Rome Boutiques

Shoppers confronting a rough exchange rate ought to pause before they pull out the plastic—it doesn’t make much sense to buy basics here if you can avoid it, and you probably shouldn’t drop your hard-earned euros on brands you can purchase easily at home. Still, there are certain things you can only buy “when in Rome.” Below, find a list of boutiques that are really worth it.

Sermoneta, P. di Spagna 61 (☎06 67 91 960). Luxurious leather and satin gloves in a rainbow of colors. You may not be able to afford a cashmere sweater or a rabbit fur coat, but Sermoneta gloves lined with the same rich fabrics are reasonably priced. Unlined leather gloves from €27, cashmere-lined from €35, rabbit-lined from €48. AmEx/MC/V.
Dadada, V. del Corso 500 (☎06 69 20 20 97; www.dadada.eu). 2nd location at V. di Giubbonari 52. Act out your favorite scenes from Roman Holiday in these boutiques’ well-cut, slightly retro dresses, available in bright prints and sophisticated solids. They aren’t dirt-cheap, but generally high quality makes the items for sale here good value for money. AmEx/MC/V.
David Mayer Naman, V. di Corso 168 (☎06 69 20 20 97), V. Cola di Rienzo 185 (☎06 32 43 303; www.davidmayernaman.com). For the inner fashionista in all men, David Mayer offers good-looking attire that doesn’t require a trust fund. Short-sleeved button-down shirts about €45. Sweaters around €90. Popular shoes €120. Open M 11:30am-8pm, Tu-Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11am-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Ethic, V. di Corso 85 (☎06 36 00 21 91), V. di Pantheon 46-47 (☎06 68 80 31 67; www.ethic.it), V. del Babuino 152 (☎06 36 00 26 76), and other locations (including outlets) all over the city. Bohemian-lite garments in calm colors are unerringly tasteful. Prices won’t break the bank. Corso branch open M and Su noon-8pm, Tu-Sa 10am-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Jam, V. di Corso (☎06 67 84 209), in the Galleria Alberto Sordi, across from P. Colonna. The hip offspring of department store La Rinascente, Jam plays colorful host to over 50 international brands, such as Adidas, Fornarina, Paul Smith, and Hello Kitty. A remarkable range of prices and styles. Also sells quirky accessories and home supplies (such as charmingly crafted vegetable peelers). Open daily 10am-9pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Fornarina, main store at V. di Condotti 37/39 (☎06 69 20 02 90; www.fornarina.com). Other locations on V. Cola di Rienzo and Vle. Marconi. Some pieces so outrageous that only an Italian could pull them off, but enough jeans, interesting shoes, and chic neon accessories to complement anyone’s wardrobe. Most prices in the €50-€150 range. AmEx/MC/V.
Miss Sixty, V. di Corso 510 (☎06 32 19 374). Many other locations scattered throughout the city. Another Italian brand that has made inroads into global fashion, yet somehow the pieces in their Italian stores seem to be a little bit brighter and a little bit more unconventional. Famous for its reasonably-priced, fashionable jeans (generally around €100). Good selection of shoes and swimwear as well. AmEx/MC/V.
Mariotti Boutique, V. di Frezza 20 (☎06 32 27 126). This elegant boutique sells clothes for an older woman with sophisticated but not stodgy taste. Prices are steep; watch for the significant sales, when price points drop to €50 and €70. Open M 3-7pm, Tu-Sa 10am-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Simona, V. di Corso 82-3 (☎06 36 13 742 or 36 00 18 36). This lingerie store has an impressive array of underthings from D&G, La Perla, and other name brands, as well as colorful bathing suits during the summer. Open M-Sa 10am-7:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Stefanel, P. Venezia 5 (☎06 69 92 58 36), at the corner of V. del Corso; also at V. Cola di Rienzo 223 (☎06 32 11 403), and several other locations in Rome (not all have the same merchandise). Check www.stefanel.it for more stores. An upscale, slightly hipper version of Benetton, with higher prices to match. Bags around €90; basic dresses €110; shoes €100. Men’s clothing at similar prices. Open daily 10am-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Xandrine, V. di Croce 88 (☎06 67 86 201). Indulge your inner princess in this temple worshipping sequins and chiffon. A couture shop that specializes in evening wear. Many ready-to-wear dresses hang along the walls, but if you must have your ball gown in chartreuse taffeta, get your measurements taken and come back in 3 days. Open M-Sa 10am-7:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Diesel, V. di Corso 186 (☎06 67 83 933), off V. di Condotti. Also at V. di Babuino 94-5 (☎06 69 38 00 53). The label in faux-retro fashion. Kitsch meets streetwear plus a really popular line of denim. A much broader selection than you’ll find in the US, but don’t expect a bargain. Open M-Sa 10:30am-7:30pm, Su 3-7:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Pinko, P. Colonna 29/30 (☎06 69 20 20 37), also on V. Frattina and V. di Giubbonari. Perhaps the direct opposite of what the name would suggest, Pinko sells glitzy faux-couture to those with enough money to spend on a €100 rhinestone t-shirt. Some pieces are quite lovely, but only if you can find them on sale. Also responsible for the ubiquitous “Pinko Bag” bags and their “Pink Bag” knockoffs you will see around Rome. AmEx/MC/V.