In terms of shopping difficulty, evening wear is second only to swimsuits. The amount of choices is staggering. But when you actually need a dress, it’s impossible to find the just-right one. SeeMore Shopping is here to help.
First of all, skip the mall and the national chains and head for the local boutiques. Here you'll find unique offerings that virtually eliminate the chance of someone showing up in the same outfit. Moreover, these small shops carry a wide array of up-and-coming designers, so you’ll have the chance to discover new labels that offer high quality and craftsmanship for significantly less than the big-name designers.
One of these boutiques is Roslyn, located on Damen Avenue in Bucktown. Owner Rosie Dulyapaibul buys only a few of each piece, and doesn’t reorder. Once a dress is sold out, it’s gone for good. With an excellent eye for couture-quality evening apparel, Rosie seeks out brands like Jojovich-Hawk, Thread Social, and Jill Stuart.
Roslyn is the place to go when you need an elegant look that’s fashionable without being overly trendy, like this midnight blue satin Vera Wang cocktail dress for $398. It’s a great alternative to basic black that you can wear for years to come. 
Roslyn also stocks Lauren Merkin clutches in several different metallic shades – because you definitely need a glam little handbag to pair with your elegant frock.
Right down the street from Roslyn is Language, another source of stylish evening apparel. Owner Natalie Barber is incredibly adept at selecting chic, fashion-forward pieces for her boutique. 
For example, this black-on-black layered chiffon dress from Abaete costs $310, a small price to pay once you see how often you’re wearing it.
She’s also got some great little evening jackets, like this gold brocade swing coat from AKA New York – for $285, it would inject a dose of glamour into any old ensemble.
Kaveri in Lincoln Park is another source for unique evening looks.
For instance, this garnet-colored embroidered silk dress by Karen Craven ($409) is classic with a contemporary twist. Kaveri Satpathy carries lots of other stylish options in her eponymous boutique, including dresses by Cindy Lee and Nieves Lavi.
The latter designer’s colorful print numbers, such as this bold periwinkle maxi-dress for $374, are a good pick for more casual events. If you’re more of a little-black-dress kind of girl, she stocks tons of day-to-evening pieces by Lyle and Adam Plus Eve.
Other stunning little black dresses can be found at Lissa on Maxwell in the South Loop. Although the area isn’t currently known for its boutiques, owner Melissa Shipley lures shoppers to the neighborhood with her signature mix of feminine, modern pieces by up and coming designers.
Some of the highlights are an asymmetrical shift by Tony Cohen ($277), a short-sleeved flowery dress ($495) and a sleek chain-trimmed number ($595), both by Castle Starr. If you don’t want to buy yet another black dress, this Kelly green jersey dress by Lewis Cho ($198) is a chic alternative.
Love the vintage look? Head a little bit north to Florodora, one of the only boutiques in the Loop.
Chock-full of vintage-inspired clothing and accessories, this inviting little spot practically begs you to come on in and browse for a while.
Some of the latest finds include a layered black chiffon dress from Yoana Baraschi ($349) with a pink ribbon sash that’s romantic without being too sweet, and this sage green sundress with rosette embellishment from the same label ($305). It’s a pretty color done in a flattering a-line silhouette.
Looking for something with a hip city-girl look? 
Look no further than River North's Clever Alice, home of urban-chic labels like Grey Ant, Chulo Pony, and Casting. Try a royal purple gathered halter dress from Dagmar for $441 – this would be perfect for an evening at an upscale restaurant or a dressy theater night.
The “Vanina” black dress from Casting ($158) and this flattering printed dress by Vassalli ($430) can make any evening event more eventful.
Another source of easy luxury is Hubba Hubba in the Lakeview neighborhood.
One of Chicago’s longest-lasting boutiques, (they’ve been around for eighteen years), they offer tons of cute little dresses that could go from day to night with ease.
Some current standouts include a navy cotton and crochet frock by 213 ($97), and if you need something more formal, this chocolate brown chiffon dress trimmed with black lace by Weston Wear is a deliciously feminine choice.
And finding accessories for your new dress will be a snap – Hubba Hubba stocks piles of vintage and modern costume jewelry.
Of course you’ll need a pair of fabulous shoes to complete your look, and that’s what Pump Shoes & Accessories and PS Accessories are all about.
Located in Wicker Park and the Gold Coast respectively, these two boutiques are a shoe fanatic’s dream come true.
At PS Accessories, spice up a solid-colored dress with these metallic strappy sandals by Tribeca ($67). They work well with virtually everything.
And if you don’t wear heels, these sexy red patent flats by BCBG ($76) are a great alternative.
At Pump Shoes & Accessories, shades of Cleopatra embellished sandals can jazz up an otherwise basic dress.
Try these bronze Giorgia Galassi sandals ($285) or these bow-trimmed peep-toes by Miss Sixty ($185).
At the end of the day, finding the right evening dress is as easy as finding the right place – a small, locally-owned shop that provides unique merchandise and personal service. So next time you have a special occasion or a big night out to dress for, forget the usual suspects. Slip into something wonderful at one of these shops and have a fab, one-of-a-kind time!
See More Evening Trends by Visiting these Chicago Boutiques :
Clever Alice– www.cleveralice.net
750 N. Franklin St. (River North)
Chicago, IL
312.587.8693
Florodora - www.florodora.com
330 S. Dearborn St. (Chicago Loop)
Chicago, IL 60604
312.212.8860
Hubba Hubba – www.hubbahubbachicago.com
3309 N. Clark St. (Lakeview)
Chicago, IL
773.477.1414
Jade – www.jadechicago.com
1557 N. Milwaukee Ave. (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Chicago, IL
773.342.5233
Kaveri
1211 N. Webster Ave. (Lincoln Park)
Chicago, IL
773.296.2141
Language – www.shoplanguage.com
1537 N. Milwaukee Ave. (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Chicago, IL
773.772.5744
Lissa on Maxwell - www.lissaonmaxwell.com
729 W. Maxwell St. (South Loop/University Village)
Chicago, IL 60607
312.563.9470
ps:accessories– www.ps-accessories.com
1127 N. State St. (Gold Coast)
Chicago, IL
312.932.0077
Pump Shoes & Accessories - www.pumpshoeschicago.com
1659 W. Division St. (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Chicago, IL
773.384.6750
Roslyn – www.roslynboutique.com
2035 N. Damen Ave. (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Chicago, IL
773.489.1311
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer: J. Zenn
We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ. 05/07.
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