It’s official: Austin is one of my favorite cities in the USA. Even for someone who is easily overheated (true to my Minnesota roots), I STILL fell in love with the capital of Texas 10 times over.
After visiting my dad in Dallas, I took the Mega-Bus down to Austin to visit my fashion-forward cousin. She’s been my partner in crime and shopping since we were kids, so, naturally, she’s an expert on the best vintage shops and clothing boutiques in Austin.
I can confidentially say that Austin has some of the best shops for statement vintage pieces, artisanal designs, and reasonably priced local boutiques.
Boutiques in Austin
Who doesn’t love a cute neon sign? Photo on the left taken at Beehive Boutique, and photo on the right taken at Modcloth.
Teysha Shoes
Price range: $50-$260
Area of Austin: South Congress Ave
Best for: Artisanal designs. Quality boots, sandals, and bags.
Teysha Shoes is a female-founded company based in Austin that partners with artisans in Guatemala. Each pair of shoes are ethically-made in small batches, with even the option of shoes being made-to-order. Teysha shoes provides sustainable employment, as in a living wage with benefits and a safe work environment.
This brand is an incredible way to support ethical fashion and local business, while also added that Austin aesthetic into your wardrobe.
Hemline Austin
Price range: $30-$250
Area of Austin: Downtown
Best for: Splurge pieces, “French girl” style.
Hemline is probably one of the most popular boutiques in Austin, offering a range of affordable and higher-end pieces. You’ll find brands like Free People, Show Me Your Mumu, For Love & Lemons, and more on the racks. However, I also purchased the one-shoulder tangerine blouse seen above here for only $45.
The entire store has the essence of the simple, yet effortless “French girl” style you see on Instagram. All you need is a picnic in the park with your baguette in hand.
Beehive Boutique
Price range: $30-$100
Area of Austin: Rollingwood
Best for: Colorful pieces, sun dresses, and brunch attire.
BEElieve me when I say Beehive is worth the trek outside of town. Located in the residential area of Rollingwood, this local boutique mixes the latest trends with a slightly retro aesthetic for very affordable prices. It was hard to resist buying everything on the rainbow racks, especially if you love pops of color like me!
I was actually quite impressed with the quality of many pieces, such as the linen green wrap dress I bought here in the photo above.
Luckily, if you don’t live in Austin, you can shop online or via their Instagram.
ModCloth
Price range: $60-$300
Area of Austin: Downtown
Best for: Retro style, custom-made pieces.
You’ve probably heard of online store ModCloth, best known for offering a range of occasion dresses in every era. What I didn’t know is that there shop is based out of Austin, and they actually make dresses made-to-order now! I have to admit I was disappointed to hear that this once Indie is now owned by Walmart (kind of ruins the entire small, local feel of the brand).
However, if you’re in the market for a custom occasion dress tailored to your body, this would be a great place to start!
Austin Rocks
Price range: $10-$50
Area of Austin: Downtown
Best for: Graphic tees, knick-knacks, and all things Austin
Austin Rocks embodies the city’s slogan of “keep Austin weird”. You’ll find all your Austin swag here, mainly from local designers, along with a variety of novelty gifts and funky souvenirs. According to my cousin who lives here, this is THE coolest place if you want to get anything “Austin” on it!
Creatures Boutique
Price range: $30-$150
Area of Austin: South Congress Ave
Best for: Local designers, sun dresses, Southern style
Creatures Boutique is one of the best places in town to find some of the coolest local brands. This small boutique carries of variety of trendy pieces with a Southern, yet edgy twist. They also carry locally made earrings, necklaces, and other accessories.
Vintage stores in Austin
Passport Vintage
Price range: $10-$70
Area of Austin: Near South Congress Ave
Best for: Funky prints, vintage Levis
Passport Vintage is the definition of vintage Levis heaven. Yes, unless you’ve been living under a rock, the Levis mom jean is back. Passport Vintage carries racks of Levis for both women and men that will give you the ultimate 90s aesthetic! You can also shop their Etsy shop here.
Garment Modern + Vintage
Price range: $65-$500
Area of Austin: Bouldin
Best for: Luxury and designer vintage, minimalist basics
Perhaps one of the most high-end vintage shops in Austin, Garment Modern + Vintage showcases the best one-of-a-kind vintage pieces from around the world. You’ll find Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, from the 60s to the 90s era. The “modern” part of the store sells minimalist basics to go along with your statement vintage pieces. This is definitely one of the best places for getting a unique piece that you’ll cherish forever.
Charm School Vintage
Price range: $15-$100
Area of Austin: East Austin
Best for: Vintage leather jackets, concert tees, and bold vintage prints
Need to find a statement leather jacket and realign your chakras? Head to Charm School Vintage in East Austin, and one of my favorite vintage stores I’ve ever been. You’ll find a variety of real leather jackets from the 80s, to vintage Sex Pistols and Pink Floyd concert tees, to this cute floral romper from the 70s I snagged for $15!
Also, the store carries a variety of crystals, essential oils, and other self-care essentials.
