Like food, the music scene, comedy, and craft beers, Portland is internationally known for being fashion-forward and its local boutiques, which strive for sustainable, eco-friendly style. If you appreciate looking good, don’t miss these hot spots.
WOMEN’S FASHION
TOP PICK: Una
The women’s fashion found here is of super-fine quality—but the pieces are also conversation starters, often so exquisite you could nail them to a wall. This is where you go to find clothing that is consistently and literally remarkable. Owner Giovanna Parolari takes a global approach to her selections, with a great representation from Europe (the detail-rich, colorful French-made knits of Catherine Andre are a favorite) mixed with cult-y American lines (A Détacher, Maryam Nassir Zadeh), notable Japanese brands (like Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please), and carefully vetted local designs (Kate Towers, Alexa Stark). 922 SE Ankeny, unanegozio.com
ALSO DON’T MISS:
Stand Up Comedy (511 SW Broadway). Boutique shopping meets conceptual art, with the edgiest and most androgynous tendencies in town.
Le Souk Le Souk (820 NW 23rd). If you’re into rich textiles and a globetrotting boho vibe, this shop specializes in just that.
Palace (2205 E Burnside). The racks here are helpfully arranged by color, and feature a blend of chic, casual vintage, and new styles.
West End Select Shop (927 SW Oak). Relaxed, of-the-moment pieces, with a section devoted to the vintage Levi’s of your dreams.
Imogene + Willie (1306 W Burnside). When you want to break them in yourself, this specialty denim shop’s American-made jeans seem to nail fit every time.
SHOES
TOP PICK: Halo
Founded in 1999, Halo Shoes is basically the grandfather of Portland’s shoe scene. They’ve stuck it out while other shops have come and gone, and no other specialty shoe store has ever matched them in terms of their combined pedigree and selection. They have Chloés, which will make your heart sing and your bank account shudder, but also moderately priced collections like French clog company Bosabo and American classic Red Wing. Plus their healthy sale section is a goldmine of deep discounts. 938 NW Everett, haloshoes.com
ALSO DON’T MISS:
The Annex (4018 N Mississippi). This spinoff of the Animal Traffic mini-empire tends to be boot-heavy—don’t miss the custom jobs by White’s Boots—but the longer they’re around, the more they’re diversifying, with plenty of representation on the moderately priced side.
Frances May (1003 SW Washington). Shoes are far from the only thing happening at this bigger-than-average boutique, but the shoe wall is mad-decent: It’s ground zero for Rachel Comey, Common Projects, Robert Clergerie, Acne, Dieppa Restrepo, A.P.C., Golden Goose, and more.
Manifesto Shoes (3806 N Mississippi) & pedX (2005 NE Alberta). Lots of clogs and other cute options from brands like Coclico and Tretorn that won’t hit you in the wallet too hard.
Imelda’s & Louie’s (3426 SE Hawthorne). Wide, diverse selections for men and women—you’re practically guaranteed to see stuff you love and stuff you hate—plus it’s a good source for stocking up on hosiery.
HalfPint (3920 N Mississippi). These guys specialize in various vintage leather accessories, but boots are their backbone, and they’re finding all the good ones.
MEN’S FASHION
TOP PICK: Machus
Machus is a store some might find polarizing. And while men may not agree with all of their lines, the large selection of John Elliott and Won Hundred are definitely on point and will keep you coming back for more. Plus Machus has its own line of T-shirts and sweatshirts, which are washed with a silicon finish that makes them extra soft—like a vintage tee. 542 E Burnside, machusonline.com
ALSO DON’T MISS:
Compound (107 NW 5th). Here’s what you’ll get at Compound: Herschel backpacks, a selection of sneakers you won’t find at the Nike store, and a whole floor filled with UNDFTD and Stüssy. The store also has its own line of tees, jackets, hats, and more that are made in Portland proper, and they’re unisex!
Danner (1022 W Burnside). The place to shop for bearded men who use pomade. We’re saying that as fans.
Animal Traffic (various locations, animaltrafficpdx.com). Carrying lines like Schott, Filson, and Red Wing, this new and vintage store makes men’s lives easier if they’re in need of something new and hip to wear, with great customer service, too.
Frances May (1003 SW Washington). While it might be out of most Portlanders’ budgets, don’t miss their vast selection of APC denim.
VINTAGE
TOP PICK: Palace
This is one of the first vintage stores of its kind in Portland, and features a highly curated selection that blends in lifestyle components from featured independent manufacturers. Palace seems to imbue the entire store with a unique vision, which makes it a really special store with lots of beautiful things. 2205 E Burnside, palacestore.com
ALSO DON’T MISS:
Rock & Rose (616 E Burnside). A great store for both men and women of the rocker persuasion, fully stocked with vintage and handmade goods.
Red Light Clothing Exchange (3590 SE Hawthorne). Arguably the most famous vintage store in Portland with an ample stock for men and women.
Workshop Vintage (4011 N Williams). Beautifully curated vintage apparel and accessories with some killer handmade goods as well.
JEWELRY
TOP PICK: Gem Set Love
They have a HUGE selection of vintage and new engagement rings and wedding bands, and their knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you find that perfect ring you will wear every day for however long you happen to be married. They also have an equally huge selection of constantly rotating vintage and antique jewelry, as well as selections from small studio designers. 720 NW 23rd, gemsetlove.com
ALSO DON’T MISS:
Altar (3279 SE Hawthorne). This shop has so many different kinds of jewelry—everything from understated and pretty, to big and witchy.
Betsy & Iya (2403 NW Thurman). A longtime staple in the Portland jewelry scene, they make all of their jewelry in the back of their store, and also carry accessories and jewelry from other curated brands.
Cassidy (3562 SE Hawthorne). This shop also has a wide variety of jewelry from vendors across the country at every price point, and it’s a great place for gifts.
BAGS
TOP PICK: Ellington
Ellington is a one-stop-shopping kind of place when it comes to bags. They have everything from cross bodies, hobos, totes, and wallets in a wide variety of styles and colors. All styles have lots of pockets, and these things are built to LAST. Add in their specialty leather finishes and you’ve got a company that customers love. 1211 NW 23rd, ellingtonhandbags.com
ALSO DON’T MISS:
Black Star Bags (2033 SE Hawthorne). This is the place for all of your waterproof bike bags needs, and they make everything in-house.
Queen Bee (3961 N Williams). Another great place to get locally produced, waterproof bike bags, but of the more feminine variety. They also carry diaper bags from their offshoot Chickpea Baby brand.
North St. Bags (2716 SE 23rd). Yet another in-house-produced waterproof bike bag brand, which also sells great duffels, laptop cases, tool rolls, and pouches.
