The Best Boutiques and Vintage Shops in St Andrews, Scotland

A breath of fresh fashion air, Sam Brown is a cracker of a boutique showcasing swoon-worthy wares instilled with that special sense of je ne sais quoi, all at appealing prices. Each piece is meticulously picked from a range of desirable designers — think Luella, Avoca Anthology, French Connection, Great Plains London, Onjenu London, Pom Amsterdam and Superga. Let’s just say Sam Brown never fails to add fireworks to an already on-point outfit!

Whether in the market for a quintessentially Scottish tartan scarf, or timeless oversized cashmere jumper to pair with those perfect jeans, look no further than Johnstons of Elgin. This iconic cashmere house, a true pride and joy of Scotland, is favoured by design greats from Christopher Kane to Chanel. Standing out amidst St Andrew’s pocket of select boutiques, Johnstons of Elgin is a one-stop shop for investment pieces and classic winter woolies.

As the world’s ‘home of golf’, there’s no better place to pick up the crème de la crème of golfing gear. Those set on getting suited and booted to the nines in pastel polos, tartan trews and everything else in between will find what they’re looking for at The Golf Shop of St Andrews. This compact shop has that boutique feel and contains a surprising number of polos in all colours, brilliant golf hats and shoes, amidst other necessities. You don’t have to be a golfer to add a high fashion preppy edge with a diamond patterned vest.

If there’s one thing to know when it comes to nifty thrift store shopping, it’s to flock towards the places graced by stylish fashion-forward people, or wealthy folk. Thankfully, St Andrews ticks all boxes, with its host of worldly residents spanning from retirees to students. Oxfam, along with the likes of Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation, is always worthy of a gander. You never know what may be awaiting you, perhaps an authentic Chanel blazer castaway, Mulberry handbag or perfect condition ball-worthy dress.