Have midterms left you with a need for some retail therapy, but not enough time to travel all the way to Boston? Check out Cambridge’s Harvard Square! Only two T stops away, Harvard Square is a shopper’s heaven, boasting everything from trendy boutiques, to well-known chain stores.
Check out Her Campus Tufts’ top ten suggestions of where to shop in the Square, and we promise you that taking this short trip will never leave you disappointed (or empty-handed!).
LF. Looking for oversized sweaters, party-ready sheer tanks, cutout dresses, hi-lo skirts, or studded accessories? Then LF is the place to shop! Located on Church Street, this store is known for its twice-annual 60%-off blowout sales. Stop by the store next time you’re in the Square and mark your calendars with the dates of this crazy clearance, so that you can be the first of your girlfriends to bring a bounty of trendy, new LF outfits back to your dorm room!
Urban Outfitters. Need a new bandage skirt or leather jacket? Dying to try out this season’s hot trend of peplum shirts? What about a new pair of colored jeans, leather pants, patterned leggings, or sequined, high-waisted shorts? Some comfy pillows, rugs, light fixtures, or wall art to make your dorm room feel a bit more like home? This store – with entrances on both JFK Street and Brattle Street – has all that you’re looking for (and probably more!).
Mint Julep. This Brookline-based boutique offers a wide variety of clothes that appeals to different age groups. Whether you have a job interview coming up, want to find the cutest dress possible for the next frat formal, or are simply looking for a few new pieces to add to your jewelry collection, Mint Julep is the spot. From jeans, to clutches, to scarves, to party tops, this adorable Church Street boutique will always have what you’re looking for.
Monella. If you’re considering traveling all the way to downtown Boston to visit Bloomingdale’s or Nordstrom, stop right there! You can find the same brands at Monella Boutique, located on Brattle Street (just a few doors down from Sweet Cupcakes).
In need of denim? Check out Monella’s selection of J. Brand, Paper Denim, and James Perse jeans. And don’t forget about shoes! With heels and boots from Steve Madden and Jeffrey Campbell, you’ll be sure to walk out with happy feet (even if your wallet is a little lighter).
The Tannery. Want to be the best-dressed girl on campus? Look no further than The Tannery, located on Brattle Street, near the corner of Church Street. It might require testing the limits of your Collegiette budget, but the quality of the store’s clothes and shoes won’t disappoint you. Have you been eyeing a new pair or Tory Burch boots, or maybe looking for a Canada Goose Down Jacket in an exciting, new color? If you have the willpower, waiting until The Tannery’s end-of-season sale will give you a great opportunity to stock up on all of your stylish outfits and accessories, without having to file for Bankruptcy.
Berks Shoes. Need a new pair of shoes, but too lazy to make the long trip into Boston? Don’t worry! Now that you are a mere two T stops away from Berks Shoes, you will never have to venture all the way to Newbury again! (Plus, switching to the Green Line at Park Street? Gross). Located on JFK Street, Berks Shoes always has a wide variety of shoes in stock – from Converse sneakers, to Frye boots, this store always has something for everyone.
Forty Winks. This is the place to shop if you’re tired of Victoria’s Secret. Whether you’re looking for a flirty new bra-and-panty set, or looking to upgrade your flannel pajamas to something a little cuter, you must stop by this JFK Street lingerie boutique. The nightgowns, bras, and panties that line the store’s walls will have you (and your boy toy!) drooling. Free People. If the primary mission of your Harvard Square shopping trip is to find a cute dress, there’s no better place for you than the Free People store on Church Street. Whether you’re looking for a cozy sweater dress or a tight party dress, Free People has got you covered. While this brand is well known for their sheer, summer pieces, the store also has tons of flattering thermal tops this season, in addition to comfy knit hats and patterned socks that will keep you warm throughout the cold New England winter.
American Apparel. Are you going to a theme party this weekend? Do you need some neon spandex for a techno concert? Or maybe you’re just trying to find a reason – any reason – to rock a bodysuit this weekend? Have no fear – American Apparel has you covered (both literally and figuratively)! This store has all the basics a college girl needs: leggings, oversized sweatshirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and – obviously – the all-important LBD (little black dress). It’s also a great place to shop if you’re into “DIY” Halloween costumes. American Apparel is also big on social and environmental responsibility, so everything you’re buying was made in the US under green conditions.
The Gap. We all know that The Gap is the go-to store for a basic tee or comfy pair of jeans, but with the colder weather coming, it is also a great place to shop for a cute new vest or blazer! One of Harvard’s Square’s biggest and most well established stores, The Brattle Street Gap never disappoints.