Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for New York City right now.
The Big Apple is one of the best shopping destinations in the world, rivaled perhaps only by London, Paris, and Tokyo. Its compact size, convenient subway system, and plentiful cabs (or Uber or Lyft rides) make it easy to navigate with plenty of bags in tow. But what it really comes down to is the staggering number and variety of stores. If you can't find it in New York, it probably doesn't exist.
If you like elegant flagships and money is no object, head to Midtown, where you'll find international megabrands like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci, as well as famed department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys. Nearby Madison Avenue has couture from Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, and 5th Avenue is lined with famous jewelry stores such as Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. This is also the neighborhood to indulge in bespoke goods, such as handmade shoes from John Lobb. If you like designer pieces but can't afford them, don't despair—there are plenty of upscale consignment shops around the city where you can find last season's Chanel suit or a vintage YSL jacket.
The small, independent shops that once lined SoHo have largely been displaced by the likes of J.Crew and UNIQLO, but if you want to hit the chains, this is a great place to do it, because the neighborhood also provides high-quality people-watching and superb lunches. Poke around on the side streets and in nearby NoLIta for outposts of smaller local and foreign designers and, if you're craving some of old SoHo's artistic spirit, don't discount the street vendors' stalls, which sell handmade jewelry and simple cotton dresses.
The East Village and Lower East Side are hotbeds of creativity and quirky coolness, with little boutiques selling everything from retro furniture to industrial-inspired jewelry. They're tucked among bars and old tenement buildings. The Meatpacking District is another great shopping destination to find chic designer stores like Diane von Furstenberg and rag & bone along with independently owned boutiques. And if you jaunt over to Brooklyn, you'll discover that some of the city's hippest designers are hanging out at boutiques just across the East River.
There are now several & Other Stories in New York and California, but this was the first U.S. outpost of the popular shop owned by Swedish megastore H&M. The inventory focuses on midrange clothes and bold twists on staples designed in Paris and Stockholm. Chunky sweaters, pointy-toed flats, and printed coats are just the beginning. This is a great place to browse: you're sure to find something delightful and not over-the-top expensive.
If Victoria's Secret is too tame for you, try this British-based lingerie shop, which has a naughty twist. Showpieces include corsets, lace sets with contrast-color trim, bottoms tied with satin ribbons, and some fetish-type leather ensembles. A great selection of stockings is complemented by the garter belts to secure them.
The designs in this swoopy, gold-adorned space consistently push the fashion envelope with brash patterns, unlikely juxtapositions (tulle and neoprene), and cuts that are meant to be thought-provoking, not flattering. Architecture students come just for the interior design.
If you're after that casually glamorous Parisian vibe, look no further than Isabel Marant. Long a favorite of globe-trotting fashionistas, the tailored jackets, shorts, and flirty dresses are eclectic and sophisticated, with textured, deeply hued fabrics.
A well-chosen collection of clothes, accessories, and objects from some of the most exciting independent designers in the world is on display at this minimalist, industrial-chic boutique. Try on a hot-pink blazer from Eckaus Latta, a colorful patchwork blouse by Sophie Andes Gascon, or a classic silhouette from Paris Georgia. Zadeh's own line is also available, and she sometimes stocks flea-market finds from her travels.
This ultramodern, multilevel flagship space, designed by Rem Koolhaas, is both showpiece and showcase. It's worth wandering in to check out the oft-changing artistic display in the central open staircase, even if the luxurious clothes and accessories for men and women are out of your price range. The store stretches from Broadway to Mercer Street, with entrances at both ends.
Beloved New York–designer Rachel Comey creates cool jumpsuits, slouchy sweatshirts, wide-leg pants, and chunky mules that are highly sought after by the downtown fashion crowd. Her skylit, loft-like boutique is an oasis from the SoHo fray, where helpful staff will help you find the best style.
Parquet flooring and art deco display cases give this multilevel store an understated but chic atmosphere that perfectly matches the clothing aesthetic. The women's wear collection, done mostly in gauzy, muted colors, is on the top floor, while menswear, sportswear, Adidas by Stella McCartney, and adorable children's clothes are on the lower level. In keeping with McCartney's vegetarianism, fur and leather are verboten.
Professional stylists and celebrities head here to dig up pristine vintage items like Levi's and Azzedine Alaïa dresses, as well as Hermès scarves and Chanel jewelry. The vintage rock tees (think Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe) are great finds but can set you back eye-watering amounts of money.
Cult-favorite Japanese denim brand 45rpm's New York outpost might be pricey, but fans love the label for its attention to detail, like hand-dyed denim woven on antique looms. The T-shirts are particularly stylish, the nondenim women's wear is ethereal and cozy, and the men's shirts and blazers are elegantly tailored.
Whether you're hunting for superskinny, high-waisted, or boot-cut jeans in a dark or distressed finish, this temple to denim has it all. The jeans for men and women are long-standing favorites, but be warned: although they'll make your derriere look good, they don't come cheap. You'll also find stylish and sexy dresses here, plus sweaters and jackets for men and women.
Known simply as BAPE to devotees, this exclusive label has a cult following in its native Tokyo. The focus is a small selection of camouflage gear and bright, fun, limited-edition T-shirts for men, women, and children; the limited-edition sneakers in funky colors are scene stealers.
This hip French boutique for men and women sells deceptively simple but elegant clothes in an equally understated setting. Choose from sharply cut gabardine and corduroy suits or dark denim jeans and jackets. For women, best bets include classically styled dresses, striped sweaters, and skinny jeans.
This brand is known for its casual, preppy clothes for men, women, and kids—but brace yourself for the thumping club music and dim lighting.
Vogue darling Alexander Wang's flagship boutique is as unfussy and cool as his clothes, with artistic displays amid the racks of perfectly slouchy tank tops, sheath dresses, or edgy ankle boots.
The success of this Canadian fashion brand and retailer is reflected in having two NYC flagship stores, one in Hudson Yards, and this two-story, 12,000-square-foot emporium beside Rockefeller Center. Expect to find Aritzia's own collections of denim, active, trendy, and everyday apparel, plus a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes, and accessories from new and familiar labels.
Over five decades after Pierre Balmain opened his first New York boutique on Madison Ave., the French luxury fashion house under Creative Director Olivier Rousteing brought the brand's signature French flair back to New York with a massive store-cum-gallery-space that opened brazenly and optimistically in the height of the Pandemic. The all-black, New-York-cool, gleaming reflective interiors showcase the brand's iconic expertly-crafted ready-to-wear, bags, and accessories. Look for Rousteing’s collaboration with luxury candle brand Cire Trudon.
Although there are plenty of Banana Republic stores around the city, come to this 5th Avenue flagship for the biggest selection of the brand's classic clothing for men and women. Don't miss the Heritage collection or the big clearance racks.
The signature look here is the British company's waxed-cotton and quilted jackets, available for men and women. The tweeds, moleskin pants, lamb's-wool sweaters, and tattersall shirts also invariably call up images of country rambles.
A simple space, the Manhattan outpost of this long-standing Brooklyn-based icon has a wide selection of gently used modern and vintage clothes. Comb through the racks, and you might find pieces from Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, or AllSaints, as well as stylish items from under-the-radar labels.
The flirty, whimsical dresses at this boutique are perfect for cocktail parties. To complete the look, throw on some of the designer's colorful pumps and sharply tailored coats.
At this light-filled New York flagship, try on the iconic DVF wrap dress in myriad patterns. The blouses, shorts, and skirts are equally feminine.
Very white and very glossy, this space sets a serene background to showcase the luxe women's ready-to-wear collection along with handbags, fragrances, and accessories. If you're not in the market for an investment gown or fine jewelry, peruse the latest status bag.
It's easy to feel like an Italian movie star amid these exuberant (in every sense) clothes. Corseted dresses are a favorite; the fabric could be sheer, furred, or leopard print. Men's suits are sharp and ahead of the trends. In addition to this location, there are also boutiques dedicated exclusively to the women's and children's collections farther up Madison Avenue around East 69th St.
The New York location is one of only two U.S. outposts of Rei Kawakubo's Dover Street Market (the other is in Los Angeles, with additional stores in London, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, and Beijing). It's basically a multilevel fashion emporium: each floor has hosted mini boutiques from brands including Prada, Alaïa, and Alexander Wang, alongside less well-known designers. The seven-story building is worth a look just for the people-watching. The in-house Rose Bakery is the perfect spot to refuel with a casual lunch or brunch.
Described as "Savile Row meets Rock 'n' Roll" by GQ, Duncan Quinn provides bespoke services for everything from chalk-stripe suits to collared shirts, as well as ready-to-wear, in a shop not much bigger than its silk pocket squares. All the bespoke suits are made in New York City, and although made-to-order doesn't come cheap, the details are exquisite, with options like mother-of-pearl buttons.
If you're stumped on what to buy the man in your life, head to Dunhill. This London designer's exquisitely tailored menswear and accessories like wallets and cuff links are pricey but created to transcend trends.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
