Oh Wellington, you certainly are the capital of all things cool. This city utterly spoils us for choice when it comes to things to see, eat, drink, do—and most importantly shop. From concept stores to luxury multi-brand retailers, here are the best boutiques in Wellington to find a unique addition to your wardrobe or a memento of a Wellingtonian getaway. Get ready to pop those tags.
No 16
Jessie Street
Covetable and contemporary pieces from the worlds’ best luxury brands find a chic little home at No 16. Season upon season, this boutique is like a fine fashion museum that boasts curated picks from Acne Studios, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garcons, Dries Van Noten and Issey Miyake. Not only that, but vintage treasure hunters can find these brands alongside others in the store’s range of pre-loved pieces.
Good as Gold
Victoria Street
More than just one of the best boutiques in Wellington, Good as Gold is an institution. Friendly service, curated styles and a sneaker wall to rival any other, make this multi-brand boutique a must visit for any fashion lover. But it doesn’t stop there, collaborations, parties and exhibitions are all a part of the Good as Gold life, making it a hub for all things cool and creative.
ENA
Ghunzee Street
ENA is the Wellington’s home for all things chic, contemporary and creative. Here you’ll find a handpicked edit of pieces from covetable brands like Yu Mei, Maggie Marilyn, Paris Georgia, Shjark, Jasmin Sparrow and Mina—as well as a stellar assortment of vintage goodies sourced all the way from California. As the most covetable destination for womenswear, jewellery, beauty and leathergoods among other treasures, it’s incredibly easy to spend endless hours (and dollars) in this store.
Hurricane Denim
Willis Street
If you’re on the prowl for a fresh set of jeans or the ingredients to a double denim getup, Hurricane Denim is your go-to. Levis, Neuw, Superdry, Huffer and Wrangler are just some of the big-shot denim names that you’ll find lining this boutique’s sky-high shelves of jeans. More than just one of the best boutiques in Wellington for all things denim, you’ll find a sweet selection of quality casual threads and accessories in store too.
Rex Royale
Lombard Street
With beautiful interiors and highly-curated clothing racks, you’d be forgiven for thinking this boutique is another one of Wellington’s cool art galleries. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to love about Rex Royale, from its ethos of promoting ethical and sustainable fashion, right through to the lust-worthy pieces lining the racks. Here you’ll find chic, casual and even corporate pieces from local brands Blacklist, Two by Two and Bone & Arrow, as well as a sweet range of accessories.
Mandatory
Ghunzee Street
Popping in to this Wellington boutique should be, well, mandatory, upon every trip to the capital. Seriously, it's an absolute mecca for all things menswear. Here you’ll find the local label’s range of sartorial essentials for the modern man, from suits to outerwear, right through to leathergoods and eyewear. Not only that, but Mandatory is also one of the best boutiques in Wellington to get custom made pieces made—in their very own on-site workspace, nonetheless.
The Service Depot
Ghunzee Street
The Service Depot is a minimalistic gem among the Ghunzee Street boutique precinct. This boutique’s stark, black and white, scandi-chic interior makes for the perfect setting in which to flick through racks of perfectly curated pieces by local and international brands. Here you’ll find the likes of homegrown labels Company of Strangers, Jason Lingard, Ovna Ovich and Nom*D gracing the racks, as well as international designers like Annitian, Baggu and Eatable of Many Orders.
Madame Fancy Pants
Cuba Street
There’s absolutely no shortage of things of all things cute and dainty at this Cuba Street gem. And with a name like that, what could one expect? At Madame Fancy Pants you’ll find a super sweet assortment of clothes, jewellery, stationery, beauty and wellness goodies as well as knick-knacks to spruce up your space. As one of the best boutiques in Wellington to find giftware for a special someone (as well as your self, of course,) you’ll be popping cute things in your shopping basket left right and centre.
Ruby
Old Bank Arcade
Local sweetheart label Ruby has set up shop in one of the most beautiful locations in Wellington. Tucked away in the gorgeous Old Bank Arcade heritage building, Ruby’s Wellington boutique is the picture of pretty; with high ceilings, touches of blush and racks filled with the brand’s incredibly pretty clothes, bags and accessories. Trust us when we say that there’s no popping into this boutique without walking out with a bag or two in tow.
Ready to peruse the pre-loved racks? Pop in to one of Wellington's Best Vintage Stores.
Image credit: Ruby