Some call Buenos Aires the Paris of South America, as style is everything here—this is where a cool agricultural engineer and a film student go shopping
Some say that Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America.
Although many non-Argentinian Hispanic people may roll their eyes at that statement, there is something undeniable about the beauty of Buenos Aires—and this comes from someone who is definitely not Argentinian.
“In Buenos Aires, everything flies—joy, anarchy, goodness, despair,” said the Spanish musician and poet Joaquín Sabina, echoing Argentine rockstar Fito Páez. The city has inspired countless songs, poems, and stories, all celebrating its beauty and the spirit of its people.
As you stroll through neighbourhoods like Recoleta or Palermo, you can’t help but admire the style of the local people as they hold their mate while carrying beautiful designer handbags. In Buenos Aires, style is not just about archival pieces or the latest designer trends; it’s about combining an innate porteño identity with contemporary fashions.
Whether you are an agricultural engineer or a student working on a film research project, you carry yourself with style in Buenos Aires. I asked my friends—the engineer and the student—where they shop for their coolest pieces, and their answers did not disappoint.
Juan Pérez Ropa y Arte—The Original Shop
📍Marcelo T. de Alvear 1355/1445
Ask anyone in Buenos Aires where to shop second-hand, and they will undoubtedly point you to the iconic Juan Pérez. With over 25 years of history in the city, Juan Pérez has established thrifting as a popular practice in Buenos Aires.
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The pieces featured here are hand-selected and curated by an exceptional team. Clothing options range from funky, colourful streetwear to rare luxury finds that are hard to find elsewhere. Eclectic, eccentric, and retro—Juan Pérez has managed to establish itself as a powerhouse for good reason.
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Dudou Vintage—Luxury Pieces Matched with a 70s Argentine Flair
📍Malabia 2105
If you ever find yourself in the iconic neighbourhood of Palermo Soho, you won’t want to miss Dudou Vintage, one of the best vintage shops in the city. A must-visit if you’re into vintage luxury, Dudou’s selection takes you on a captivating journey through decades past.
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They have quite an impressive selection of unique designer pieces as well, all complemented by items taken straight from the closets of the wardrobes of the trendiest Argentinians. Here, you’ll find everything from vintage Louis Vuitton to striking coats and brightly coloured dresses.
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Saint Vintage—Street Style Paradise
📍Online
If you’re weary of the same old Y2K clothing trends, the same dainty dresses, and the endless supply of designer purses, then Saint Vintage is the place to shop. With a distinct focus on hip-hop and everyday street style, Saint sets itself apart with cargo jeans, stylish hoodies, and a vast array of trendy caps.
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Of course, you can still find incredible luxury pieces here, but they are all styled in a way that evokes the vibes of Tupac or The Notorious B.I.G. rather than your average TikTok influencer.
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Jaleo—How to Look Like a Gen-Z, Argentinian Carrie Bradshaw
📍Carranza 2201
Maybe it’s just me, or perhaps it’s my friend’s obsession with Sex and the City that led her to recommend this shop. However, something about Jaleo feels like a scene where Carrie Bradshaw is having brunch with the girls.
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The pieces inside this incredible shop are styled in a way that combines luxury and effortless chic with a Gen-Z eye. It takes one quick scroll through their Instagram to get that feel.
And if you are into architecture and design, you’ll be delighted to know that the shop is located inside a mansion recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. So, not only can you shop for vintage pieces and support circular fashion, but you’ll also be doing so in a residence that is over 100 years old.
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Galpón de Ropa—Lots of Clothes, Lots of Brands
📍2704 Avenida Olazábal
📍1967 Jorge Newbery
📍3751 Avenida Corrientes
📍3000 General Las Heras
📍4401 Avenida Triunvirato
📍2005 Arévalo
📍3253 Avenida Santa Fe
📍862 Leopoldo Marechal
📍628 Florida
Another notable leader in circular fashion, Galpón de Ropa, has just celebrated its 12th anniversary. This shop is not only your typical thrift store—each time they open a new location, they reuse materials, recycle all waste, and donate any unsold items.
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Their commitment extends beyond just reselling clothes. According to their website, they have successfully recirculated over 2,000,000 pieces of clothing and collected 119 kilograms of used plastic caps that are then recycled. The resources generated from these efforts are reinvested into programmes to support children.
They also have a rigorous process when it comes to selecting and accepting donated clothing. To be sold in the store, items must be in perfect condition.
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Galpón de Ropa is also dedicated to raising awareness about conscious shopping. They constantly promote the importance of shopping responsibly and highlight the negative impacts that the fashion industry can have on the planet, sharing insights on the need for circular shopping. As they put it, “We want to be an agent of change in reducing these harmful effects. We have a clear purpose, and we’re working towards it: to recycle all the clothes in the world.”
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So, next time you find yourself wandering through the iconic neighbourhoods of the city, sipping on a mate and taking in the poetic charm of the streets, remember that style here embodies both soul and fashion. Buenos Aires’ thrift scene is all about telling a story—one of nostalgia, rebellion, and an undeniable sense of porteño pride.
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Constanza Coscia
Professor, editor and alumna, Milan