Guys' Guide to Shopping in Downtown Chicago

Shopping in downtown Chicago, and other Chicago neighborhoods of course, has its benefits, because many designers have city-centric styles and themes that you will not be able to find in a mall or anywhere else. Chicago has also been bit by the fashion bug, and new designers are finally getting the support from the city and local retail chains that are adding their collections to local stores. This translates into great shopping for men in Chicago, where every style is catered to, and exclusive designs can be found. The following are some of the best paces for men to find cool duds in the Windy City.

Kenneth Cole
540 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 644-1163
$$-$$$
www.kennethcole.com
The Kenneth Cole location in downtown Chicago is a great shopping destination for men, because they are able to accommodate your entire wardrobe, and do so with style. With both casual and dress styles, Kenneth Cole designs are very forgiving and full of subtle detail. You will find that the Chicago location has a lot more stock and inventory than you will find at other Chicago-area locations, and that they carry styles that are exclusive to the store.

Macy's
111 North State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-1000
www.macys.com
$$-$$$$
Most Chicagoans have warmed up to the idea that there's a Macy's on State Street now, instead of hometown Marshall Field's. And it is a good thing, because Macy's is a national retailer that has taken up the cause of supporting new, local fashion designers, which translates into Chicago's very own selection of clothing for your shopping pleasure. When you get down to it though, Macy's has a healthy selection of mid- and high-priced lines that are all representative of current styles. There are several Chicago locations, but the downtown flagship store is the best place to find everything you need in one stop.

Apartment Number 9
1804 North Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 395-2999
www.apartmentnumber9.com/chicago.html
$$$
Apartment Number 9, on the northwest side of Chicago, is one of those boutiques that tries hard not to look like a boutique. Select pieces from several well-known, and lesser known, exclusive designers that are specially chosen for the clientele that Apartment Number 9 seeks to serve, fill the walls, shelves and tables in this small store. Walking into this store is like having a well-stocked closet at your disposal, and shopping here is an easy task for those men who prefer to grab and go.

Aldo Shoes
605 N Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 664-6255
www.aldoshoes.com
Variety is the main draw at Aldo's Michigan Avenue store, and the reason most men and women go there to shop. The large spot usually has the brand's entire line and a good inventory, so if there is something specific you are looking for, North Michigan Avenue is the store to visit. Otherwise, there are four other Aldo locations within the City of Chicago where you can find men's shoes, jewelry, belts and hats.

Banana Republic
Water Tower Place
835 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 642-7667
www.bananarepublic.com
$$-$$$
Chicago's Banana Republic store on North Michigan Avenue is another large national chain with a small town Chicago feel to it. Elements from the entire line are specifically chosen for each store, with everything from suit jackets to cologne to casual shirts available. The classic cuts and detailed tailoring are perfect for the Chicago businessman.

Sources:
1. www.kennethcole.com
2. http://www.visitmacyschicago.com/
3. www.apartmentnumber9.com
4. www.aldoshoes.com
5. www.bananarepublic.gap.com