The best women's clothing stores in Chicago

Female trendsetters of all ages rave about Krista K’s impressive collection of women’s clothing—including an entire level of denim from premium brands like J.Brand and AG Adriano, ($190 and up). Plus, Rag & Bone parkas ($595), A.L.C. sweaters ($395) and other seasonal items you probably don't need, but really, really want. The well-edited selection usually guarantees a positive, albeit expensive, wardrobe-altering experience.

It’s not surprising that this two-room hot spot has thrived in the finicky Lincoln Park neighborhood for more than 20 years. Bath and body products, vases, funky wine glass sets and tons of other presents for brides-to-be, moms-to-be and the hostess-who-has-everything can be found in the front room. In the back, you'll find racks of comfy sweaters from brands like Velvet ($104+), plus Henry & Belle denim ($154+) and plenty of Dogeared jewelry ($42+).

The first city outpost for this La Grange-based boutique, Vintage Charm boasts an indie Anthropologie vibe with its vintage-inspired items. Selection includes popular labels like Free People, BB Dakota, and Kendra Scott. Plus, you'll find an impressive array of gifts for pretty much any lady in your life—knick-knacks, housewares, jewelry and even greeting cards.

In a collective quest for designer shoes at affordable prices, stylish women perilously navigate this Lincoln Park boutique's thigh-high stacks of shoeboxes. Discounts on brands like BCBG and Jeffrey Campbell make battling the crowd worth the exertion. 

This chic Lincoln Park boutique stocks only fresh, one-of-a-kind pieces handpicked by owner Kelli Jones. The shop is well organized and offers trendy clothing as well as jewelry ranging from $100–$300 in a sleek, loft-like space.

This charming shop is known for stocking tiny designer labels, many from New York’s hippest enclaves. The standout line in the boutique, though, is co-owners Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo’s, which is also named Eskell. The duo also organizes designer sample sales.

Head to Lincoln Park to browse this refined boutique, filled with high-end clothing and accessories. Women will find fashion for every occassion—feminine dresses by McQ Alexander McQueen, Equipment blouses, Nocturne statement jewelry—while men can pick up 7 Diamonds lumberjack shirts, henleys from Vince and more.

Second only to Bloomingdale's, Handle With Care features one of the city’s best selections of upscale designers like Shoshanna, Joie, Missoni and Amanda Uprichard. But don’t let the designer duds intimidate you—the salespeople in this two-room boutique are consistantly helpful, laid-back and friendly. For a great gift or finishing touch, the fancy yet functional selection of jewelry and handbags rounds things out.

Not even a year into their business, Lindsay Segal and Brielle Buchberg moved their shopping operation into a new street-level storefront. Loyal customers love the perennial part of the business—going to customers’ homes to pick up mostly high-end vintage consignment pieces—but these vintage hunters and gatherers upped the ante: Monday through Friday, shoppers can drop by the storefront to browse a far larger selection of clothing and accessories than what’s available on the ladies’ eBay shop. Plus, it’s not all vintage. A third of the inventory includes deeply discounted overstock from shops around the country.

This off-the-beaten-path vintage shop stocks plenty of looks from the groovy 1970s and beyond. All resale items are less than $100, including a large selection of cowboy boots. You'll always find a treasure at this quirky Wicker Park establishment.