Sure, shopping online is the ultimate convenience. Even so, clicking and scrolling will never be quite the same as the real-world thrill of unearthing treasures from specialised boutiques and concept stores.
As well as being able to test the more tactile side of potential fashion buys (the stretch of jersey, smooth of leather and softness of a cotton tee), you can also test the cut, try things on and, basically, be in the moment. Lined with the latest collections and hard-to-find labels pieced together by stylists, buyers, and fashion pros—these are Sydney’s best boutiques to indulge in some real-life fashion mayhem.
Above The Clouds
Surry Hills
Lining the walls of this special streetwear boutique are kicks from Nike, adidas Originals, Vans, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, and Converse. At Above The Clouds, you’ll also find rarer labels like Golf Le Fleur and vegan staples like Vega. The clothes at Above The Clouds are equally as excellent as the kicks—expect a big collection of tees from skater label Butter Goods, Dutch artist Pieter Janseen’s label By Parra, Guess Green Label, Patagonia, Lazy Oaf, P.E Nation, and more. Check it out here.
Belinda
Double Bay
If it’s designer and luxury labels that you are after, you can’t go past shopping at Belinda. Originally opening their doors in 1992, their staff are highly knowledgeable and well-versed in designer trends and international brands. Stocking a curated collection of both big-name designers and boutique labels, including Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten, Khaite, Nili Lotan, and The Row, you'll be sure to get your high-end fashion fix. Check it out here.
China Town Country Club
CBD
Quickly becoming one of the fashion set's favourite Sydney boutiques since opening its doors in early 2022, Chinatown Country Club is truly an experiential shopping experience. Not only will you be won over by their super-cool lineup of brands on offer, but the store's interior aesthetics, in-house cafe, and reading library make it the kind of boutique you wish you could move into. This relaxed vibe is also helped by the store's super-friendly staff who are more than happy to let you take your time to browse as well as assist with any styling needs. Check it out here.
Coco And Lola
Double Bay and Manly
Loved by fashion girlies everywhere, Coco And Lola has made a name for itself as a go-to boutique for finding the perfect outfit or piece when you’re crunched for time. With a brand lineup that includes everything from Anna Quan and Bec + Bridge to Shona Joy and Sir The Label, one visit to this boutique allows you the opportunity to shop all of your favourite brands under one easy (and very pretty) roof. Check it out here.
Desordre
Darlinghurst and Bondi Beach
Beneath the glow of a pink neon sign, Desordre is a pint-sized boutique packed with party looks from international and local designers. From the bejewelled looks of cult NYC-based label AREA, to Michael Lo Sordo's sexy cut-outs, Dion Lee corsets, and Sophia Webster's magical mules, if you're looking to stand out in party season, Desordre should be your go-to. Check it out here.
Em on Holiday And Double Rainbouu
Paddington
Teaming up under one roof, cult Sydney labels Double Rainbouu and Holiday the Label joined forces to open this shared flagship store on Sydney’s Oxford Street. Filled to the brim with both labels' cool, colourful, and not-so-serious aesthetic, we can almost guarantee you won’t walk away from this boutique empty-handed, but the store's interior is worth a visit for the funky vibe alone. Check it out here.
GANNI
CBD
Located in the heart of the CBD, and neighbouring one of our other favourite shopping destinations, Incu, this boutique is not only a flagship store for Sydney, but the first GANNI store to open in Australia. While GANNI-girls previously had to get their fix online, shopping the brand IRL is a true experience thanks to both the on-trend interior design and hands-on customer experience. Check it out here.
Golden Goose
CBD and Bondi Junction
While our shores were long awaiting a dedicated Golden Goose store, Sydney is now home to two boutiques: the first located in Sydney’s CBD and a second outpost at Bondi Junction. The perfect addition to your sneaker wardrobe, the famed brand stocks its usual line-up of contemporary sneakers, as well as regularly dropping limited-edition releases that are only available to shop in-store. Both Golden Goose stores offer Golden Goose's extra special "Co Curation Experience", where you're able to fully customise your kicks and streetwear in-store. Check it out here.
Harrold's
CBD
Harrold's is what all department stores should aim to be. Even if you're not ready to drop some serious cash on the latest from Off-White, Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Dior, Heron Preston, Stone Island, Fear of God, Lardini, and lots, lots more—a visit to Harrold's just to browse is still absolutely worth it. It's a maze of rooms dedicated to the most hyped high-end labels in the world right now; you can also shop extra special fragrances from Creed and Tom Ford, and the style concierge service has you covered for made-to-measure suits, personal styling, and even weddings. Check it out here.
Haulier
Paddington
If you've found yourself walking along Oxford Street, then it’s likely you’ve already spotted the Haulier store's retro 70s aesthetic. This petite flagship stocks the brand's signature utility totes (perfect for travelling or gifting), as well as an edited range of their resort wear collection, which includes everything from beach-ready button-downs to sailing shorts and unisex tees. Check it out here.
Incu
Rosebery, Paddington, and CBD
Filled with cult labels for both men and women that are otherwise hard to find in Australia, Incu is a favourite haunt for stylish Sydneysiders. Relaxed and minimalist is the main thread at Incu, being a stockist of labels like A.P.C, Rag & Bone, and Comme des Garçons Play. Among the quiet labels, however, you will find more avant-garde looks from the likes of Paloma Wool, Simone Rocha, and Alexander Wang too. Incu also stocks footwear and a neat edit of homewares. Check it out here.
Maggie Marilyn
Paddington
The recently opened Maggie Marilyn store is the first international boutique for the New Zealand-born label, and we thank our lucky stars every day that it opened on our home turf. Providing the perfect opportunity to experience all the brand has to offer, the beautifully renovated store is a calm, chic, and welcoming shopping experience that ensures you’ll want to visit again and again. Check it out here.
Maison Essentiele
Paddington
Thanks to the brand's flagship store that recently opened at the Intersection in Paddington, you’ll now be able to head in-store to get your Maison Essentiele fix. Designing sophisticated sleep and loungewear that can also play double-duty out of the house (and on holiday), this brand is our go-to for everything from luxurious silk sets to coordinating separates and chic slips. Check it out here.
Mode Sportif
Double Bay and Mosman
Stocking a mix of hard-to-find international labels alongside much-loved local brands, Mode Sportif is the perfect boutique to head to when you’re looking for some wardrobe inspiration or in need of some styling support. Brands include Rixo, Beare Park, LouLou Studio, and Bernadette, and covers everything from occasion wear to shoes and accessories. Check it out here.
Maple Store
Newtown and Balmain
If you’re the type that likes quality without being flashy, Maple is your style mecca. Packed with casual get-up for guys and girls, Maple is a go-to for denim staples and stylish outdoorsy pieces from the likes of Patagonia, Levi’s, RM Williams, Assembly Label, and Saturdays NYC. You’ll also find a selection of Lonely Label’s iconic lingerie and the latest from one of our favourite Melbourne labels: Permanent Vacation. Check it out here.
Nolm
CBD
NOLM stands for "No One Like Me"—and it's here that you will uncover the sort of items and investment pieces that will immediately refresh your wardrobe and seriously up the style ante. Everything here is a little street, a bit Tokyo and a lot unconventional (in the best way possible). Guys and girls who have been long-term fans of the former sartorial wonderland Opening Ceremony will appreciate Toga Pulla shoes detailed with cowboy spurs and buckles, Justine Clenquet chain sunglasses, Kara backpacks, and Martine Rose raincoats. Check it out here.
P. Johnson
Paddington and CBD
Worth a visit to their stores for the interiors alone, P. Johnson is a tailor and clothier that was established in Sydney in 2009 and has since expanded with showrooms located in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney, and their own atelier in Tuscany. The label offers up a mix of ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and goods, for both men and women, alongside their custom tailoring and made-to-measure pieces. Check it out here.
Parlour X
Paddington
Parlour X is a literal church of style. Housed within an old sandstone church in Paddington, get ready to worship (and try on) collections from the likes of Celine, Balenciaga, Delpozo, Fendi, Loewe, Margiela, Sacai, Saint Laurent, Valentine, and Comme Des Garcons. Keep an eye out for sales and special events in store. Check it out here.
SUBTYPE
CBD
Created by the legends behind men’s streetwear label ZANEROBE, SUBTYPE features a very covetable collection of sneakers, all hand-selected based on their design credentials, exclusivity, innovation, and creativity. The stunning George Street shop features slick gold reflective glass and a brilliant white sneaker wall. As for what brands you'll encounter at SUBTYPE, drop in to shop all the best bits from ADER Error, IVY PARK, Drôle De Monsieur, YEEZY, Common Projects, Fear of God, Vans, and heaps more. Beyond sneakers, SUBTYPE also stocks a cool edit of women's and men's streetwear, including one of our favourite labels, ARIES. Check it out here.
The Standard Store
Surry Hills
This shop’s name is a bit deceptive, given you won’t find anything especially standard or dull here. The Standard Store is a charming and cool Surry Hills spot, featuring both men's and women’s collections. You’ll find a curated edit of cult labels like Stine Goya, Kitsune, Rachel Comey, Lucky 7, and Maison Kitsune. Check it out here.
Now, check out the best vintage stores in Sydney.
Image credit: P.Johnson | Ganni | Maggie Marilyn
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