Cheap things to do: Best vintage clothing

Vintage Thrift Shop
There’s a rotating mix of astoundingly well-preserved designer and nonvintage clothing here, as well as one-of-a-kind housewares, shoes and accessories. We’ve found vintage Yves Saint Laurent blouses for $12, striped skinny ties for $6 and a pair of classic Salvatore Ferragamo pumps with bows on them for $10. Pretty much everything is a find, but you still get that thrill-of-the-hunt feeling. 286 Third Ave between 22nd and 23rd Sts (212-871-0777, vintagethriftshop.org)

Housing Works Thrift Stores
It’s often hit-and-miss when seeking out pristine vintage treasures. But if you make the rounds at these shops frequently enough and keep an eye out for sales, you can score amazing clothes from the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s at a fraction of what you’d pay for something new at H&M. In the stores’ upcoming spring previews (March 3–17; dates vary by location; admission $10), an Issey Miyake men’s cotton blazer is going for $75. Various locations (housingworks.org)

Cheap Jack’s
Some people pass this store off as too “costumey,” but you just need to know how to buy here. Avoid the fringed suede vests (too ’70s) and poofy prom dresses (too ’80s) and you can land plenty of interesting pieces. Racks of separates that won’t clean you out are just what your wardrobe has been wanting. 303 Fifth Ave at 31st St (212-777-9564, cheapjacks.com)

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Cheap things to do in New York City
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