It’s the summer to see and be seen, and Newcastle is the fashion hotspot of the North! The city offers an unparalleled shopping scene in the region, with big name brands, unique independents and all the high street icons you need to look sizzling this summer. Here we pick out some of the best summer fashion hotspots offering fantastic footwear, gorgeous swimwear and trendy threads!
END, Grey Street
Fast becoming one of the freshest and hippest fashion brands in the city, END are a real powerhouse on the scene. Their specialist footwear department is the stuff of legend, and they’re often the first to stock the must-have new releases. Look good while you’re out on the trails with their very popular hiking-style shoes from brands like New Balance, with other fashion apparel geared towards sporty style. Head here for exclusive Birkenstocks and Salomon’s trail running and hiking shoes, alongside trendy and playful Converse, plus Alexander McQueen sneakers and retro Axel Arigato runners.
Boots, Eldon Square
When shopping for the youngsters in your family, you might not immediately consider Boots for fashion, but the health and beauty retailer is a proper one-stop shop. Not only can you grab that all important sun block, but their Mothercare clothing department (downstairs in the Eldon Square store) has a great range of cute outfits and mother and baby essentials. Their Safe For Summer range of swimsuits are perfect for the beach or the pool, so the little ones can be splashing in the water in no time!
Bravissimo, Eldon Garden
Tucked away in Eldon Garden, Bravissimo’s friendly staff and superb range of nightwear, sportswear, swimwear and lingerie aim to make women feel fantastic, no matter their size. One of their unique selling points is that they sell swimwear all year round, so no matter whether you’re jetting off for some winter sun or looking for something new for your summer wardrobe, they’ve got you covered with a lovely range. All their swimwear is sold separately, and tops are measured in bra sizes rather than dress sizes, meaning you’ll always get a great fit.
Flannels, Northumberland Street
Luxury fashion retailer Flannels have everything you need to stay cool and chic no matter the weather, thanks to their curated ready to wear collections. It’s all about the designer names here, and you’ll find an impressive range of world-class designers including the likes of Moschino, Paul Smith, Givenchy, Palm Angel, Valentino, Burberry and Balmain. Be subtle in pastel shades or pop your look with eye-catching sweatshirts and cool caps.
Kurt Geiger, Eldon Square
Premium footwear brand Kurt Geiger have had their finger on the fashion pulse since the 1960s and their Eldon Square shop is a Mecca for shoe fanatics. A perfectly curated collection of delicate sandals and sparkly heels will ensure you’re the belle of any summer ball, while their clutch bags and unique accessories make sure you stand out in style.
Primark, Northumberland Street
Primark proudly proclaim that “every street is a catwalk”, and with fashion as affordable and fun as this it’s easy to be stylish on any budget. This summer flower power is back with a bang, and their hippy-style slogan T-shirts, bright neon flares and tube dresses will transport you right back to the heyday. Elsewhere, cool off with shirt-style playsuits, crochet striped dresses, Lakers and Knicks basketball vests for the boys and a host of great collabs including Stitch, Micky Mouse and Marvel.
Leaf Clothing, Pilgrim Street
Leaf Clothing have been established in the city since 1978 and they pride themselves on a personal service and many exclusive brands. Their summer range is typified by the bright and bold printed patterns of Sara Roka’s delightful Italian-style dresses, perfect for special nights out and also casual enough to be wearable during the day. You should also head to the store for other exclusive pieces by the likes of Emme Marella, the incredibly popular MAC jeans and trousers range, Dea Kudibal, Kevan Jon and Inwear’s staple pieces. In the men’s department, summery flowery ties and cravats sit alongside classic suits and shirts.
Sports Direct, Northumberland Street
No matter what sporty summer activity you’re up to, it’s pretty much guaranteed that Sports Direct have got the gear you need. Their vast store on Northumberland Street serves up several floors of sporty goodness, from trainers to trackies, and for runners to riders. Their swimwear range includes all the paraphernalia you need to get out on the water including snorkels, fins and masks as well as wetsuits and floatation vests for kids.
TKMaxx, Northumberland Street
Those who like to stand out from the crowd will already be firm fans of fashion and homeware store TKMaxx, who pride themselves on offering big brands and designers at a fraction of their usual prices. We’re loving their range of big and bold straw bags, perfect for everything you need for a day at the beach; made with natural fibres and ethically sourced, they’ve got a great range of colours and styles. Their regular stock rotation often means once it’s gone, it’s gone – so there’s always an excuse for a return visit!
Image: Pranella at Fenwick
Fenwick, Northumberland Street
Whether it’s a sophisticated soiree or a summer wedding, make a beeline for Fenwick’s wonderful fashion department for that perfect outfit this summer. Floral, lacy and light dresses from Front Row are perfect for a casual affair, while Prenella’s floaty beach dresses will transport you straight to that Mediterranean seafront you’ve been dreaming of. Elsewhere, Ted Baker’s bold prints are ripe for making a statement, while Forever New’s stunning range of midi dresses will ensure you’re dressed to impress.
Ann Summers, Eldon Square
Here’s one for the honeymooners. Perfect for that special couples holiday, don’t go anywhere until you’ve checked out Ann Summers’ swimwear range. Feel sexy and confident in their costumes which reveal just enough to enable that perfect tan! The retailer are also known for their decadent lingerie, with something to suit every taste from classic and stylish to flattering and fun!
Union Clothing, High Bridge
Union’s massive range of denim, casual tees and shirts will have you festival-ready in no time this summer. Stand out from the crowd with individually designed items from the likes of artist and designer Shephard Fairey (aka Obey) who features his statement artwork on a great range of t-shirts, and top names like Para, Brixton, Stan Ray and Dickies all feature too. Hawaiian-style shirts, the ubiquitous bucket hats, pastel hoodies, jumpers and Carhartt’s great workwear and utility jackets have you covered no matter the weather!
JD Sports, Northumberland Street
Trainer and sports fashion retailer JD Sports’ Northumberland Street store provides a modern shopping experience in trendy surroundings. In addition to a great clothing range, their sporty selection of big name trainer brands will get you match fit. If you’d rather just look trendy while tending the BBQ, they’ve got a great range of Crocs, sliders, flip flops and sandals which are ideal for chilling in the garden with your pals.
New Look, Eldon Square
New Look is a firm favourite for the fashion and budget conscious, and their range mixes a healthy variety of summer staples like cropped tops, bodysuits and floaty cotton shorts with some must-have brands like Apricot and Blue Vanilla. They also have a great accessories selection which ranges from super sparkly to subtle and chic. Glow up with Bondi Sands’ make-up and tanning options, and complete the look with some fab beaded bracelets and anklets.
