Fashion
Men's Shoes
The Tannery
Don’t be fooled. While the Tannery plays it casual and unassuming, it’s a must-stop shop for Boston’s well-heeled gents. Sure, they have the usual suspects: boots by Timberland and Tecnica, sneakers by Merrell and Converse, loafers by Rockport. But they also stock boat shoes in more colors than you’ll see on the Nantucket ferry (from Sperry, SeaVees and Sebago), exclusive dress shoes by Alden and Salvatore Ferragamo and boots by John Varvatos and Frye.
-
Bargain Shopping
The Garment District
Don’t think of the Garment District as a thrift shop; think of it as an enormous closet (with some 40,000 pieces) whose contents perfectly fit your budget. Though their selection of vintage wear spans back to the 1950s, this Cambridge institution’s largest department peddles contemporary clothing, much of it with tags still attached. Prices start in the single digits on everything from cowboy boots to couture. Even better: What they can’t sell or use is donated to developing countries.
200 Broadway, Cambridge » 617-876-5230 » garmentdistrict.com -
Children's Clothing
Mulberry Road
Whether they prefer fluffy tutus or graphic Ts with a sense of humor, some kids have undeniable fashion sense. When you spot these tiny trendsetters around Boston, odds are their parents are shopping at Mulberry Road. This Newbury Street boutique has everything from the adorable—baby ballerina socks with embroidered bows—to the irreverent, like a Clark Kent—inspired long-sleeved T-shirt that layers a vest and tie over a superhero logo. Add a dinosaur lunch box, and send the kids to school in style.
128 Newbury St., Boston » 617-859-5861 » shop.mulberryroad.com -
Photo Credit: Nicole PopmaFashion Secret
Shopping in Newton Centre
Newton Centre has the best of both worlds: a quaint, easily strollable downtown with plenty of charm, and a retail selection that rivals any Boston neighborhood (but with better parking). Designer offerings at Alan Bilzerian and National Jean Company share the Village with Folklorica and Karma, on-trend boutiques like Tess & Carlos, Stash, and Duchess, and luxe indulgences like mink eyelash extensions at Lash L’Amour. It’s a fashion haven just a few T stops away.
Newton Centre » newtonvillages.org -
Handbags
Neiman Marcus
Say what you will about department stores, but there isn’t a shop in town that impresses us more than the handbag department at Neiman Marcus. The well-stocked wonderland carries classics like Gucci, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and Yves Saint Laurent, so there’s something for every occasion and style. Bottega Veneta’s buttery leather totes are perfect for every day, while Judith Leiber’s crystal-encrusted clutches hold all the essentials for evening soirees. And they’ll soon be adding bags from iconic Balenciaga and Spanish-import Loewe to their already-strong offerings.
Copley Place, Boston » 617-536-3660Natick Collection » 310 Speen St., Natick » 508-620-5700 » neimanmarcus.com -
Hats
Salmagundi
The perfect hat is a beautiful but increasingly rare find. Bring a touch of polish to your wardrobe by incorporating vintage-inspired toppers from Salmagundi. The Jamaica Plain shop, run by husband-and-wife duo Andria Rapagnola and Jessen Fitzpatrick, stocks more than 9,000 hats—from luxuriously feathered fascinators to fedoras meant for everyday wear. Check out chic chapeaus from noted milliners like Louise Green, plus the store’s exclusive Salmagundi line.
765 Centre St., Jamaica Plain » 617-522-5047 » salmagundiboston.com -
Intimate Apparel
Forty Winks
Most women live in denial that they’re wearing the wrong bra. Ladies, the truth is that unless you’ve had a recent professional fitting, you and the girls are probably not looking your best. Forty Winks is here to help. At Cambridge’s cheeky shop for lacy underpinnings, fittings are the order of the day, along with bras from the in-demand lines Freya and Chantelle. Barely there nighties, delicate sleepwear, supportive swimsuits and clever foundation garments are also available.
56 JFK St., Cambridge » 617-492-9100 » shopfortywinks.com -
Photo Credit: Dave BradleyJeans
National Jean Company
Life is defined by the quest for happiness, fulfillment, yadda yadda yadda. We’re all just searching for the perfect pair of jeans. The impressive offerings at National Jean Company make the hunt a little easier with usual designer suspects like 7 for All Mankind and Hudson stocked alongside jeans from Justin Timberlake’s William Rast, dresses by the Olsen twins’ Elizabeth and James label and airy knits from Free People.
218 Newbury St., Boston » 857-233-4809 » Additional locations in Newton and Wellesley » njcboston.com -
Jewelry, Fine
Lux Bond & Green
When you're committed to shopping locally, reconciling desire with availability can be tricky. Fortunately, Lux Bond & Green ensures that you won’t have to make any compromises with your stateliest pieces. Offerings at the 114-year-old mainstay’s eight New England locations range from the affordable ($195 freshwater black-pearl pendants) to the aspirational (a six-carat canary-and-white–diamond ring for a cool $100,000). These options, plus designs by it-jewelers like David Yurman, Jemma Wynne, and Ippolita, bring international style to your door.
416 Boylston St., Boston » 617-266-4747 » lbgreen.com -
Photo Credit: Katie NobleJewelry, Statement-Making
Good
This Beacon Hill boutique specializes in global luxuries, and their jewelry is not to be missed. Handmade creations that feel modern without being trendy are chosen by owner Paul Niski (former creative director for the Gap). Home gifts, artful decor and John Derian keepsakes using real sea urchins share space with bags and scarves. For men’s fashion, eye-catching cufflinks are the order of the day—check out the set made from reclaimed MBTA tokens. In September, they move to a new shop with five times the space, so clean out your closets now—there’s a lot more Good to be had.
88 Charles St., Boston » 617-722-9200 » shopatgood.com -
Local Designer, Clothing
Jackie Fraser-Swan, Emerson Collection
Jackie Fraser-Swan, a local mother of four married to her high-school sweetheart, has emerged as a designer to watch, and her line can be seen in her Newbury Street showroom and on the runway at New York Fashion Week. A graduate of the School of Fashion Design in Boston, the East Bridgewater native’s dark-but-delicate creations are making a splash everywhere from celebrity red carpets to Elle magazine.
8 Newbury St., 6th Floor, Boston » 857-753-4525 » emerson-collection.com -
Local Designer, Jewelry
Laura Preshong
Here’s a chance to look glam by doing good. Laura Preshong creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry that’s eco-friendly, socially responsible and conflict-free. She’s got beautiful baubles for everyday adornment, as well as fashionable alternatives to traditional wedding and engagement rings. At her South End boutique you’ll find works by other like-minded designers, including Midori Ferris Wayne, a California-based artist who uses reclaimed metals to craft jewelry inspired by nature.
558 Tremont St., Boston » 617-236-7660 » laurapreshong.com -
Maternity
H&M
Staying chic throughout pregnancy is a struggle every expectant mother faces. You don’t want to spend a fortune on clothing you’ll only need for a few months, but so much of what’s out there is pricey—and worse, matronly. H&M Maternity Wear is the solution, with their perfect blend of style, fit and affordability. Since nothing in the collection costs more than $35, Junior’s college fund can get some early extra padding.
100 Newbury St., Boston » 617-482-7001 » additional locations in Boston and Cambridge » hm.com -
Men's Clothing, High-End
Drinkwater's
A menswear shop with a focus on American style, Drinkwater’s aesthetic is simultaneously laid-back and polished. Gary Drinkwater, who comes to his Cambridge shop by way of Louis, outfits his store with lines like Engineered Garments, Carrot & Gibbs, Aster, and Angelo Nardelli. The true connoisseur will opt for handmade garments: Drinkwater’s offers made-to-measure services like bespoke suits, sport jackets, pants, shirts—even ties and belts.
2067 Mass. Ave., Cambridge » 617-547-2067 » drinkwaterscambridge.com -
Men's Clothing, Moderate
Uniform
The best kind of style is effortless, and shopping at Uniform is elementary. The South End clothier is perfect for men who are looking to incorporate more élan in their ensembles with stylish sneakers, straw hats and slim-fitting plaids in sophisticated patterns. Add to these Esquire-approved swim trunks (the sort Don Draper would sport) and apothecary selections from Jack Black, Sharps, and the Art of Shaving, and guys might never need to shop elsewhere.
511 Tremont St., Boston » 617-247-2360 » uniformboston.com -
Men's Suits
J. Press
All suits are not created equal. Even a midpriced set is easy to spot when the fit is subpar. For more than a century, J. Press in Cambridge has been dressing gents according to their “Ivy League standard.” Beautifully tailored suits, sportswear and outerwear are made from European-imported fabrics, but the real draw is the prospect of a custom J. Press ensemble created by their in-house tailors.
82 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge » 617-547-9886 » jpressonline.com -
Party Dresses
Crush Boutique
It’s a rare thrill to flip the price tag on a fun, flirty cocktail dress and be happily surprised. The experience isn’t so uncommon at Crush, where the racks hold elegant summer frocks perfect for alfresco dinner parties, rooftop shindigs or drinks on the town. Owners Rebecca Penner and Laura Macris opened a second location earlier this year, and while both shops carry sought-after lines like Alice + Olivia and Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960, be sure to check out the spiffy new Newbury Street boutique for exclusives from Gold Hawk and Black Halo.
131 Charles St., Boston » 617-720-0010 » 264 Newbury St., Boston » 617-424-0010 » shopcrushboutique.com -
Place to Go When Price is No Object
Louis
Fashion is an art form, which makes Louis a gallery as well as a market. The first floor of this legendary store is full of beautifully curated designer clothing, accessories, apothecary items and housewares. In addition to these pricey-but-perfect goods, gorgeous views of the waterfront and frequent visits from top designers further enhance the visual and cultural experience. Add an appointment at Salon Mario Russo (also housed in the Fan Pier building) and a black AmEx, and you’re golden.
60 Northern Ave., Boston » 617-262-6100 » louisboston.com -
Sneakers
Bodega
Some sneakers are made to get you where you need to go. Some are worn to show that you’ve arrived. For the latter, look to Bodega, which carries pumped-up kicks that are more fashion statement than athletic accessory. Hard-to-find lines like Saucony Elite, Sneeky Sneaker and Clae are interspersed with global picks, including Japanese label Journal Standard, Libertine-Libertine from Copenhagen, Marshall Artist from the U.K., and Property of… from Singapore.
6 Clearway St., Boston » bdgastore.com -
Trend
Boutiques for Dapper Men
Not so long ago, men’s fashion meant three-piece flannel during the week and polos and khakis on the weekends. Not anymore. Boston guys now have unprecedented options to elevate them from slouch to sartorialist. Online shop Bonobos just opened their first brick-and-mortar outpost on Newbury Street, while local Web boutiques like “gentlemen’s outfitter” Sir Jack’s (offering nautical–meets–Golden Age items with a modern twist) and Boylston Trading Co. (where premium streetwear reigns) also get in on the dapper-dressing trend. Prefer to do your shopping in person? Ball and Buck’s all-American offerings illustrate masculine refinement.
Bonobos Guideshop, 85 Newbury St., Boston » 857-263-7340 » bonobos.comSir Jack’s » 888-830-2905 » sirjacks.comBoylston Trading Co. » boylstontradingco.com Ball and Buck, 144B Newbury St., Boston » 617-262-17763 Lewis St., Boston » 617-742-1776 » shop.ballandbuck.com -
Vintage Accessories
Twentieth Century Limited
No look is complete without the right accessories. Those lucky enough to inherit a trousseau from their grandmothers already have a stash of vintage bags and baubles. The rest of us need help. Twentieth Century Limited, Paul Turnberg’s hidden gem in Beacon Hill, carries a huge selection of vintage and vintage-inspired costume jewelry, from a 1950s faux-pearl–necklace-and-earring set to kitschy contemporary designs like Liz Nania’s multicolored gem necklace that resembles wedges of fruit. Classic art, handbags and hats round out the selection.
73 Charles St., Boston » 617-742-1031 » boston-vintagejewelry.com -
Photo Credit: Dan WatkinsVintage Clothing
Artifaktori
There are two ways to create a retro aesthetic: You can spend countless hours in musty consignment shops, searching in vain for that perfect (and perfectly fitting) piece. Or, you can avail yourself of Artifaktori owner Amy Berkowitz’s taste and talents by browsing her shop’s expert assemblage. The Davis Square location offers a fun selection of vintage clothing, housewares and accessories, while the newer Beacon Hill space carries more polished looks and contemporary, historically inspired clothing.
22 College Ave., Somerville » 617-776-3708 » 121 Charles St., Boston » 617-367-5854 » artifaktori.com -
Welcome Addition
Sault New England
The South End’s relatively new Sault feels less like a men’s store and more like the study of an interesting gent you’d like to learn more about. Owner Philip Saul, previously of Urban Outfitters, has a touch for curating the unexpected. Sault’s offerings occupy the intersection where vintage, rustic, preppy and industrial aesthetics converge, with brands like Jack Spade alongside vintage Polo, L.L. Bean, and Gant. Look for Massachusetts-designed lines like Ivy Prepster and New England Shirt Company among the soaps made with beer and art books.
577 Tremont St., Boston » 857-239-9434 » saultne.com -
Photo Credit: Nicole PopmaWomen's Clothing, High-End
Riccardi Boston
Riccardi Storefronts on Newbury Street can come and go as fast as the trends they carry. But unlike jeggings, ponchos and popped collars, Boston’s Riccardi has enjoyed 34 years of enduring style—and there’s no end in sight. This bastion of high-end fashion has lived on the same block since 1978, when founder and Florentine Riccardo Dallai set out to bring top-shelf clothing to our city. Since then, it’s been a mainstay for designers like Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garçons, and Rodarte—a one-stop shop for garments and accessories as timeless as the boutique itself.
116 Newbury St., Boston » 617-266-3158 » riccardiboston.com -
Women's Clothing, Moderate
Flock
At Flock, mother-and-daughter team Lisa and Danielle Kupsc bring a touch of California style to the South End. Their boutique integrates up-and-coming East Coast designers with established but hard-to-find West Coast lines. The result is a mix of classic silhouettes and whimsical, colorful patterns by names like Corey Lynn Calter and Stewart + Brown. Add plenty of affordable jewelry from AK Vintage and Alkemie, and you’ve got a look that’s both composed and bohemian.
274 Shawmut Ave., Boston » 617-391-0222 » flockboston.com -
Women's Shoes
Moxie
There are alternate versions of paradise. Kids have candy stores. Overworked parents have tropical getaways. And urban fashionistas have Moxie, the shoe and accessory boutique that, for those truly passionate about their footwear, is as close as it comes to heaven on Earth. Brands include on-trend flats from Tory Burch and Delman, beautifully ornate evening heels from Badgley Mischka and Diane Von Furstenberg and simple-yet-chic summer sandals by Elizabeth and James. You may never want to leave—but then where would you show off all your new buys?
51 Charles St., Boston » 617-557-9991 » 24 Church St., Wellesley » 781-235-1833 » moxieboston.com -
Worst Trend
Socks With Heels
Zooey Deschanel, patron saint of geek chic, brought the nerdy/adorable aesthetic into the mainstream. However, there is one component of the look that needs to go. Part bobby-soxer and part cartoon character, wearing socks with heels is all discombobulated. Yes, they've appeared on runways. But so did hammer pants, once upon a time. The pairing isn't a cold-weather alternative to informal Fug Ugh Ugg Boots, just a sure-footed step in the wrong direction.
