Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Fashion Lovers in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Fashion Lovers in Queens
1. Queens Center
Queens’ biggest mall anchors Elmhurst with flagship fast-fashion, sneaker temples, and beauty chains under one roof—ideal for building a city-ready wardrobe in any weather.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the borough’s one-stop for trend drops and staple basics, with sizes and price points for everyone plus easy subway access.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for lighter crowds; January–February and late July for the deepest seasonal sales.
✓ Insider Tip:
New York State exempts most clothing under $110 from sales tax—smart buys add up here. Enter via the Woodhaven Blvd–Queens Center subway stop for quickest access.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers praise the variety and convenience; weekends are lively and can feel packed but energetic.
2. The Shops at SkyView Center
A bright multi-level complex in Flushing mixing global brands with athleisure and streetwear, steps from one of NYC’s richest dining districts.
✓ Why Go:
Combine fashion finds with Flushing’s unbeatable eats—perfect for a full-day style-and-snack itinerary.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons on weekdays; festive pop-ups and decor often align with Lunar New Year (January–February).
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the College Point Blvd entrance and rooftop parking for smoother in-and-out; you’ll snag skyline peeks of Citi Field, too.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and fashion fans like the clean layout and brand mix; food options nearby are a major bonus.
3. The Shops at Atlas Park
An open-air lifestyle center in Glendale with apparel, accessories, and a central green—made for relaxed browsing between coffee breaks.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an uncrowded alternative to mega-malls, with an easygoing, suburban-park vibe for stress-free fashion hunting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring–early fall evenings for golden-hour browsing and occasional outdoor programming.
✓ Insider Tip:
Driving is easiest here—there’s on-site parking; rideshares also work well since subways don’t reach Glendale directly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the calm atmosphere and family-friendly feel; selection keeps improving year over year.
4. The Colosseum Mall
A Jamaica Avenue icon where local vendors specialize in streetwear, sneakers, custom embroidery, and hip‑hop‑inflected accessories.
✓ Why Go:
For a slice of authentic NYC retail culture—unique finds, custom work, and styles you won’t see in chain stores.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons and early evenings; late August–September buzzes with back‑to‑school energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wander the adjacent 165th Street pedestrian mall for more indie shops; many kiosks are cash-friendly, so carry a small stash.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for deals and personality; can be crowded but brimming with local flavor.
5. Butala Emporium
A Jackson Heights mainstay selling saris, bangles, textiles, and South Asian fashion essentials along the neighborhood’s famed 74th Street corridor.
✓ Why Go:
Immerse in color and craftsmanship—great for occasion wear, statement jewelry, and fabrics you’ll treasure.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings when the corridor is most vibrant; pre‑Diwali (October–November) and before Eid for peak selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for nearby tailors on 74th Street who can fit a blouse or hem a sari the same day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers highlight helpful service, fair prices, and authentic picks; aisles get busy on weekends.
6. The Brass Owl
Astoria’s beloved boutique curates women’s apparel, handbags, jewelry, and Queens‑proud merch with a community-first touch.
✓ Why Go:
Support indie retail while discovering small‑batch designers and thoughtful gifts you’ll actually wear.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late afternoons for unrushed browsing; new arrivals often hit mid‑week.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sizes and limited runs can go fast—ask about restocks and local designer trunk shows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars rave about friendly styling advice and unique selections at fair prices.
7. Lockwood
A playful Astoria concept shop where apparel, accessories, and design‑forward gifts meet Queens pride and witty graphics.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for stylish tees, totes, and accessories you won’t find in big-box stores.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings before brunch crowds; November–December for robust holiday capsules.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for apparel-focused racks and seasonal collabs; staff can point you to sister storefronts nearby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Trendy yet welcoming; locals love the curation and neighborhood spirit.
8. Goodwill Outlet Store & Donation Center
LIC’s pay‑by‑the‑pound outlet is a thrifter’s playground where patience turns into vintage scores and designer surprises.
✓ Why Go:
For the thrill of the hunt—refresh a wardrobe sustainably for a fraction of retail.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings when fresh bins roll out and space is easiest to navigate.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring light gloves and reusable bags; dress in layers for quick try‑ons since fitting rooms are limited.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Chaotic but rewarding; treasure hunters keep coming back for unbeatable deals.
9. MoMA PS1
A cutting‑edge art space where exhibitions often intersect with costume, identity, and performance—plus a shop with artist‑designed wearables.
✓ Why Go:
To see how fashion dialogs with contemporary art and to pick up limited‑edition accessories.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for easier gallery flow; check for special programs that pair well with design‑centric shows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Swing by the bookshop for wearable collabs and zines; nearby LIC cafes make stylish post‑museum stops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Inspiring and thought‑provoking; fashion‑minded visitors appreciate its boundary‑pushing lens.
10. Queens Night Market
A seasonal open‑air market where indie makers sell jewelry, accessories, and apparel alongside global street food and vibrant style watching.
✓ Why Go:
Shop small, discover fresh designers, and soak up Queens’ diversity in one festive evening.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday nights from spring to fall (typically April–October); arrive near opening to browse before peak crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring both cash and cards; start with maker stalls first, then circle back for food once lines thin.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Joyful, diverse, and family‑friendly; shoppers love the finds and the community vibe.
