Area Boutiques Offer Trends and Classics
With the autumn equinox behind us, the crisp air and cool nights in October are here to stay—not to mention the looming winter cold and frigid days to come. We’re naturally craving cozy vibes and overall warmth, both in our clothing and overall aesthetic.
Our area boutiques deliver.
And while there may be convenience in Amazon and retail chains, there’s something to be said about the charm and uniqueness of our local shops. It’s about the clothing of course, but also the owners and their team remembering your name and style; being able to try on outfits and get expert opinions; the joy and connection lasting far longer than any trend.
This fall, find your fashion in the Fox Cities!
Ava Rae Boutique, Appleton
Owner Kim Vande Corpet
A women’s clothing boutique open since 2022, Ava Rae Boutique in Appleton carries various styles and sizes, as well as holds events around the holidays.
“I would say I like items that can be dressed up or worn very casual, comfortable yet stylish and timeless,” Owner Kim Vande Corpet says. “I purchase from many brands which offer many different styles and looks.”
Trends for fall 2026/winter 2027: “For women I am seeing lots of stripes, polka dots, plaid and lots of browns, especially chocolate brown and all of the other beautiful colors you get with fall.”
A fashion tip: “I think my best tip is to wear what you love and are comfortable in—not every style is for every single person—that way you will be confident.”
Favorite part about owning a clothing store: “I truly love my customers, I love styling them and they make every day so enjoyable!”
Brinkley’s Boutique, Oshkosh
Owner Barb Nelson
Celebrating 10 years this fall, Brinkley’s Boutique is known for their casual and career-minded clothing options, in a range of sizes from extra small to extra large.
“We hand select each piece for our customers to ensure we have the best fashions available,” Owner Barb Nelson says. “I attend regional and local apparel markets held at a variety of locations. This fall I had the thrill of taking our granddaughter Brinkley’s (namesake of our shop) with me to Las Vegas to our fall apparel market and she helped hand-select what will be arriving in the shop spring 2027!”
Brands carried: “FDJ, Tribal, Charlie B, Liverpool, Insight, Multiples, Keren Hart, Shannon Passero, Rain & Rose, Parsley & Sage—just to name a few!
“These brands are for the fashion forward woman that wants to make a statement with her wardrobe. The woman is building a lasting wardrobe that makes her very special when she steps out wearing an outfit from Brinkley’s Boutique.”
Trends for fall 2026/winter 2027: “The rich earth tones are making a big statement this fall—brown and green are going to be dominant colors. 3⁄4 sleeve sweaters are a new fashion trend, head to toe outfits which are great for comfortable travel wear and easy to pack, and wide leg openings are prominent for trousers and jeans. Pattern jeans and denim jackets with embellishments are making a big statement.”
A fashion tip: “Look outside your comfort zone when shopping. Your best look may be one that you haven’t found because you’re too afraid to try it! Every time you go into a fitting room bring at least one piece that you wouldn’t normally try—it might just be your new favorite!”
Favorite part about owning a clothing store: “Helping customers find the perfect outfit and one that they may not have realized they even wanted. Making connections with my customers and having them come back and telling me that they received so many compliments on the outfit that they found at Brinkley’s Boutique.”
Chandelier Boutique, Appleton
Owner Tina Plummer
Relatively new on the scene of fashion, Chandelier Boutique in Appleton has been open about a year and a half, but has made a big impact on shopping lovers, offering something for everyone, including permanent jewelry pop ups and daily free ear piercing.
“(Chandelier Boutique) is a very eclectic store as you will find a variety of many different styles of clothing,” Owner Tina Plummer says. “Our goal is for all ages and all sizes and all personality types to be able to shop here… We try to put out 50 new items a day, sometimes jewelry, sometimes clothing, and sometimes fun things like perfume or candles but every day we are restocking the store!”
Brands carried: “We have a Y2K room, which features trendy clothing featuring brands like Ed Hardy, Von Dutch, Juicy, Couture, True Religion, etc., We have two main boutique rooms in which we carry brands such as Pol and Judy Blue, and also a dress room featuring dresses that could be for a fun casual day or going out for a night on the town all the way up to formal gowns for homecoming, prom nights at the PAC, weddings and special events. We also have a festival, Boho room, a purse room, a room called ‘Beautiful and Curvy’ that features size 14 and above (all the way up to a 3X and up to size 24 in pants); we have a purse room, and we do have a tiny gently used clothing room!”
Trends for fall 2026/winter 2027: “We are having a blast restocking for fall and the trends are really fun: very casual oversized wear and lots of baggy clothing… jewel colored dress are so popular right now… jeans we carry many different style jeans: wide leg, bell bottoms, boot cut, barrel jeans. One-piece rompers have been very popular, plaids are very popular… and polka dots are trending with all ages right now!”
A fashion tip: Wear whatever your soul desires. Whatever you find yourself interested in wearing, it doesn’t matter your age. It doesn’t matter your style, personality or your weight. If you see something and you like it, wear it!
Favorite part about owning a clothing store: The best part about owning a clothing store is really the customers… it’s so wonderful to see them and just chitchat during the day to get to know new people… and make them happy when they find that perfect outfit!
Lillians of Appleton, Appleton
Owner Kara Manuel 
Around for a decade, Lillians of Appleton is nestled in the heart of downtown and offers jewelry, handbags and fashion for both men and women in sizes extra small to 2X.
“Lillians ensures that every woman can find something special,” Owner Kara Manuel says. “We are constantly shopping for the store through vendors we work with on a regular basis. We also attend markets for both spring and fall items.”
Markets are located in Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas and a local market in Stevens Point.
Brands carried: “Liverpool, KUT, Habitat, Z Supply, Toad & Co., Jess & Jane, Parsley and Sage and so many more! These brands are all casual ready to wear brands for women ages 30 to 90s plus. Great fabrics and wonderful fits.”
Trends for fall 2026/winter 2027: Earth tones, wide leg relaxed denim, vintage inspired jewelry, cropped jackets, animal print, stripes.
A fashion tip: “Love what you buy and wear what you buy! Many women buy and buy and never wear! Always try things on. Sizes are all over the board these days and fit differently! Be confident in what you wear and try new things. It’s fun to step out of the box!”
Favorite part about owning a clothing store: “I love hearing (customers’) stories, learning about their families and trips and also being supportive when things are a little tough. Many times my staff will ask if it is a friend or a Lillians friend” I make new friends every day and that is super fun!”
