Beyond Beach Gear: A Fashion-Focused Shopping Trail Through the Outer Banks

By Megan Wilson
Aug. 23, 2021

Ask around about shopping in the Outer Banks, and you may be pointed toward sunscreen, coolers, and beach chairs. But tucked among the bungalows and bodegas is a more stylish side of the islands. Boutique owners throughout the Outer Banks have built a thoughtful path of fashion discoveries, and this route begins up north before cruising south through these beloved barrier islands.

Duck

Islands

1240 Duck Road

This clean-lined, sea-inspired boutique arrived at The Waterfront Shops with a breezy coastal feel. Inside, the racks mix current trends with lasting staples, including Lack of Color hats, Agolde bodysuits, For Love and Lemons camisoles, and high cut bikinis from both emerging and familiar brands. It is a place to gather pieces that work just as well by the ocean as they do back in the city.

Modern Beach House

1117 Duck Road

True to its name, this Scarborough Faire Shopping Village shop leans strongly into home decor. Expect contemporary throw blankets, glassware, pillows, poufs, and other lifestyle pieces. On the fashion side, shoppers can browse hats and robes, with handmade earrings and gold vermeil necklaces completing the carefully edited assortment.

Kitty Hawk

Miss Lizzie’s

3720 N Croatan Hwy

The cheerful pink exterior makes Miss Lizzie’s easy to spot in Kitty Hawk. Step inside for a bright, playful mix of jewelry, dresses, vests, tunics, and other finds. You can pull together a full dinner outfit or choose jewelry to take home as a gift. The beach hat selection is both practical and fun.

Starr Boutique

3702 N Croatian Highway

This trend-forward shop is stocked for standout beach style and beyond. Regular finds include cutout dresses, felt fedoras, leather crossbody bags, and cheeky swim sets, all arranged in a colorful boutique setting. Art prints are also available for shoppers who want a keepsake from their beach trip.

Kill Devil Hills

Mom’s Sweet Spot

3213 N. Croatan Hwy

Mom’s Sweet Spot stands out for more than one reason. Start with the clothing: vintage and new shirts, dresses, accessories, shorts, denim, and more for both coastal and streetwear looks. While visiting, browse home decor such as seashell jewelry dishes, stained glass sun mobiles, ceramic tumblers, and throw blankets. If hunger hits, head to the kitchen for premium milkshakes, acai bowls, and CBD seltzers.

Honey & Hive Boutique

3105 N Croatan Highway

Honey & Hive Boutique has a warm, flirty feel and is stocked for everyday style lovers as well as vacationing beach goddesses. Flowing gauze maxi skirts, high-waisted denim, kimonos, and rompers make easy choices for shoppers heading to a wedding, sunset drinks, or wherever the day leads.

Nags Head

The French Door

2921 S. Croatan Highway

The French Door serves a polished take on beach style. Look for loose linen cover ups, flowing cropped camis, stone wrap bracelets, espadrilles, and rich leather bags by Hobo. The shop also offers home and wellness goods, including candles, bath bombs, and charming inspirational signs.

Foxy Flamingo Boutique

2515 S. Croatan Highway

Plan to spend some time inside this winding boutique, where there is a bit of something for every beach style personality. Simple cross body bags, coastal jewelry, and ready-to-wear hats make lighthearted, easy additions to a closet. The store also stocks playful staples and statement pieces, including dresses, skirts, denim, and shoes.

Secret Spot

2815 S Croatan Highway

Secret Spot is a long-running Outer Banks staple with 40 years behind it. Surfers should consider it an essential stop, with knowledgeable staff offering boards and advice. Away from the water, shoppers will find clothing from brands such as Billabong, Hurley, Quicksilver, Sanuk, and more across the racks and shelves. It is a place to pick up skirts, board shorts, hoodies, and sandals from true surf labels.

Manteo

Sister’s

207 Queen Elizabeth Ave

This welcoming shop is packed with both home decor and fashion. Shoppers can find bitters for a bar cart, straw hats for beach outfits, vintage band tees for concert nights, and Turkish pillows for the couch. Sister’s carries a little of everything, yet the mix still feels cohesive. Its textures, colors, and scents can refresh a beach house or bring coastal character to a city wardrobe.

Nest

105 Budleigh Street

Nest is a beachy, boho retreat with fashion items such as straw hats and bags, espadrilles imported from France, cashmere tops, and artisan jewelry. In keeping with the name Nest, the shop also offers a cozy, polished selection of home fragrances, imported soaps, kitchen utensils, and decor.

Waves

REAL Watersports

25706 Highway 12

Adventure-minded visitors should add REAL to the itinerary. This watersport hub can help guests get on the water for kiteboarding, surfing, and foil boarding. The large shop carries the essentials, including wetsuits, boards, and rash guards. It also features a broad selection of men’s and women’s clothing, with sunglasses, shorts, skirts, belts, wallets, and hats from top surf brands.

Avon

Salty Sanddollar

40534 NC 12 Highway

Salty Sanddollar is centered on fun. Tie-dye leggings, seashell-adorned purses, bamboo sunglasses, and floral dresses stand out inside this Avon boutique. Shoppers can also browse everyday jewelry, denim, and original design t-shirts. Be sure to look through the wine glasses, handmade jewelry, and home decor for gifts to bring back to friends and family; it works well as a one-stop shop.

Want to Keep Shopping?

There are plenty of additional shops throughout the Outer Banks. Explore the full Shopping Guide to find more of them.

About the Author

Megan Wilson is a travel writer and marketing specialist at SweetSauceBlog.com from Richmond, VA. She regularly makes the 3-hour trip to the Outer Banks for both adventure and relaxation, and she brings her work with her so she can create with a view.