It’s no surprise that Italy’s premier fashion city is the place to go for shopping. While most flock to the porticos near the Duomo to gawk at the latest in high-brow fashion, the vintage scene is where the real gems lie. From hard-to-find designer pieces to reinvented classics, here are the eight best vintage stores in Milan–which will get you closer than ever before to shopping a sciura’s closet.

Live in Vintage (Women’s, $$)

Best for: Dresses, other elegant pieces from the 1950s-2000s

This small, cozy corner in the heart of the Isola neighborhood overflows with incredibly elegant options that won’t break the bank. It’s a staple for fun, funky outfits, whether you’re attending a whimsical garden party, a fashion week after party, or a Michelin dinner. Past the Japanese kimonos and Y2k fashion, you’ll find Prada dresses, Balenciaga stilettos, Miu Miu sleek silk shirts, and Romeo Gigli lightweight satin trousers from the 90s, alongside a smattering of adorable accessories. If you’re unsure of what to get, or just want to play dress up, the lovely owner will gladly pick out pieces that suit you best, without even having to ask your size. 

Ambroeus (Women’s and Men’s, $-$$)

Best for: Classic staples and fun pieces

A four-minute jaunt from Live in Vintage, you’ll know you’ve made it when you see the likes of a vivid pink backless Patrizia Pepe top and low waisted straight-fit Levi’s jeans. The brightly-lit shop has a great collection of both women’s and men’s clothes plus solid shoes and accessories. You’re likely to see more modern, second-hand options here, since owners Massimo and Giorgia believe “that high street clothing should be reusable and recycled.” Their selection of pieces–which include a great rack of oversized t-shirts–really can be dressed up or down, and their Instagram is the best place to get styling ideas. They now have another location in Navigli and also a great online store. 

Cavalli e Nastri (Women’s, $$$-$$$$)

Best for: Vintage designer, window shopping

When it comes to high-end vintage shops in Milano, Cavalli e Nastri is the place to be, boasting an impressive stock of designer pieces ranging from the 1950s to contemporary names. With two boutiques in the city center, you’re sure to find something special, whether it’s splurging on an evergreen tuxedo by Giorgio Armani, a classic little black dress from Tom Ford’s heyday at Gucci, or a pair of Schiaparelli earrings. Their three stores are the perfect places to spend an afternoon, even if just to browse the racks like it’s a museum.

Bivio (Women’s and Mens, $$-$$$)

Best for: In-season and vibrant pieces, selling your preloved clothes

Just next door to Cavalli and Nastri in the colonne di San Lorenzo area, Bivio is a resale boutique with a diversified, vibrant, and in-season selection of low-key to designer brands at great prices. Book an appointment to sell your preloved clothes, and replace them with a Jacquemus hourglass jacket or an aquamarine cover-up by Missoni. The best pieces go fast, which means it can be a totally different shopping experience each time you come in. Check out their twin store in Porta Venezia along with their online shop. 

Madame Pauline Vintage (Women’s and Men’s, $$-$$$)

Best for: Colorful pieces, reimagined vintage

“Lovers of color” are the target of this stunning shop on Foro Buonaparte, whose interior was designed to look like a Parisian apartment from the mid-20th century. Here, they pride themselves on creating a mix of styles and eras, with a touch of their own creativity thrown in. You’ll find the likes of a sailor jacket with martingales from the 1970s by Yves Saint Laurent amongst flowy 70s dresses, but their most iconic pieces come from their quite colorful bandana collection. 

Lambrate Vintage (Women’s, $$$)

Best for: One-of-a-kind, high quality pieces

A treasure trove meticulously curated under a barber’s sign, this store is an institution for stylists, fashion addicts, and those seeking something unique and special. Cecilia’s passion for vintage hunting leads her to collect pieces spanning from the 1920s to the contemporary, with gems from the likes of Hermès and Prada–and she even found THAT Chanel bouclé blazer by Karl Lagerfeld. Entering here feels like a high brow shopping experience, yet it’s entirely unfussy, the kind of place Charlotte Casiraghi would appreciate. 

Urzí (Women’s, $$)

Best for: Timeless classics 

This secret, tiny find in the Brera district is stuffed to the brim with light colored silk camisoles, Les Copains beige trousers, and other timeless wardrobe staples. The entirety of their collection is effortlessly chic, with light, airy, and in-style pieces from various designers. Understated elegance is the vibe–like shopping your coolest French or Italian friend’s closet, with highlights from the 60s/70s. 

Da Orient (Women’s and Men’s, $$-$$$)

Best for: Timeless style, post-shopping glass of wine

In the heart of the charming Paolo Sarpi district, this chill spot gives a nod to Nordic concept stores. With bright orange walls, black and white checkered floors, and leather armchairs, the inside feels refreshingly modern, though their clothes are certainly proper vintage. Along with a curated selection of vinyls, try the perfect pair of Roy Rogers jeans with a timeless safari jacket. And, after a long day’s work of shopping, you can join the crowd of locals gathering for a glass of wine at their hip counter or out front.