Top 5 Clothing Consignment Shops in Charlottesville
This piece was originally written by Rhoda Wheeler and was updated by Charlottesville Guide in April 2023.
Trend-setting Charlottesville is on the leading edge of the “second-hand chic” or “pre-loved” clothing movement known as consignment shopping. Overall the retail segment is expected to more than triple in sales in the U.S. in the next 10 years according to Fashionista.com. With more than a half dozen stores specializing in the resale of furniture, eight thrift stores, and almost a dozen clothing consignment stores, we have many options. Here are our picks for the top 5 clothing consignment shops in Charlottesville.
Natalie Dressed
Natalie Dressed (a riff on the British term “Nattily Dressed,” or one being sharply dressed from head to toe,) opened in 2004 and has been run by its current owners Cheryl and Cara since 2010. They are located at the Millmont Shops behind the Barracks Road Shopping Center. Natalie Dressed offers a collection of in-season clothing and accessories for everyone in the family. We love this local gem for their keen eye on high quality selections (including vintage and contemporary pieces,) as well as their rotating selection (wherein each item is placed on sale for 63 days, so grab them while you can!.) Whether you’re a local or a visitor making a stop prior to heading to JPJ, pop on over to Natalie Dressed to step up your style.
1051 Millmont St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Instagram: @nataliedressed
ReThreads
ReThreads, which just celebrated its 10 year anniversary, is an eclectic resale shop located in the vibrant and multicolored shopping center at McIntire Plaza. Its name derives from a spin on the ‘re’ in recycle and reuse. ReThreads focuses on community and up-cycling by donating unsold merchandise to local nonprofit thrift stores and artists. ReThreads carries sizes XS-3X. Whether you are looking for a funky hat, vintage item, homemade/ local goods, or a fun bumper sticker, you’ll find it at ReThreads. We love this local gem because they love our leashed, friendly (and potty trained) dogs as much as we do!
1716 Allied,Charlottesville, VA 22903
Instagram: @rethreadscville
Darling Boutique
Darling Boutique originally opened in 2012. During the summer of 2022, they expanded their collection with their companion store, Dashing. Darling x Dashing boasts a second-hand shopping experience, in store and online, which emphasizes having FUN with style. We love this local gem for their energetic social media presence and for hosting in-store events for alterations, collabs with local artisans, and more. Their offerings include contemporary, luxury, vintage clothing and accessories in addition to homewares. Darling x Dashing also operates regular fundraisers and auctions for selected charities.
115 S. 1st St. Charlottesville, VA 22902
Instagram: @shopdarlingxdashing
Arsenic and Old Lace Vintage
Arsenic and Old Lace Vintage, which curates a wide variety of vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, opened in 2019. We love this local gem for their interior decor/ furnishings Etsy shop, which spans from vintage lighting fixtures to gardening accessories for the yard, just in time for warmer days! The owner, Angela, selects artisanal housewares as well as rustic and industrial furniture for the site. Inside Arsenic and Old Lace Vintage you will find dresses from the ’30s next to mid-century modern candlesticks. Locals and visitors enjoy Arsenic’s pops of color and playful patterns, its convenient location downtown, and the shop’s must-see window displays!
105 1st St. S Charlottesville, VA 22902
Instagram: @arsenicandoldlacevtg
Agents In Style Luxury Consignment Boutique
Agents In Style Luxury Consignment Boutique is the newest member of Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall consignment clothing community. The boutique originated in Northern Virginia, but has quickly become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Agents In Style carries high-end clothing for women and men in sizes 0-20, as well as accessories, including luxury bags.We love this local gem for their owner, Rhoda, who offers personal styling and image consultant services. After business hours, this boutique also hosts private events and collaborations with local artists.
418 E. Main St. Charlottesville VA 22902
Instagram: @shopagentsinstyle
Charlottesville Guide hopes you’re able to support each of these shops, whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe during spring cleaning, or you’re hosting a dinner party where your signature furniture choices are sure to be a conversation starter. Each shop we’ve mentioned not only has its own personality, the shop owners are part of a collaborative community that we’ve found to be a comforting presence whether you’re local or just stopping by. Shoppers will find gently pre-loved or even new items at greatly reduced prices. You’ll find amazing merchandise while also showing your support for the small businesses that are the backbone of Charlottesville’s economy.
— by Rhoda Wheeler, owner of Agents in Style Boutique
