How to Find Hipster Clothing in Chicago

Chicago is often known for being a shopping mecca: from the Gold Coast to more alternative stores off of Belmont and Clark, the downtown area offers a variety of stores for all tastes. However, if shoppers are looking for a certain hipster look, it's best to go into the city with a shorter list of possibilities. In the following guide, I'll outline six different stores that will help build that hipster look one might desire.

1. Threadless (3011 N. Broadway St.). Many shoppers are already fans of the tees featured on Threadless's website, which are often designed and modeled by fans. Threadless has piles of fun shirts to sort through, along with a laid back vibe. What's also neat about the store is the window artist, Joe Suta, creates three new window paintings per week, which later are available to purchase. The best part about Threadless is the prices, which average around $12. Not a bad place to stock up on tees.

2. Urban Outfitters (2352 N. Clark St.): Although some may complain about the prices, Urban Outfitters does do an excellent job keeping up with the trends. Part clothing and part home décor, Urban Outfitters offers a wide selection of tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories. Perhaps my personal favorite purchase from this store was a Rikki Tikki Tavi tee, complete with a snake and a mongoose. Although I paid close to $40, the compliments I get while wearing it are well worth it.

3. American Apparel (46 E. Walton St.): American Apparel has multiple locations in Chicago, but the Gold Coast location just might draw the most shoppers. Known for quality items at bargain basement prices, American Apparel is the place to stock up on simple items. Shoppers won't find many unique or original looks here, but it's a great place to find comfy tees and dresses to add as staples to any wardrobe.

4. Beta Boutique (2016 W. Concord Place): Beta Boutique combines the best of both worlds, with trendy labels and great sale prices. Prices range from 40 - 90 percent off retail, which is a steal; some brands to look out for are BCBG, Serfontaine, Free People, Theory, and others. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list, as the Boutique will send you updates on special sales.

5. Clandestine Industries (925 W. Newport Ave): Fans of the band Fall Out Boy will be pleased to see that Pete Wentz has opened his own store in the area, located in Wrigleyville. Clandestine Industries is the place to find trendy tee shirts and skinny jeans. Shoppers also have the chance to make their own shirts as well at the Batheart Bar. A final standout feature of this shop is the salon, which features popular hairstylist Ben Mollin, a finalist in Bravo's show Sheer Genius. The only downside to the store is the prices, with hoodies running $50 or more.

6. The Alley (Belmont and Clark): For fans of a more rock look, try The Alley. Here, shoppers will find studded bracelets, leopard print dresses, and creepers. The only downside is that The Alley is a bit expensive, with many items seeming more expensive than necessary. For example, a rockabilly black dress retails for $75, whereas I could probably find something comparable for half the price at Hot Topic. Nonetheless, it's a fun stop is a trendy shopping area.

Visitors to Chicago may find success shopping in any of these locales. Whether one is looking for skinny jeans, slouchy boots for fall, or slogan shirts, any of the above locations should suit one's taste. Have fun shopping in such a stylish area!