joy, mischief, rebellion, or whatever lights you up inside.
So whether you’re pulling treasures from a charity shop, styling a high-street piece in a totally unexpected way, or treating yourself to something delightfully gothic, vintage, or whimsical online — do it unapologetically. Life is far too short to blend into the background.
So tell me—where do you love to shop for unique quirky clothing pieces? Have you discovered any hidden gems lately? If you also love unusual shoes, you can find my previous post all about where to find quirky shoes right here.
Please note: a couple of these links are affiliate links, so if you click and buy, I might receive a teeny-weeny commission — it helps keep the blogging lights on!
