The Boston look: What is it? Well, to summarize it as an author from the West, it’s denim for days, matching sweat-sets, puffer vests paired with quarter-zips and, of course, an Aritzia Super Puff. Below are five top local businesses whose items resemble “Boston fashion,” so if you come to visit or just moved, you can get to know the city a bit better by going on a fashion hunt.
Opal and Oak
Located on the iconic Newbury Street, Opal and Oak has curated a line of clothing that has fresh and high-quality pieces perfect for an incoming Boston girlie. This boutique sells adorable summer dresses like the Lemon Square Mini dress for a nice summer day walking around the North End or for your Instagram feed. Boston’s winters are a doozy, but Opal and Oak has buyers covered with its collection of sweaters, including the Asha sweater, a quarter-zip which comes in navy blue and beige. Every Boston girl has to incorporate a quarter-zip into her closet.
East Coast Ivy Boutique
Want a good pair of denim jeans that will last a lifetime and scream East Coast girl? Based in Beacon Hill, East Coast Ivy Boutique has you covered. Though on the pricier side with a small in-store collection, the boutique captures the trends in Boston. Shop here for co-op outfits that are professional and high-end. The wow factor of this store is its jeans; they are perfectly fitted, buttery smooth and, most importantly, stretchy, turning any “standing jeans” into a comfortable “sitting jean.” Many Bostonians wear dark or light wash jeans, so look no further than the Mia High Rise Wide Leg by Joe’s Jeans. For a light shirt for summer and fall, check out the Full Bloom Cami Eyelet Top by Free People.
Select Thrift Markets
Select Thrift Markets is a vintage popup event occurring every couple weeks in various locations where selected vendors come in from all over Massachusetts to sell curated thrifted finds. Most recently, a market was held in the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.
At these markets, buyers can find different brands of vintage sweatshirts, jeans, jewelry, dresses and even cameras. They are sold at varying prices from from $5 to up to $500, the most expensive pieces being vintage designer pieces ranging from Carhartt to Stüssy.
Bostonians sport denim and black leather jackets year-round, but they can sometimes get quite pricey from chain stores. Shoppers at Select can get the same pieces for less while supporting local small businesses.
Covet
If you want to find brand names all year round or even sell your items to make a bit of cash, head to Covet. Across four locations in Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the South End, sellers can drop off their unwanted clothes for Covet to sort, selecting items to be sold in store. If an item is purchased, the seller gets 40% of the revenue. This system makes it an amazing win-win scenario for both buyers and sellers. For incoming tourists or “Boston transplants,” Covet is perfect because you can literally buy what Bostonians are wearing.
Covet sells designer items like Gucci and Chanel and casual items from stores like Levi’s, Aritzia, Lululemon, Alo, Anthropologie and more. Covet also sells handbags and jewelry and has bins with items listed at $5.
The Garment District
The Garment District is a contemporary thrift store in Cambridge, only a short walk from the Kendall/MIT Red Line stop. The Garment District primarily sells Y2K and vintage pieces, curating styles from the 1950s all the way to current fashion trends. Unique to The Garment District, the store also has a Halloween selection that shares space with Boston Costume, which offers fantastic costumes and accessories for Halloween or a themed party. Halloween is a big deal among Bostonians, so to be the best dressed on the holiday, head over to the joint location. The Garment District also has affordable events on weekends, where it offers certain clothes at $2 per pound.
Though Boston does have a certain look, it is always important to incorporate your own personal style. If you know how to mix and match, each of these stores can certainly fit any look you desire.
