Right off the Metra line, Elmhurst has a great pocket of indie businesses in its charming downtown area. It’s where Chicago native Dee Milostan set up Camden Boutique (106 West 2nd Street, Elmhurst, 630-834-4870, camdenboutique.com), a women’s shop filled with modern casual wear. The boutique has such a loyal following that customers pop in weekly to see what’s new.

The secret? Everything in the store is comfortable. “As a buyer, I definitely focus on comfort and easy, everyday wear—but with interesting details or design,” says Milostan, who has a background in interior design. That means vibrant maxi dresses by Sanctuary, embellished blouses by Velvet and luxuriously soft tees by Gypsy 05. My personal favorites in the store: four-way stretch denim by DL1961 that feel like leggings ($178) and silky-soft button downs by Bella Dahl ($138).

Downtown Elmhurst is about a 30 minute drive from Chicago, or a quick jaunt on the Metra (the Union Pacific-West line stops right in town). Make a point to spend the day—just around the corner from Camden are two other local gems opened by young female business owners, RedE Boutique (146 N. York St.) and Enzee Boutique (140 N. York St.).