The best shops in Soho to visit right now

Maybe you've spent hours scrolling through The Real Real app or website, but there’s nothing better than browsing second-hand goodies IRL. The brick-and-mortar locations of The Real Real are spread across the country in stylish hotspots like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Chicago—but they have the most locations in one city in, you guessed it, NYC.

You will find yourself indulging in Carrie Bradshaw-esque montages as you hold second-hand Chanel and Prada purses to your side in front of the massive mirrors spread throughout the Soho store.

In true Soho fashion, there may be a line at the door, but the wait is worth it for well-priced designer goods. Because why go to Prada around the corner when you can get a 2002 vintage straight off the runway purse for a steal at The Real Real?

Folks in the fashion crowd are obsessed with H&M's pricier sister brand. The 4,950-square-foot modern retail space features four floors filled with sharp, minimalist separates for men and women. We have our eye on pieces like sweaters with leather details on the shoulders ($135) and textured wool trousers ($125) for men as well as flap-pocket tops ($99) and clean-edge wool coats ($225) for women.

The Instagram-obsessed brand that had us all scrolling through silk dresses we had no occasion for has opened a flagship NYC store in SoHo. Reformation offers vintage pieces that have been repurposed or recrafted for a more modern silhouette, as well as new garments made with eco-friendly fabrics. So you can shop 'til you drop without the guilt of creating more waste in the world in the fast fashion pipeline. 

A skeleton stands guard outside of this cavelike spot, suggesting that a jaunt here is not for the faint of heart. It’s true: The taxidermied animal heads and skeletal jaws lining the walls provide a frightening sight.

Also check out the slightly creepy collectibles including replica skulls of wolves, hyenas and lions ($90–$395); bracelets crafted out of genuine beetles ($39); and man-eating piranha figurines ($35). But beyond freaky stuff, the natural selection can also include gorgeous curios, like displays of blue-morpho butterflies ($39), and eye-popping rock formations.

Since 1927, The Strand has been independently buying and selling books to New Yorkers. The bookstore has become a New York institution for visitors and locals alike. You may even catch your favorite and most stylish celebrities parading around town with a Strand tote bag on their arm (Bella Hadid has been known to sport one).

If you’re planning to have a Soho day shopping around the neighborhood, check out the Strand website for an updated schedule of events and maybe you’ll find yourself front row at a book signing sitting next to Natalie Portman. 

Explore floors and floors of designer clothes and streetwear staples at Dover Street Market. The store’s buyers source pieces from brands we all know and love, like Off-White, Mui Mui, Prada, JW Anderson and more.

But what makes them so special isn’t just the cafe and test kitchen on the first floor or the super cool elevator that takes you all the way up to the third floor—it’s the way their team introduces unique pieces from global designers in an uber inspiring space. 

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is an extraordinarily unusual and endearing place. The two-level space—which stocks a range of literary fiction, nonfiction, rare books and collectibles—is a peaceful spot for solo relaxation or for meeting friends over coffee or wine. All proceeds from the café go to providing support services for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. The premises also host an interesting array of literary events.

INA has long reigned over the downtown consignment scene by virtue of its drastically reduced, immaculate cast-offs from haute labels. With several locations around the city that book weekday appointments, it’s easy to find time to drop off your goodies. Don’t expect to profit from your grandma’s old knit sweater, even if it’s a brand name: For the most part, the stores accept only current (within the last five years) apparel. This branch caters to women; others (check the website) are for men only or anybody.

The beloved high-end boutique is now bigger and better than ever, thanks to this 10,000-square-foot space just one block from its former Soho location. Founders and longtime friends Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley offer an edited collection of the most coveted designer ready-to-wear clothing ($80–$5,785) and accessories ($50–$5,200). Check out Thakoon Addition floral-print dresses ($230) Phillip Lim leopard-print skirts ($158) and Christopher Kane graphic tees ($230).

One of H&M’s spin-offs made its U.S. debut with this Soho outpost. Originally, & Other Stories started as a beauty concept but quickly evolved into a fashion brand offering accessories and Euro-flavored ready-to-wear women’s clothes. While the prices here aren’t as low as what you’d find at H&M, they’re not too steep, either. And items like a coral handbag ($195), a wool striped skirt ($90) and gold knuckle rings ($45) definitely have the added bonus of looking more expensive than they are.

Highly curated wares and contemporary brands make their way to this Soho vintage destination, whose creative director then culls looks for each season's collection. The prices reflect the caliber of design, with articles ranging from Victorian and punk classics to Gilded Age and enviable Chanel chains.