The Well-Dressed Bostonian: Female Edition

221 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Breezy Vanessa Bruno blouses, tailored 3.1 Phillip Lim sheaths and Fiorentini+Baker boots come together in this fiercely feminine bastion of fashion helmed by Martha Hilfinger and Jane Schlueter. After escaping the clatter of Newbury Street, enter this cashmere-lined oasis of daily luxury. The shop is tidy, but full of breadth, with smart weekend wear to all-eyes-on-you party dresses to flirtatious retro-flavored prints. Take your time browsing through the collections; it's practically guaranteed that you'll find a piece to jump right into your closet.

703 E Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 (map)

You expect Southie to have joyous corner pubs and sketchy Chinese joints in spades. All true, but add style to the pile, starting with adorable Habit. Co-owners Leila Moore and Pam Santorelli buy pieces that appeal on all angles, from fashionable (BB Dakota party frocks) to comfortable (LAmade jerseys) to easy on the wallet (locally made accessories) to splurge-worthy (James designer jeans). Its small neighborhood vibe meets high-end customer service. The employees also do wardrobe consulting, so if you're in a style pickle, they'll see to it that you're liberated accordingly.

334 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

Other than a welcome lick and tail-wag from resident pooch Oonagh, the first thing you'll notice is the elegant, well-worn, urban mystique of this subterranean boutique run by Tina Burgos, Jon Callahan and Dave Nauyokas. Tucked below the bustle of Newbury Street, the brick-lined store sports high-concept pieces from lines such as Society for Rational Dress, Coven, United Bamboo and Rachel Comey. Avant-garde knitwear meets architectural heels meets draped-just-so dresses, and quiet grandeur oozes from the enormous mirror that anchors the space. Everything here whispers, rather than screams, consummate quality.

800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199 (map)

You never quite know what you'll discover in this cheeky, Scandinavian design-focused boutique run by proprietress Betty Riaz. Sequined silk blouses? A voluminously silhouetted frock? Snakeskin pumps or studded skinny belts or just-perfect jeans? Yes, please. You may not recognize any of the Danish labels--making them all the more entrancing--and limited orders mean that you'll most likely be the only one wearing that kicky little number. If you're getting mall-weary, the store's sugar-pop soundtrack and espresso machine should perk your energy levels right up.