18 Best Places to Shop in Boston, Massachusetts

This spacious 10,000-square-foot branch of the Parisian couture house (complete with custom sofas upholstered in Chanel tweed and a 20-foot-high strand of cascading glass beads) carries suits, separates, bags, shoes, cosmetics, and, of course, a divine selection of little black dresses.

Crush has been providing Beacon Hill ladies with an outlet for contemporary women's fashions since 2017. Find weekend casual outfits, jeans, silky shifts, and even party attire, from designers including Julie Vos, White & Warren, Egmont, and others. Accessories are not overlooked, as Crush offers jewelry and handbags that will dress up any ensemble.

The edgiest clothing boutique on the Hill, December Thieves stocks fashion-forward, contemporary, emerging designers and brands from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other places across the globe. Find a curated and wildly fun array of apparel, scarves, handbags, jewelry, beauty products, and home decor. 

From loungewear and skirts to tops and accessories, the owners of this specialty women's boutique take their time selecting designer apparel that boasts a timeless, effortless aesthetic. Brands aren't limited to Emerson Fry, Lisa Yang, Ulla Johnson, and Xirena, but if you like these, you'll like shopping here.

Stylish birds of a feather will flock to this boho-chic boutique brimming with cotton T-shirts, floral dresses, and vintage-inspired jewelry, along with whimsical gifts like handmade ring dishes, crystal kits, disco suncatchers, and antique baubles.

Pieces here are meant to be versatile wardrobe staples, and you're sure to feel like you're shopping at a Parisian apparel boutique. Exquisite fabrics bring life to casual, classic European women's wear from emerging designers from across Europe, and there are shoes, scarves, hats, and accessories, too.

Started in the North End in the early aughts, this curated selection of denim pants also includes dresses, activewear, rompers, and more from designers like Gray State, Lucy Paris, and Shu Shop.

Inspired by the temperature-regulating materials used for NASA's astronaut clothes, three MIT students started this men's and women's clothing store that features stretchy, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free, machine-washable slacks, shirts, blouses, blazers, and jackets designed by a former Theory designer (think clean and elegant). Interested in creating a bespoke blazer on-site? The store's 3D-print knitting machine can finish a garment in about two hours.

In the heart of the South End, shoppers can step down into this small boutique celebrating the history of fashion in New England. Shoppers will find a selection of preppy staples mixed in with current trends for all genders. The boutique once partnered with Brooks Brothers to carry the latest collection of men's spring/summer styles designed by Michael Bastian.

This corner shop is the sister store to Martha's Vineyard's longtime fashion and lifestyle staple. The inventory supports local artisans, emerging designers, and ethical brands for clothing, jewelry, and home accessories, along with books, cheeky note cards, and clean beauty products.

This tiny, woman-owned, upscale fashion boutique is just a few steps down into a Newbury brownstone and right into a world of trendy women's clothing, from bandage tops to knits with bell sleeves, party dresses to kimono coats. They also have a second location in Beacon Hill on Charles Street.

This too-cute—and a bit bohemian—mom-and-kid clothing store features looks from fairly expensive, small brands, and there's no question as to its place in Beacon Hill society. This is where the neighborhood women come to buy frocks that aren't made to be worn to the office. There's also a nice selection of toys and kid gift items, including stuffed animals and sensory jars.

Located in the Sowa Art + Design District, this shop is the ultimate example of supporting small businesses. With wares such as small-batch clothing, jewelry, art, and gift items from more than 50 women-owned brands, many of the companies owner Alyssa Davis works with are tiny one- or two-person operations.

Founded in 1818, Brooks still carries in its nationwide shops the classically modern styles that made it famous—old faithfuls for men such as navy blazers, summertime seersucker, and crisp oxford shirts and similar styles for women and kids (4–16 years). Its Newbury Street store offers the hipper Fleece collection with both a bright affordable line and a high-end designer line aimed to appeal to less conservative shoppers. There's another location at 75 State Street.

Major discounts on high-quality (and big-name) shoes for men and women draw savvy Boston shoppers to this branch of the chain DSW, also known as Designer Shoe Warehouse. Everything from Nike to Prada can be found at varying discounts—sometimes up to 90% off.

Founded in 1907, this national men's chain has crisp suits, dress shirts, and leather shoes for the conservatively well-dressed male everywhere. And gents, should you need a tuxedo at the last minute, rest assured: the store rents them.

Trendsetters go wild for Kate's colorful and classically whimsical dresses, as well as her handbags, shoes, PJs, accessories, and travel and cosmetics cases.

Cute dresses, playful skirts, and form-fitting tops make up the selection here. The Cambridge location is a little larger and easier to navigate, but Brookline houses the original.