A local model wearing the boutique's statement outerwear stepping off the curb at Third and Bluff Street with Dubuque's historic Cable Car Square brick architecture behind her.
Cable Car Square, Dubuque, Iowa

Where river-town history meets modern style.

Gotta Have It is a curated missy boutique at the corner of Third Street and Bluff Street in Dubuque's historic Cable Car Square District. We bring together contemporary clothing and accessories with the unmistakable character of a Mississippi River town.

The 'Gotta Have It' storefront at golden hour, its glass door reflecting the overhead cable car lines and brick cobblestones of the historic district while garment racks glow inside.

A boutique rooted in Dubuque's brick-and-mortar soul.

Gotta Have It sits at the crossroads of Dubuque's past and present — inside the historic Cable Car Square District where trolley tracks still glint beneath your feet and the Mississippi River breeze carries stories through every alleyway.

We believe a boutique should feel like a discovery. Not a generic rack of trends, but a thoughtfully assembled collection of modern clothing and accessories chosen for the woman who knows herself and dresses accordingly. Our space is designed to invite you in, slow you down, and help you find pieces that feel genuinely yours.

Every item in our shop is selected with intention. We focus on missy sizing and contemporary silhouettes that flatter real women — pieces that work for walking the Dubuque riverwalk, meeting friends for coffee on Main Street, or heading out for an evening in the Port of Dubuque. Style should never feel complicated. It should feel effortless, confident, and unapologetically you.

Being part of Cable Car Square means something to us. This district holds the architectural memory of a river town that built itself from limestone and ambition. We are proud to be a modern addition to that story — a place where brick history and bold new arrivals share the same sidewalk.

Services designed around how you actually live.

New Arrivals

Our racks refresh regularly with carefully chosen seasonal pieces. We do not chase every passing trend — we select garments that feel current without becoming dated, focusing on quality fabrics, wearable colors, and cuts that complement a variety of body types. When you visit, you are seeing our latest finds before anyone else.

See What's New

Apparel & Accessories

From statement outerwear to everyday essentials, our collection covers the full spectrum of a modern wardrobe. We carry dresses, tops, denim, knitwear, and layering pieces alongside handbags, jewelry, scarves, and belts. Every accessory is chosen to pull an outfit together — the finishing touch that transforms the ordinary into something memorable.

Browse the Collection

Personal Styling

Not sure what works for you? Our personal styling sessions are relaxed, judgment-free, and entirely focused on your life and preferences. We help you identify the shapes, colors, and pieces that make you feel most like yourself. Whether you need a full wardrobe refresh or a single outfit for a special occasion, we work with you one-on-one to build looks that feel authentic.

Book a Session

Gift Cards

The perfect gift for the woman who knows what she likes — or the one still figuring it out. Our gift cards allow the recipient to experience the boutique at her own pace, with the guidance of our team if she wants it. Available in any denomination, they are a thoughtful way to share the Gotta Have It experience with someone you care about.

Purchase a Gift Card
The boutique owner's hands arranging a stack of folded modern knitwear next to leather accessories on the shop's wooden display table, with Cable Car Square visible through the front window.
Every piece is hand-selected with our Dubuque community in mind.

What to expect when you walk through our door.

A Warm Welcome

You will be greeted like a neighbor, not a transaction. We want you to feel comfortable browsing, asking questions, and taking your time. There is no pressure here — only genuine enthusiasm for helping you find something you love.

Honest Guidance

Our team knows the collection inside and out. We will tell you what fits beautifully, what pairs well, and what might not be right for you. Our goal is not to sell you the most expensive item — it is to send you home with something you will reach for again and again.

Thoughtful Curation

We limit our inventory to pieces we truly believe in. That means no overwhelming walls of identical items. Instead, you will find a refined selection where every garment has earned its place on our racks.

Local Connection

We are part of the Dubuque community. When you shop with us, you are supporting a small business that cares about this city, its history, and the women who live here. That matters to us, and we hope it matters to you too.

Let's find your next favorite piece.

Whether you want to book a personal styling session, ask about new arrivals, purchase a gift card, or just say hello — we would love to hear from you. Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Prefer to call? Reach us directly at (563) 588-3956

Answers to what people usually ask.

We specialize in missy sizing, typically ranging from small through extra-large depending on the brand and cut. Because we work with a variety of contemporary labels, sizing can vary by designer. Our team is always happy to help you find the right fit, and we can special-order certain items if we do not have your size in stock.

Appointments are recommended for personal styling so we can dedicate uninterrupted time to you. However, walk-ins are always welcome if our team is available. We recommend calling ahead or using the form above to book a session, especially on weekends when the shop tends to be busier.

Yes. Gift cards are available for purchase over the phone or in-store. Give us a call at (563) 588-3956 and we can arrange a gift card in any denomination. If you need it shipped or prepared for pickup, just let us know and we will make it happen.

We want you to love what you buy. Unworn items with original tags attached may be exchanged or returned for store credit within 14 days of purchase. Sale items and accessories are final sale. If you have any concerns about a purchase, please reach out — we will work with you to make it right.

We are located in the historic Cable Car Square District at the corner of Third Street and Bluff Street in Dubuque, Iowa. Look for our storefront between the brick architecture and cobblestone charm — you cannot miss us.