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Step 1
*Take the Metro: The first thing you must understand before getting around D.C. to do anything, shopping or otherwise, is that it is a walking city. With a fine Metro system that includes both subway and buses, there is not much of a reason for you to bring a car during your shopping trip. Chances are you'll have too much trouble parking (or get annoyed by how much garages charge) and wished that you had walked in the first place. While D.C. is not tiny, it is only a medium-sized city by East Coast standards. Thus, getting from one end of the city to another only takes about forty-five minutes by Metro, even during rush-hour. If you are interested in venturing into Northern Virginia and Maryland, however, a car is recommended. Exceptions stand for certain more urban suburban areas, like Arlington, VA and Bethesda, MD, which border D.C. and are therefore still serviced by the city Metro. Fortunately, the D.C. Metro is not expensive and if you travel outside of rush-hour, you get a special discount. That means more money for clothes!
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Step 2
*Tyson's Corner Mall: Tyson's Corner Mall is not only the largest mall in the Washington, D.C. area--it's the largest on the entire East Coast. It is located in Mclean, VA, about a fifteen to twenty-minute drive from D.C. (That estimate assumes that traffic is not severe.) While the bus does run out to Tyson's, it is wiser to take a car, as the bus requires transfers. You'll want to save your energy for this huge, two-part mall, Tyson's Corner I and Tyson's Corner II Galleria, anyway. There, you will find everything classy malls typically have to offer: Guess, J. Jill, Bebe, Lord and Taylor, Anthropologie, Nine West, Bloomingdale's, Banana Republic in addition to a few independent stores. There are also more accessible and affordable stores, like Aeropostale, Old Navy, Forever 21, and American Eagle Outfitter's.
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Step 3
*Adams Morgan: If you're young (or at least young at heart) with an artsy leaning, check out D.C.'s version of Greenich Village. All along 18th street, you will find dozens of places selling vintage, locally-designed, and/or imported clothes and accessories. This means many thrift/consignment shops and artist galleries. Granted, since almost all of these stores are Mom and Pop, the prices can't compare to those of Wal-Mart, Target, or Kohl's, but you get a lot of style and a lot of service in return. Even if you decide that you cannot ultimately afford anything or are not willing to pay a certain price, you will not regret visiting Adams Morgan. At the very least, you will gain new styling ideas. Make sure you stop by Shake Your Booty and Meeps Vintage for a mix of fun and exquisite clothes.
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Step 4
*Old Town Alexandria: Old Town Alexandria is a historical area located in Alexandria, VA, right across the river from D.C. Locals generally perceive the neighborhood as upper-middle class to wealthy and extremely elegant. As you can imagine, then, the stores are not usually cheap, but the city regularly prints and distributes coupon books that you can pick up on the street. Most of the shops are independently owned boutiques that sell smart travel wear, evening wear, church wear, and overall things you wear to look your best. Many of the shops also boast a historical connection, whether they celebrate George Washington or Lord Fairfax. There are, of course, national chains, too, like Gap and Ann Taylor. Stores to definitely put on your list include Hysteria, The Shoe Hive, Diva, and Treat.
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Step 5
*Georgetown: If non-Washingtonians have heard of any D.C. neighborhood, they probably know Georgetown. It is the home of the prestigious Georgetown University, as well as all kinds of somewhat pricey to absurdly priced stores. It is also the shopping district most likely to please a general audience, if not by price range, then certainly by style. You can find anything from Urban Outfitter's to United Colors of Benetton to White House/Black Market at The Shops of Georgetown Park. For those concerned about spending big bucks, rest assured that there is an H&M.
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Step 6
*Eastern Market: D.C. has its share of flea markets, but Eastern Market is the most popular. Although the market is better known for food and arts/crafts (think fresh fish and African masks), some vendors sell clothing and accessories. You can find plenty of vendors in and outdoors, touting everything from knit shawls to garden hats to glass jewelry. Find out about hours of operation at http://www.easternmarketdc.com/
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Step 7
*Must-sees: Here are stores you can only find in Washington, D.C., stores that will make your visit to the nation's capital unforgettable, even if you do nothing but window shop. Sometime before you leave, go to at least a couple of the following stores in the city and the metro area: Secondi (www.secondi.com), Unique (http://uniquethriftstoremd.com/), Remix (http://www.remixvintage.com/), Industry 247 (http://www.ballston-common.com), and Commander Salamander (http://www.georgetowndc.com/go/commander-salamander).
