For people living in major metropolitan areas – New York, Chicago, LA – boutiques stocking those high-fashion clothing and accessory lines are nothing new.

One doesn’t usually expect the same from Iowa. The state’s Midwestern location coupled with its lack of big cities might make one assume locals have to make do with mass-market brands and standard shopping mall fare.

A sweater and pant display at Dulcinea illustrates Iowa City's fashion-forward vibe.

But Iowa City is steadily trying to change that reputation. The town’s global mindset and abundance of out-of-towners – thanks in large part to the University of Iowa’s presence – have created a market for a more unique fashion aesthetic.

Stores like Domby, Textiles Inc., Hebe and others all stock unique lines and fashion-forward merchandise that's a refreshing alternative from chain stores at the mall.

Diverse perspectives showcase unique styles

“We have people from all over the country,” said Desi Sexton, manager of Dulcinea, 2 S. Dubuque St. “It’s also a liberal town. Many people are so fashion-forward.”

Many shop owners and buyers mentioned the influx of residents from hometowns across the country as one of the main influences in how they stock their stores.

“Having the [university] here brings so many different ways of life,” said Tracy Elder, an associate at Velvet Coat, 116 E. Washington St. “You see so many styles.”

A large student population from the Chicagoland area – with many typically wealthy communities – is a factor that’s kept the downtown specialty boutiques alive, said Nicole Gibrick, who works at Hebe, 132 S. Clinton St.

“Here there’s no Nordstrom, no Bloomingdale’s,” she said. “It’s all about the local boutiques [to get those fashion lines].”

The premier boutique town in the state

Iowa City also trumps two other larger Iowa cities, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, in terms of fashion.

“We have lots of Cedar Rapids customers,” Elder said. “It’s nothing like Iowa City in Cedar Rapids.”

Elder mentioned that the boutique scene in Des Moines is growing, especially in the downtown East Village, but the variety of clothing styles isn’t as varied as what’s in Iowa City.

Where do local boutiques get inspiration?>>>

Would would know personal style better than those who work in the boutiques of Iowa City? These women are paid to stay on top of fashion and help their customers find the right look, so we asked them about how they keep themselves in style.

Sarah Mercier, Dulcinea

Nicole Gibrick, Hebe

Hana Hinkle, Velvet Coat