Where to Shop Chicago: Our favourite Second City stores

Each year at WGSN, we identify emerging cities on our radar through our Style Cities report.

For 2016, we dubbed Chicago as the fashion capital of the Midwest. While the main shopping area is located in and around Michigan Avenue, we were most drawn to the independent boutique scene in smaller, emerging neighbourhoods Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square and Pilsen.

Here’s a round up of the best boutiques in Chicago:

MOTH

2008 North Damen Avenue / 1 872 802 4408

Neighbourhood: Bucktown

Curated by owner Catherine Becker, this concept shop focuses on Nordic and Japanese fashion and interior goods by emerging artists and designers.

ROBIN RICHMAN

2108 North Damen Avenue / 1 773 278 6150

Neighbourhood: Bucktown

Robin Richman stocks minimalist, one of a kind pieces by under the radar designers from all over the world.

MEYVN

2627 North Kedzie Avenue / 1 312 852 6012

Neighbourhood: Logan Square

While this high-end menswear and lifestyle shop sells well-known labels including Common Projects, Engineered Garments and Stone Island, it still has a unique point of view.

VERDANT MATTER

1152 West 18^th Street

Neighbourhood: Pilsen

Stop into Verdant Matter for some affordable plants as well as delightful ceramics, home goods and accessories.

VERY BEST VINTAGE

1346 West 18^th Street / 1 312 929 2441

Neighbourhood: Pilsen

Very Best Vintage quite literally carries some of Chicago’s very best vintage; here you will find women’s apparel, footwear and accessories dating back to the 1950s up to the 1990s.

KOKOROKOKO

1323 N Milwaukee Avenue / 1 773 252 6996

Neighbourhood: Wicker Park

Kokorokoko’s store space is as colourful as the trend-centric and iconic ‘80s and ‘90s merchandise it carries.

PENELOPE’S

1913 West Division Street / 1 773 395 2351

Neighourhood: Wicker Park

Penelope’s is Chicago’s go-to boutique for small European brands. Owned by a husband and wife duo, the store stocks quality garments with a focus on comfortable yet elevated style.

STASH

1250 N Milwaukee Avenue / 1 773 227 7743

Neighbourhood: Wicker Park

Shop an elevated selection of sneakers including limited edition exclusives.

UNA MAE’S 

1528 N Milwaukee Avenue / 1 773 276 7002

Neighbourhood: Wicker Park

This hip boutique carries contemporary brands as well as vintage clothing ideal for young men and juniors. Be sure to catch the sale room on the second floor and the vintage merchandise in the basement.

UNISON

1911 West Division Street / 1 773 227 3180

Neighbourhood: Wicker Park

Here you will find rare, modern home goods and gifts you won’t find at larger commercial stores.

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