“I only like boutiques.” - Jane Birkin

Is there anything better than the thrill of finding a stunning piece at your favorite boutique?

We certainly don’t think so.

Because our team loves a good boutique we thought we'd share our guide to the top 15 best online boutiques for women. But first, let’s understand what exactly is a boutique? How did boutiques originate? And, where did boutiques get their start?

What is a boutique?

Boutiques offer custom clothing and accessories, typically in limited quantities, which allow customers to create a sense of individuality in their personal style. Boutiques are more specialized than mass retailers in their product offerings and designs, focusing their attention on mastering a niche selection of products. Think celebrities! Many celebrities choose to shop at high-end designer boutiques in search of custom pieces that will complement their unique image. It’s much less likely that you’d see a style icon like Olivia Palermo or Katie Holmes shopping at a mass retailer where styles are produced in large quantities, and therefore a lot of people will be wearing those pieces. Despite the popularity of designer boutiques among celebrities, boutiques come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, and they are the perfect place to add one-of-a-kind pieces to your wardrobe.

History of a Boutique

The word “boutique” is French for “shop” and the concept originated in Paris as early as the 1920s. Across Europe “concept stores” (aka boutiques) emphasized the importance of giving customers personal attention and catering to their individual needs. High-profile designers and fashion brands observed how successful boutiques became and began opening their own specialized shops. By the 1960s, boutiques had reached the United Kingdom, which boasted some of the most fashionable concept stores in all of Europe. Quick to follow this trend were American boutiques like Tiffany & Company and Urban Outfitters.

15 Best Online Boutiques for Women

Here’s a list of our favorite boutiques and why we love them.

1. Vici

Why we love them:

• New stuff every day + daily drops
• Free shipping and they always have a 20% off discount code
• They are the perfect sweet spot for quality and price

2. Red Dress Boutique

Why we love them:

• Great selection of a variety of pieces
• Items are reasonably priced 
• They also carry some high-end designers

3. 12th Tribe

Why we love them:

• Trendy, fun things to try
• Good place to buy something festive or a statement piece
• Easy and affordable way to step out of your comfort zone to buy something different

4. Hemline

Why we love them: 

• Multiple locations
• You can shop directly from each location's Instagram
• Fashion-forward inventory

5. Lulus

Why we love them:

• Free shipping over $50+ on all orders
• Free return shipping within 7 days of arriving
• Lana's go-to place to buy event dresses

6. Yellow the Label

Why we love them:

• They have really cute outfit sets
• They offer upcycled pieces + sustainable fabrics
• 30-day return policy 

7. Petal + Pup

Why we love them: 

• Exclusively online and headquartered in Australia
• Small boutique feel that only has what you want so don't have to sift through a lot of extra stuff
• Good quality pieces that run true-to-size
• Sophisticated style

8. Mesh

Why we love them:

• They have the latest trends at an affordable price
• Online or 2 store fronts located in Nebraska
• Great for game days or when you want to feel trendy

9. Hello Molly

Why we love them:

• Wide selection of party dresses
• Some dressed are skimpy, but sometimes that’s exactly what you’re going for
• Order a couple different sizes to get sizing right
• Free shipping over $100+ and express shipping available for a reasonable price

10. Tuckernuck

Why we love them:

• Preppy and classic style
• High quality, slightly higher price points
• Shipping can take awhile sometimes
• Quality items that will last for years

11. Pomp and Circumstance

Why we love them:

• They carry an array of fun colors and prints
• Houston, Texas based but they ship everywhere
• They always have accessories and shirts for the season (IE: fun halloween shirts with fun statement earrings).
• When Houston rodeo comes to town they always have a lot of cowboy bling, boots, etc.
• Great selection of accessories

12. Hazel & Olive

Why we love them:

• Southern charm vibe meets party girl
• Fun clothes that make you feel happy
• Same-day free shipping to Texas on all orders
• Statement pieces, not a lot of staples
• Includes a return shipping label for convenience and easily removes $10 from your credit card

13. Valentines

Why we love them:

• Their Austin, Texas storefront is beautiful
• They have a huge selection of designer clothes (Golden goose, luxury skin care, etc.)
• They also have an online shop
• Everything is quality

14. Revolve

Why we love them:

• High prices, low prices and everything in between
• You can’t beat their free 2-day shipping and free return shipping
• There's something for everyone with a huge selection of basics, dresses, shoes, etc.
• Great customer service
• They carry up-and-coming designers

15. Victoria Dunn Design

Why we love them:

• Southern coastal style
• Partners with multiple studios in Jaipur, India to use block printing, which is a traditional printing method used in India
• They works alongside female artisans in Peru and Columbia to create handwoven accessories
• Beautiful one of a kind prints

Do you need help putting your outfit together?

Whether you're a busy mom on the go, in need of versatile outfits that can handle everything from playdates to meetings, or a woman who wants to express her one-of-a-kind style with confidence, our personal styling services are designed just for you.

Contact us here to get started with a personal stylist!

 

 

“Boutiques - History, Description, Merits, Demerits.” BrainKart, www.brainkart.com/article/Boutiques_37523/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2023.

Peters, Bridgot. “History of Boutiques.” Quora, Dec. 2017, turnoutboutique.quora.com/History-of-Boutiques#:~:text=clothing%20and%20accessories.-,Boutiques%20originated%20in%20Paris%20as%20early%20as%20the%201920%27s%20where,small%20brick%20and%20mortar%20establishments.

Snuggs, Carla. “The History and Evolution of Boutique Clothing Stores.” Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog, 20 Apr. 2023, www.poshbeautyblog.com/fashion-and-style/2023/4/20/the-history-and-evolution-of-boutique-clothing-stores.