Small city, big style: 14 CNY clothing shops to fit your fashion sense

Syracuse is a small city with big fashion choices. You just need to know where to look. Tucked into plazas and villages across Central New York, you can find designer clothing boutiques owned by area residents. Local store owners hand-pick the inventory, giving each boutique a special personality and flavor.

We selected 14 clothing stores with distinct offerings that stand apart from national retail chains. Whether you like clothing that is offbeat, chic, edgy, or traditional, there’s a local store with unique items to fit your truly original style.

Bev & Co

Women’s Apparel

18 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles

With locations in Skaneateles, Homer and Ithaca, Bev & Co has been elevating the CNY women’s fashion scene since 1978. Bev & Co is a family business first opened by Beverly Lathrop and now run by her daughter Renee Neiderman and granddaughter Ashley Neiderman. The owners say that they have many repeat customers who feel like extended family, and they try to create a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter. The store features women’s casual and business attire, which the owners describe as “ageless and timeless.”

Boutique Joycé

Women’s Apparel

119 W. Seneca St., Manlius

At Boutique Joycé a sign reads “Every family has a story. Welcome to ours.” Owner Jill Gallagher says that her family story included a dream of owning a boutique with her fashionista mother, Joycé. Unfortunately, her mother passed away, but Gallagher decided to honor her mother and open the shop in 2020. Now, three years have passed and the store is a popular place to buy casual women’s clothing in Manlius. The boutique stocks bold, fun clothing and popular brands like Free People and Z Supply.

Cella V. Boutique

Women’s Apparel

395 Oswego Rd., Baldwinsville

Cella V. owner Heather Marino believes in retail therapy, so visiting her store is much more than a shopping trip. At the store in Baldwinsville, stylists offer fashion advice along with refreshments to make sure your visit is energizing and inspiring. It makes sense that Marino is focused on hospitality since she started her business by holding in-home shopping parties. In July 2022, she opened a brick-and-mortar storefront for her business, where she sells trendy women’s clothing and accessories. The inventory at Cella V. changes constantly to keep customer wardrobes fresh and original.

Chloe’s Closet

Baby and Children’s Apparel

107 Brooklea Dr., Fayetteville

When you think of Chloe’s Closet in Fayetteville, think of the word “special.” It’s the perfect place to find a special gift for a special child. Owner Kathy Ilacqua opened the store 22 years ago, shortly after her granddaughter Chloe was born. Ilacqua said it was difficult to find high-quality items for babies and young children locally, so she opened her own store. She travels to New York several times per year to carefully select her inventory by touching the fabrics, talking with designers and checking the quality. Chloe’s Closet sells sweaters, shoes, pants, coats, pajamas, and other goodies for little boys and girls.

Heidi Boutique

Women’s Apparel

417 E Genesee St., Fayetteville

A glimmering peace sign, warm lighting and eclectic furniture creates a bohemian vibe at Heidi Boutique in Fayetteville. Owner Heidi Keppeler wants customers to feel comfortable and confident, so visiting her store is like teaming with a personal shopper who focuses on your individual style. Heidi Boutique specializes in women’s fashion including tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories. There’s also a girls’ t-shirt line curated by Keppeler’s nine-year-old daughter. To keep her offerings unique, Keppeler has traveled to California, Costa Rica, Nashville and other locations to buy items that are not available through traditional retail channels, and her store is the sole local distributor for certain designer clothing lines. Keppler says that Heidi Boutique provides fashionable style while always adding an interesting touch.

Jet Black

Women’s Apparel

6891 E Genesee St., Fayetteville

A staple of Syracuse fashion for 20 years, Jet Black is known for having an excellent selection of fashion-forward clothing for women. Owner Amanda Harmon notes that Central New York doesn’t have Saks or Nordstrom; instead, Jet Black gives customers access to in-person shopping for luxury brands like Mother, LoveShackFancy, The Great, 7 For All Mankind, Theory, Vince, Rag & Bone. Originally located in Armory Square, the shop moved to Fayetteville in 2021.

Mr. Shop

Men’s Apparel

259 W Fayette St., Syracuse

For high-end men’s attire, head to Mr. Shop in downtown Syracuse. The store carries designers like Hugo Boss, Eton, Patrick Assaraf, and Carl Gross. With a large selection of suits, tuxedos, sport coats, and other formal wear, Mr. Shop is a popular place to browse when planning for a special occasion. The store’s custom clothing service offers options for practically every feature of your suit, tux, or sport coat including lapels, linings, buttons, pockets, stitching and monograms. In addition to formalwear, Mr. Shop has everyday attire like sweaters and denim.

Pride + Joy

Baby and Children’s Apparel

88 E Genesee St., Skaneateles

Teach your kids to love their community by shopping at Pride + Joy in Skaneateles. The store is loaded with items from CNY vendors and sells children’s apparel emblazoned with “Upstate New York” and “Skaneateles.” Owner Kathleen Zapata partners with local designers including Sugarfoot Apparel, Cards by Stacianary and Cosette’s Cards, and carries books by local children’s authors. Although the main focus at Pride + Joy is infant and toddler clothing, they feature items for school-aged children as well. With clothing by Patagonia, Petite Plume, and other quality brands, the store is a must-see for children’s fashion.

Projex 214

Men’s Apparel

211 E Water St., Syracuse

When John Massara opened Projex 214 in 2015, he wanted to offer contemporary clothing that fits properly while being versatile enough for busy professionals. Massara says by coming to the downtown Syracuse store, customers get something they can’t find online: fashion experience and advice. Massara is always at the store to manage fittings, consult on custom suits, and provide style guidance. He prides himself on his honesty and his desire to make customers look good.

Raphael’s Men’s Shop

Men’s Apparel

4316 E Genesee St., Syracuse

For 40 years, Raphael’s Men’s Shop in Dewitt has brought quality menswear to Central New York. Owner Raffaele Madonna stocks the store with casual, business, and formal clothing that blends classic and contemporary looks. He strives for styles that appeal to any customer, from Gen Z to Gen X and beyond. The shop offers custom suits, designer ties, sweaters, sport coats, denim, accessories, and more.

Sea Culture

Men’s Apparel

11 Jordan St., Skaneateles

If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, be sure to visit Sea Culture in Skaneateles. Sea Culture is a sustainable men’s clothing brand founded in 2018 by local entrepreneur Daniel Tagliamonte. The brand is sold by retailers throughout the United States, and the store in Skaneateles carries men’s tops, bottoms, swimwear, and accessories that are made from recycled materials derived from plastic bottles, fishing nets, and discarded carpet.

Skaneateles 300

Women’s Apparel

2 W Genesee St., Skaneateles

Skaneateles 300 owner Geraldean Hourigan Lantier discovered fashion as a child by watching her mother hand-craft dresses and costumes. Eventually Lantier took up sewing and designed original clothing to sell at local events before moving on to working at high-end boutiques. In 2008, she opened Skaneateles 300, where she sells women’s fashion that’s sourced from all over the world. She focuses on curation and visual displays that tell customers a story about fashion. From glamorous, glimmering dresses to soft, splurge-worthy cashmere, Skaneateles 300 is a trove for chic treasures.

The Shoppes at Two Twisted Sisters

Women’s and Children’s Apparel

25 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville

The Shoppes at Two Twisted Sisters is located in a 150-year-old house in Baldwinsville, with 12 different shops spread throughout the space. Owned by sisters Terri Webb and Barb Twombly, the house has two commercial floors. The first floor has a restaurant and gift shop, and the second floor is packed with small shops that are managed by local designers, artisans, and crafters. Browsing the selection, customers can find accessories, jewelry, and clothing for women and children.

The Wandering Kind

Women’s Apparel

46 E Genesee St., Skaneateles

Free spirits rejoice! The Wandering Kind is your one-stop shop for comfortable, versatile women’s clothing to fit your uninhabited lifestyle. Owner Laura Beth Blair says the store is “absolutely not trendy. We sell what we think people will want to wear.” She tries to offer interesting, practical clothing that will stay at the front of your closet. With plenty of athleisure and everyday dresses, The Wandering Kind is a great source for those seeking cute, comfy styles.