Athleisure wear: Your time is over.
After a year of donning sweatsuits, pajamas, yoga pants, and any other attire that puts comfort over style, we’re more than ready for dress up again. As the world reopens and everyone gets vaccinated, that itch you feel isn’t seasonal allergies, but the urge to zip up a new frock. This season it’s all about maxi-dresses in feminine florals, open-back styles that show some skin, and knit fabrics that make the transition from the still-brisk spring to warmer early summer days. Here are six boutiques in the area to find a new piece or two for your closet:
Undeniable Boutique
This popular shop in the Mosaic District specializes in pieces that are both timeless and fashion-forward, carrying mini-dresses, maxi-dresses, and everything in-between, especially in fun floral prints and patterns that pop. Select from designers including Venti, Aryeh, Thml, Tyche, Tempo Paris, Bucketlist, Ariella, and Veronica M. // 2920 District Ave., Ste. 140, Fairfax
Madisonbelle
“Love how you look” is the tagline for this boutique in downtown Leesburg. Right now they have some cute dress options, including the midi-tank Cora dress from Rails, the Tamber Tiered A-Line Dress by Nation, the Cupro V Neck Maxi Dress in olive green, and a V-Neck Mini Dress in a cream snakeskin pattern. // 5 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg
The Hive / The Shoe Hive
Head first to the Old Town boutique for dress options from Frank & Eileen, L’Agence, Emerson Fry, Xirena, Sundry, 9Seed, Anna Mashburn, and Veronica Beard. Afterward, hit up the adjacent shoe boutique for a new pair of mules, heels, slides, or wedges to pair with your new frock. // 301 Cameron St., Alexandria; 127 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria
Chloe’s of Middleburg
At the shop founded two years ago by Wendy Osborn, a graduate of the Rhode Island School and Design and former buyer for Bergdorf Goodman, you’ll find fresh and dynamic pieces—including dresses. Shop for options from Glam, Jude Connally, Roller Rabbit, VillaGallo, bella tu, and olivaceous. // 12 E. Washington St., Middleburg
The Lucky Knot
On the hunt for a preppy dress? Look no further than this local chain of nautical-themed shops with locations in Alexandria, Leesburg, Annapolis, and Baltimore. You’ll find a spiffy selection in stripes, patterns, and solids (including every shade of blue) from designers including Vineyard Vines, Gretchen Scott, Escapada, Mahi Gold, Duffield Lane, Jude Connally, and Tyler Boe. // Multiple locations
Bishop Boutique
Located in the heart of Old Town, this chic shop has dresses in designs that range from runway avant-garde to classic. Browse the racks for designers including Farm, Amanda Uprichard, Rails, Misa, French Connection, and Show Me Your Mumu. // 815 King St., Alexandria
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