Ede and Ravenscroft is one of those shops that really belongs in Oxford. It's a little glimpse into…read morethe past and into the world of esteemed traditional businessmen. I reckon most people who go in are just curious at the idea of a traditional tailors, and it's a refreshingly quiet change to similar shops in London. It specialises in menswear, but I've had a browse around for cufflinks and ties as presents for male friends and family members. Unfortunately for me, the price is high for such quality products, so I remain an admiring window shopper. There is a 10% discount for students, so it's a good place for interview or internship clothes, or even for sub-fusc, if you want quality clothes that will last. It also caters for academics, legal professions and even clerical outfits. You can treat it as a normal shop or get professionally measured and have clothes tailor-made. Great fun to browse around, but definitely not an everyday shop.

The Ede & Ravenscroft branch on High Street is most likely the best choice for suit, shirts and…read moreformal wear in Oxford. As part of the Ede & Ravenscroft tailoring house in London's Old Burlington Street, not only does the Oxford shop offer ready-made suits, sweaters, ties, shirts and accessories, they are also able to deliver custom-made shirts and suits and to my knowledge -at least until recently- had a tailor coming in for bespoke clothes. The choice of clothes and formal wear is quite remarkable for a small city like Oxford, and with quite a few well-off kids joining the local university each year, there definitely is demand for a shop like E & R. They do provide a great variety of dinner suits, and since every student at Oxford University at some point during his university life requires a dinner suit, this would be my recommended place to get it from. And students even get a 10 percent discount (at least they got it during my student time).

I am in Oxford frequently on business from the US and always to try to stop by Shepherd & Woodward…read more Each time I have been able to stop by, there are items I can't find in the US and usually on sale. Staff has always been helpful and knowledgeable. I am not a long time customer but have had only have positive experiences with them.

A very popular place on High St. to buy T-shirts and sweaters. They have a large selection of…read morevarious clothing (tourist type clothing) at very good prices. It seems they always have a bin of Oxford T-shirts on sale for 4.99 pounds, a real deal. One of my favorite places in Oxford to buy presents.

While on a trip to London we made a quick stop here to purchase a delightful umbrella for my wife…read moreto use during our travels. Fair price, helpful customer service reps, and a clean, well-lit store... I've got no complaints at all and we would gladly go back again if we ever visit Oxford again - hopefully we will.

I love this shop. It used to be a real rabbit warren of a place, a bit like an old fashioned…read moredepartment store. (Think 'Are you being served') It was gutted a few years back and although the building looks the same on the outside inside it's a totally different place. There are three floors (as per usual) which are jam packed full of things to peruse and buy! The womenswear floor is large with a wide range of items for women of any taste. They have a Coast branch inside and a big collection of fancy dresses to suit. The homeware floor is big as well with quite a decent range of kitchen utensils which is nice because a lot of stores skimp on things like this. All in all the store is nice and bright, it can get a bit congested on the escalators and in the lobby though so be careful.

Jaeger Mensware just screams quality stylish smart clothes. Great for suits and shirts and…read moreapparently they are soon to stock the Jaeger London Mensware which is very cool

There are treasures to be found here, but I warn you it is not for the faint of heart. Heed my…read moreadvice, you need to be both mentally prepared and determined to emerge with a successful find here. Racks are overburdened to the point that if you manage to pull something out, you will not be able to shove that hanger back in. The shop pieces are mostly better for women than men, unless you're looking for nice blazer, jacket, or costume. There are quite a few nice menswear pieces in there. And if you have a specific style in mind, for example, a nice tweed, the the owner lady definitely has some kind of mental catalog of her stock. So if you feel overwhelmed, she can pick some stuff out for you if she has an idea of what you're looking for. Prices aren't the cheapest, but this place is a treasure trove of vintage one-offs if that means any added value to you. Also, no price tags. She prices items as you ask her. From what I gather, it depends on the age and value of the brand.

Like walking into a giant dressing up box. Fancy dress, tea dresses, jazzy shirts and net skirts. A…read morevintage wonderland. You will need to rumage as there are bundles of clothes EVERYWHERE and only really space for 3 people to stand. I brought a black waistcoast with silver hearts from the 60's for £15 :) The reason i'm not giving 5/5 is because its frusting when you find one great shoe- but not the other! One very sweet lady who works there. If you are looking for something in particular she will tell you if she has it or when she thinks she will have. Opening times: MonSat 10am5.30pm

Beautiful shop, with great quality clothing, jewellery and homewares. This has to be my new…read morefavourite shop in Oxford! I could easily blow my budget here, but it would be with a clear conscious seeing as it's ethical and fairtrade wares. Well worth a visit.

I've passed this so many times and always thought it was a really posh shop. However, when I…read moreactually went in I was pleasantly surprised by the prices. There was a sales rack outside with dressed from about £35. As always with these things, some were pretty hideous, but I was tempted by 2 or 3 and I wasn't even going in to buy a dress! There's a really good range of dresses from full-on ball gowns to simple cocktail dresses, with prices ranging accordingly, but you can definitely catch some bargains. There's a good range of formalwear for men as well, which can work out much better value for money than hiring a couple of times. The staff weren't overly friendly and it was a bit awkward as we were the only people in there, but they weren't rude and asked if we needed help. I didn't try anything on, despite being tempted, so I guess it's not as inviting as it could be. Definitely worth a look, but go in with a friend if you want some moral support.

The Ballroom is hard to miss. They take full advantage of their window display by showing off the…read moremost spectacularly beautiful and eye catching dresses. I tried on a gothic lacey black prom dress and also a shiny white dress decorated with bright pink flowers! I fell in love with a floor length, satin, chocolate brown dress which, to my delight, was only £35 to buy! They offer beautiful silver and diamond jewellery which is available to rent so no need to break the bank balance. The only reason i'm not ranking 5/5 is because they do not have a fitting room, so take a friend with you to stand hide behind and save your blushes!

The more 'classy' shopping centre in Oxford, the Clarendon carries a number of designer labels…read moreunlike it's counterpart - the Westgate. The centre is small, with the list of shops in the review below. Note though, that it is open 7 days a week, not 5 as stated below. There are often promotional staff situated in the centre - Paintballing, Sky and Cars seem to be common themes. There is minimal seating available.

The Clarendon shopping centre is more modern and brighter than its slightly poorer cousin across…read morethe road (Westgate centre). Some fabulous shops including: French Connection lovely clothes with ladies downstairs and mens (not so good) upstairs Body shop smells yummy and very nice helpful staff Office - my favourite shoe shop River Island again ladies downstairs and men upstairs (not great, a bit unfashionable) Zara classy and elegant with helpful staff. Great ladies on the ground floor with mens and childrens upstairs. Quite a large size store too Gap good for those basics A lovely little boutique whose name escapes me just now they sell gorgeous ladies clothes and handbags The Christmas decorations this year are a bit dodgy though nice lights but one very strange looking santa riding a reindeer My only complaint about this centre is that is has absolutely no seats for tired boyfriends waiting for us girls to stop shopping!

I don't know anyone who actually shops here, but I always have a peek through the window when I go…read morepast. It's pretty much exclusive designer clothes, although (dare I say it) to me they don't look much different from what you can pick up in M&S or Debenhams for a third of the price. It caters for men, women and children, although some of the men's clothes are on the fashion side of normal. There's a small range of broaches and ribbons, and a fair amount of bags, hats, scarves and sunglasses. They have a few shoes, although the choice is usually one boots, one sandle, one heel. The prices are a worth a goggle at if nothing else: over £100 for a top; over £150 for shoes. Personally I'd go to M&S and spend the difference on something fun, but each to their own. If you're looking for quality, you won't be disappointed, and thankfully this designer boutique doesn't rely on quirkiness, but sells clothes you'd actually wear in public.