What to Know About Given, South Carolina's Women's Clothing Boutique

Given is a women's clothing store in downtown Charleston

Given is a boutique located in Charleston's historic downtown district that carries contemporary women's clothing, accessories, and footwear. The store focuses on curated pieces from independent and emerging designers, alongside established brands, with an emphasis on quality construction and distinctive style. If you're looking for clothing that moves beyond chain-store basics, Given offers an alternative approach to shopping for women's wear in the Charleston area.

The boutique operates as a brick-and-mortar retail space where you can see and try on pieces in person. The store's inventory changes seasonally and reflects the owner's eye for design and fit, which means you'll find different selections depending on when you visit. This approach to retail—smaller inventory, thoughtful curation, direct relationship with the shopkeeper—shapes the whole experience of shopping there.

Key Takeaways

• Given carries women's clothing, accessories, and shoes from independent designers and established brands in a curated boutique setting.
• The store is located in downtown Charleston, making it accessible if you're already exploring the historic district or nearby shops and restaurants.
• Inventory rotates seasonally, so the selection you see on one visit will differ from another, reflecting the owner's ongoing curation.
• Shopping at an independent boutique typically means smaller sizes and quantities than chain stores, so pieces may sell out faster.

What to expect when you visit

Given's physical space is designed for browsing and trying on. The store is small enough that you can see most of the inventory from one spot, but organized in a way that encourages you to move through different sections—dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, and accessories each have their own area. Fitting rooms are available, and the staff can help you find your size or suggest pieces that might work with what you're already looking for.

Because the boutique carries pieces from multiple designers, sizing varies. A size 6 in one brand may fit differently than a size 6 in another, which is why trying things on matters more here than it might at a store with a single house brand. The staff can usually tell you which designers run small or large based on their experience with the inventory.

The store does not operate as an outlet or clearance space. Prices reflect the quality and design of the pieces, and they're typically higher than what you'd pay at a department store or chain retailer. If you're shopping for a specific item—a blazer for work, a dress for an event, everyday basics—it helps to have that in mind before you go, though browsing often turns up unexpected finds.

Location and hours

Given is situated in downtown Charleston, in the neighborhood where King Street, Meeting Street, and the streets between them form the main shopping and dining district. This location means it's walkable if you're already downtown, and parking is available through the city's parking system (metered street parking and several paid lots nearby). The store is close to restaurants, galleries, and other boutiques, so many people combine a visit to Given with other downtown activities.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Before you make a trip, check the store's current hours online or call ahead, especially if you're planning to visit on a Sunday or holiday. Downtown Charleston can be busy on weekends and during tourist season, so visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon may give you a quieter shopping experience.

How Given compares to other women's clothing options in Charleston

Charleston has a range of women's clothing retail: national chains in shopping centers, department stores, other independent boutiques, and vintage or consignment shops. Given occupies a specific niche—contemporary, curated, independent—which appeals to shoppers who want something beyond what's available everywhere else but aren't looking for vintage or secondhand pieces.

If you prefer to see a large selection of sizes and styles all at once, a department store or chain retailer will offer that. If you're drawn to the idea of shopping small, supporting local business owners, and discovering designers you might not encounter elsewhere, Given's approach makes sense. The trade-off is that inventory is smaller and prices are higher, but many shoppers find that the quality and uniqueness justify the difference.

Shopping online or by phone

Given primarily operates as a physical retail space, and most of the shopping experience is designed around visiting in person. However, it's worth calling the store to ask whether they can hold pieces for you, special-order items, or discuss what's currently in stock if you have a specific need. The staff can often describe what's available and may be able to help you find something without a visit.

If you're traveling to Charleston or live outside the area, calling ahead to ask about current inventory or specific sizes can save you a trip. Some boutiques will also work with customers on phone orders or shipping, though policies vary by store.

Why independent boutiques matter in Charleston's retail landscape

Charleston's downtown has seen significant growth in national retail chains over the past two decades, which has made independent boutiques like Given increasingly important to the character of the shopping district. These stores employ local staff, keep money in the local economy, and often reflect the owner's personal taste and values in ways that chain stores cannot.

Shopping at Given also means you're likely to encounter pieces you won't see on other people—the curation and smaller inventory mean less uniformity. For many shoppers, that distinctiveness is part of the appeal, whether you're looking for everyday wear or something for a specific occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Given located in downtown Charleston?

Given is in the downtown shopping district near King Street and Meeting Street. The exact address and directions are best found by searching online or calling the store, as street addresses can be confusing in Charleston's historic grid. Once you're downtown, the boutique is within walking distance of other shops and restaurants.

Do they carry plus sizes or extended sizes?

Given's inventory varies by designer and season. Some brands carried in the store offer extended sizing, while others do not. Calling ahead to ask about current stock in your size is the most direct way to find out whether they have pieces that will work for you.

Can I return or exchange items?

Return and exchange policies vary by boutique. Call Given directly to learn their specific policy on returns, exchanges, and timeframes. Most independent boutiques have clear policies posted in-store as well.

Is Given a good place to shop if I'm visiting Charleston for a few days?

Yes, if you enjoy browsing independent boutiques and have time to spend downtown. Given is one of several clothing boutiques in the area, so you could combine a visit there with other shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you're on a tight schedule or looking for a specific item, calling ahead to confirm they have it in stock makes sense.

Do they offer personal shopping or styling services?

Many independent boutiques offer informal styling help from staff who know the inventory well. Call the store to ask whether they provide this kind of service or can recommend pieces based on what you're looking for.