A year and a half ago, a new women’s boutique entered the Windy City scene. Located in the heart of the Lakeview neighborhood, Batik is truly the best Chicago women’s boutique to shop. Whether you’re local or a visitor, a trip to see the Batik space and meet their team is definitely in order. You won’t be disappointed. Plus, they have an online retail website where you can shop at your convenience.
As a lifelong Chicagoan, the Windy City retail scene means the world to me. In fact, I *might* dare you to find someone with more historical knowledge of our city’s shopping scene than me. Well, possibly Wendy Donahue (formerly of the Chicago Tribune) and Shia Kapos (formerly of Crain’s Chicago Business). But I digress 🙂
For the past 20 years, I’ve led some of the most high-profile city and suburban store openings. From major retail shopping centers to independent boutique openings (i.e., SHE Boutique, Redhead Boutique (formerly on Southport too), along with larger retail brands like vineyard vines, Room & Board, TOPSHOP / TOPMAN, Ted Baker London, La Perla, SUITSUPPLY, Kiehl’s Since 1851, and WAY more). Retail is at the core of what I adore, know, live and breathe.
It’s also why I feel truly qualified to make a bold statement about this store. They are sincerely the best in boutique in the business for consumers seeking timeless, coastal, feminine, colorful pieces that you’ll adore forever. By supporting this store, you’re supporting a family, a small business, and an incredible team who are among the kindest that I’ve come across.
Best Chicago Women’s Boutique
In Chicago, I have never come across another store more aligned with my personal style (and budget) ever.
Since its opening, I’ve loved following the progression of the store and its owner, Katie. Beyond her and her teams’ keen eye for styles, merchandising, and designs, I’ve been head over (stiletto) heels thrilled they’ve carried the Sail to Sable x Style Charade line. It means the world to me – thank you!
Katie is a Midwest gal who was raised in the heart of Minnesota. She moved to Chicago for a job in education, and decided to pursue her passion of opening a boutique after the pandemic. Wow, did she do a superb job. The moment I walked into Batik Chicago, I immediately felt like I was at home. Seriously. From the beautiful blue paint to pops of raffia, wicker, wallpaper, and serene whites, Bob and I both commented on how it looks like our lake home design inspiration.
Moreover, Batik Chicago cares about offering a range of price points – from under $100 gems to $500 statement styles. They carefully select items they know shoppers will adore, and I love they sell brands that are hard to find elsewhere, including Luna e Sole, Beyond by Vera, Emily McCarthy, Anna Cate, and Smith & Quinn to name a few.
From pickleball pieces to the perfect Easter dresses, there’s truly something for everyone. In addition to womenswear, they also carry home and décor pieces. In fact, Bob and I ended up purchasing several items for our lake home, including these two wicker frames, this bamboo napkin holder, this hostess napkin set and this ginger jar design too, and this gorgeous bone inlay frame for the guest room.
Unique Women’s Clothing
Another element that surprised me was the amount of COLOR in their offerings. Katie and her team are not afraid of bold hues, prints, and designs. At the same time, everything is refined. This is not a crayon box of hues – it’s carefully curated to look amazing on everyone.
She and her team have a great eye for flattering silhouettes. I was especially impressed with this botanical print dress with a tie waist. It looks stunning in-person, and comes in a long-sleeve version too. Do not sleep on this style!
Another style that’ll look fabulous on every single woman is this printed smocked midi dress. You seriously can’t go wrong with this piece. Pair it with espadrilles, statement earrings, and a wicker bag, and you’re set!
Spring Dresses
After perusing the boutique, I fell in love with this pink printed dress paired with this chic blazer. Gah! They’re both just so beautiful. The dress fits true to size, and I’d recommend sizing down one size in the blazer. Sure, the blazer is met to be slightly oversized, but I found it to also look sleek in a more fitted version. For the look, I added this grosgrain-detail woven bag and gold hoop earrings from another beloved brand.
Looking for an Easter dress? I think this yellow floral dress is absolutely perfect. Layer it with a cardigan and/or this bow jacket, and you’re set.
Plus, I found out that pieces from this brand, Beyond by Vera, features original and hand-drawn prints by the founder, Vera and her team before being hand-screen-printed. So cool!
Hand Beaded Details
Another reason Batik is the best Chicago women’s boutique is because they stock up-and-coming and hard-to-find labels. For example, Luna e Sole is a young, artisanal-focused brand. It’s comprised of a mother-daughter design duo featuring beautiful embroidery inspired by the theme of celestial bodies. I had the chance to try this lilac linen midi dress when I was at Batik. I mean, the beading and sheer panels at on the sleeve are just stunning! This pearl flower clutch and mother of pearl earrings were the perfect addition.
According to Batik, Luna e Sole produces its collections in Nepal at the factories famous for their craftsmanship and hand embroidery. The team of artisans behind the brand has been bringing to life the most vivid embellishments and embroideries of many renowned brands of the last two decades. Luna e Sole continues to keep the skills of the artisans alive.
Chartreuse and Turquoise
For years, I’ve loved the pairing of chartreuse with turquoise. This unexpected color combo feels like the epitome of spring. As such, this shirt and shorts combination with these four-drop statement earrings was love at first sight.
The linen shorts are lightweight and comfortable. I found them to fit true to size and have a bit of stretch at the waist (love that!). Additionally, the silky top is EVERYTHING. Wow, it’s so effortless and chic, and easy to style with a bunch of things – white jeans, regular denim, denim shorts, and midi skirts. Lastly, I added this classic, summer-ready woven clutch from another fave brand.
Scalloped Dress
It’s no secret I love a scalloped detail on a dress (and this brand in general). Therefore, I was thrilled to see Katie and team have invested in pieces from their line. This ivory and green jacquard dress is perfect for special occasions this spring. Plus, it’s a great dress to pack when you travel as the brocade fabrication doesn’t wrinkle easily.
I styled it with this gorgeous lime green clutch (also comes in navy) for a dopamine dose of color.
Best Chicago Women’s Boutique – In Closing
In closing, it’s easy to see why Batik is the best Chicago women’s boutique in the city. Even if you don’t live in the Windy City, you can shop and support this brand on their website.
Shop local and support this amazing female-owned small business. Thanks for everything Katie and team. We can’t wait to return again soon.
