Fashion Forward: Durham Style Guide

Whether dinner at Nanas, checking out the scene at The Durham, dancing at The Fruit, or a show at Carolina Theatre are on your to-do list, blending into the crowd is not on the agenda. Durham's boutiques are here for you to bypass the same old uniform and hit the town looking fresh on any size budget.

Discover Durham connected with Meghan Grant, creator and writer of the Triangle-based blog I'm Fixin' To, to help you shop locally for the newest trends, accessories and classic pieces. Here’s her list of places to shop in Durham to look fabulous from head to toe.

Women's Clothing Boutiques in Durham

Smitten Boutique

2702 Hillsborough Rd.

This boutique offers stylish clothes and accessories for women, and they do it with a sense of humor and sass. Need some fashion tips? They kindly offer style options to help you visualize outfits and suggestions on what to pair them with.

Tigress

2302 Chapel Hill Rd.

Step into the artful, boutique experience that is Tigress. Featuring small brands and eco-conscious, sustainable companies, this shop has a highly curated selection. At Tigress, you can find everything from bags and hats to soaps and candles. It's a great place to find a gift for a friend or a piece that perfectly expresses your personality.

Rose & Lee Collective

213 W. Main St. A

A clothing, accessory and gifts boutique, Rose & Lee has a diverse selection for shoppers to peruse. This store prioritizes elevating the stories of the brands they feature while creating a community of thoughtful patrons. With clothing, accessories and gifts for women, children and even pets, Rose & Lee is a must-stop shop downtown.

Vert & Vogue

353 W. Main St.

Nadira and Ryan Hurley have created a beautiful business in downtown Durham featuring mindfully made designs and personal styling. Their shop offers a carefully curated collection of clothing, accessories, shoes and home goods in a bright, welcoming environment. Check out their seasonally refreshed collections to prep for formal occasions, casual affairs and stylish settings.

Men's Clothing Boutiques in Durham

Jada's Men's Accessories

2699 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

Owned by couple James and Wendy Abram, Jada's Men's Accessories provides customers with a personal shopping experience. Insisting on high quality garments and accessories, from the fabrics to the craftsmanship, every item in the store is sure to impress.

Shops for Jewelry and Accessories in Durham

The Artisan Market at 305

305 E. Chapel Hill St.

Your search for stunning pieces of handmade jewelry and other accessories stops here. The Artisan Market at 305 features the work of over 45 local artists from North Carolina and offers custom work in a reasonable amount of time. You will love looking at all their items especially their jewelry collection full of both traditional pieces and bright and funky pieces.

Atelier N Fine Jewelry

1914 Perry St.

Atelier N Fine Jewelry offers a variety of fine jewelry, including rare gems and original commissioned pieces. They bring fresh, sophisticated interpretations to classic designs with their personal touch. The gold bar necklace pictured is a perfect layering piece that would be a staple for years to come.

Cecy's Gallery & Studios

417 Foster St.

Whether you love to rock bright patterns or neutral colors, tight or loose fit, funky or classic touches, they've got something in your style. Swing on over for clothing, jewelry, accessories and more.

Clarity Piercing

313 W. Main St.

Clarity Piercing is Durham's only single-use piercing studio. Committed to a safe, pleasant piercing experience that is also ec0-friendly, all tools at this shop are recycled. With a diverse selection of gem settings and designs, all made with high-quality materials, Clarity Piercing delivers a superb experience for all of its patrons.

Jewelsmith

2200 W. Main St., Suite A

If you’re in the market for innovative, hand-crafted fine jewelry, look no further. Jewelsmith's goal is to combine world-class jewelry design with hometown approachability. They create innovative custom jewelry work and provide a fun and unique shopping experience.

Hamilton Hill Jewelry

905 W. Main St. Brightleaf Square Courtyard

Located in Brightleaf Square, Hamilton Hill is the perfect shop for custom-made jewelry and staple pieces that will last for years to come. Work one-on-one with their in-store goldsmith to create the jewelry you have been dreaming of. Make sure to give Billie, the shop pup, a pet when you visit.

Mad Kicks

114 E. Main St.

Mad Kicks is Durham's go-to spot to buy, sell and trade sneakers. Here, you can find the latest releases as well as pre-owned rare gems. Beyond sneakers, Mad Kicks also sells a unique selection of streetwear. Whether you're a certified sneaker head, or just looking for a new pair of stylish shoes, Mad Kicks has you covered.

Ovando Fashion Western Wear

307 Foushee St.

Head over to Ovando for all your Western wear needs. Sift through this shop for 100% Mexican-made boots, western shirts, hats and more. Bring along the whole family because men, women and children can all find boots here.

Durham Merchandise Shops

Hometown Apparel

738 9th St.

This woman-owned business is the place to shop for all Bull City-themed items that highlight the experiences, culture and stories that make Durham unique. You will turn heads in these shirts, sweatshirts and tanks while showing your support for Durham.

Vintage Clothing Sellers in Durham

Gibson Girl Vintage

1001 W. Chapel Hill St.

If you love a vintage find, head over to Gibson Girl Vintage. You can easily spend hours sifting through their items and searching for unique, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. They have a little of everything and all of their items are in excellent condition.

Mode Consignment Boutique

1000 W. Main St.

Mode is a great store for beautiful, upscale resale pieces and purchasing resale is a great way to help the environment. Whether you’re looking to update your clothing, your accessories, or your shoes, you can always find treasures here. Head over soon though, because their items move fast.

More tips on Durham's best shops –