While it might be tempting to go on a shopping spree through the mainstream clothing stores on Broadway, take advantage of the city’s unique fashion landscape, where you can both browse through quirky boutiques without the pressure to purchase and splurge on unique findings. If you’re looking to expand your wardrobe without destroying the environment or the fashion market, check out these independent stores to begin cultivating a unique, ethically-sourced style. Some shops are more affordable than others, but the ones that aren’t cheap are worth the investment.
Mure + Grand | $
155 Spring St.
Local women-owned boutique Mure + Grand is a celebration of love. Its collection consists entirely of vibrant clothes and handmade specialty items such as apparel, jewelry, sunglasses and bags. Mure + Grand leaves no part of its brand without color, encouraging shoppers to “explore the pink magic” with pastel cardigans and bright graphics. While it has locations all across Manhattan, the closest store to campus is in SoHo, where you can conveniently buy a new pink New York sweatshirt ($54) or a tomato claw clip ($18), whether you need one or not. For those searching to add a pop of pastels into their closet, shop at this local boutique well within a college student’s budget.
Rue Dix Brooklyn | $$
1453 Bedford Ave.
In proper New York fashion, this Black-owned boutique in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights started as a Senegalese-Parisian style cafe in 2013 from married co-owners Nilea Alexander and Lamine Diagne, and has since expanded into a versatile brand — encompassing a restaurant, salon, clothing shop and studio. Its clothing is inspired by the vibrant fashions of Diagne’s childhood streets in Pikine, Senegal. Rue Dix Brooklyn sells its own line of apparel alongside vintage wear the team has collected, as well as items from other independent designers. The original Rue Dix collection was inspired by Alexander’s love for vintage, artisanal clothing and Senegalese jewelry, but is now a creative expression of the brand’s spirit. From hoodies to baseball caps, each item is unique to Rue Dix Brooklyn and reps the brand logo.
Cloak & Dagger | $$$
334 E. Ninth St.
This women-owned and French-inspired boutique offers clothes made to stand the test of time, composed of durable materials such as melton wool, cotton, linen and rayon. Cloak & Dagger’s items incorporate vintage French and Italian fashion styles from the mid-20th century — decades that served as inspiration for founder and designer Brookelynn Starnes-Statland. Inside the East Village store is a small yet diverse collection, including the Camille Gingham Mini Dress ($148) and the Charli Knit Button Up Top ($149), among which are pieces perfect for your upcoming job interview or coffee chat. The store also features a handful of accessories, like a red and white polka dot silk scarf ($98), along with household items like cookbooks and candles. Cloak & Dagger restocks with new vintage clothes every few weeks.
DOORS NYC | $$$
425 W. Broadway
DOORS became a permanent PR showroom in 2022 after opening as a pop-up the previous year. On the outside, it may look like your classic SoHo boutique, but the inside — lined with checkerboard wallpaper and fluffy clouds — is a fever dream of fashion. Perusing between clothing racks to get a sense of DOORS’ bold styles, and you might find a black and red embroidered corset or a pair of rainbow snow boots decorated with a map of California. Wedged between luxury stores like Chanel and Gucci, DOORS makes you feel like you’re walking onto the set of “The Devil Wears Prada,” where every look is carefully curated and eccentric. With its PR showroom, the brand aims to give edgy and innovative designers like Elsa Nilaj and Circular Path a chance to connect with brands, build their media presence and hopefully get on the New York Fashion Week runway. Though prices aren’t thrift store-level low, your purchases support sustainable business practices and could help make a small designer’s dream come true.
Contact Alessa Alluin at [email protected].