Cheap and Chic New York Shops | Tracy Kaler's New York Life + Travel

On a budget? Try these five cheap and chic New York shops!

It’s hard to find a New Yorker who doesn’t love a good bargain. And as every big city fashionista knows, looking cute doesn’t have to be expensive. (We love designer labels but can’t justify blowing each paycheck on a new pair of shoes.) Even in Manhattan, where high-end department stores like Barneys and Bergdorf’s reign supreme, there are plenty of alternatives for smaller budgets. Check out these cheap and chic New York shops for fashionable new wardrobe additions that won’t leave you with any feelings of buyer’s remorse.

Shishi Boutique, 2488 Broadway

The Upper West Side offers so much more than beautiful, family-friendly neighborhoods. Shishi Boutique is a charming little shop that feels like one of those trendy, hole-in-the-wall places that sell $500 t-shirts by an unknown designer – except the clothes are totally wallet-friendly. From breezy maxi dresses to sexy jumpsuits with unique prints, this is the place to go if your worst nightmare is showing up to an event wearing the same outfit as someone else.

Pearl River Mart, 395 Broadway

With three floors to shop, there’s something cheap and chic for everyone at Pearl River Mart. There’s clothing for men, women, and children, stylish home décor, one-of-a-kind dinner and drinkware for entertaining, novelty knickknacks, and more. The inventory is so fabulously random (we’re talking bundles of white sage for $2.50, abacuses, and a shirt that says “I’m all that and dim sum”), it’s easy to spend hours looking around. Pearl River Mart also offers online shopping for any non-New Yorkers who want a taste of Gotham’s more eclectic side.

Necessary Clothing, 443 Broadway

Think of Necessary Clothing as an alternative to Forever 21. When you need a new outfit for an impromptu night at a club, or perhaps a bit of post-work retail therapy, a shopping spree at this cheap and chic New York shop will leave you with some stylish new duds without breaking the bank.

Fox’s, 1501 3rd Ave

Shopping on the Upper East Side? Stop into Fox’s for an afternoon of browsing through countless racks of designer clothing at discount prices. There’s a great selection of clothing, accessories, shoes, and handbags for women of all ages, and the average dress or head-to-toe ensemble costs less than $50 – an NYC steal!

Mystique Boutique, 365 Canal St

Soho is filled with pricey shops and restaurants, but Mystique Boutique is perfect for some downtown bargain hunting. The boutique is definitely geared toward the trendy crowd, with some of their stock including LBDs for $29.99, crop tops for $25, jackets for under $30, and a variety of skirts, jumpsuits, and dresses with eye-catching prints.