The Strategist Guide to Shopping at Free People

Whenwe asked cool teens about their favorite jeans, this loose, barrel-y pair from Free People was name-dropped by one 18-year-old college student in New York. She likes their exaggerated shape, but says they’re less pronounced than some other barrel jeans.

This summer, our writerTembe Denton-Hurstinterviewed other stylish women who wear anywhere from a size 12 to a 20 aboutwhere they’re getting their clothes. Free People’s flowy and oversize pieces were highlighted for being surprisingly roomy, even if the sizing only goes up to 16 or XL.“I’ve been wearing Free People since high school. I have five pairs of those barrel jeans,” says beauty and fashion editorAniyah Morinia.

Contributor Tessa Kauppila set out to find apair of white overallsto replace her favorite pair from college, and these Free People ones were a runner-up to the Quince pair that won her hunt. “My eyes first went to the ring/strap/grommet situation up top,” she says. These have two strap lengths to choose from and Kauppila says the “raw hem on the cropped leg was also satisfying, something I feel like the gardener on my internal vision board would like.”

While searching for the perfectwhite T-shirt, Strategist contributor Mya Gelbercompared 13 tees, including this Free People one, which features a raw hem, inside-out detailing, and pre-cuffed short sleeves. Although this shirt didn’t turn out to be Gelber’s winner, she appreciated that it was a nice bright white and made with pure cotton.

After reading Gelber’s review, I tested this white tee for myself and was immediately sold on the lived-in look the raw trim creates. The fit is boxy but not overly wide and hits right above my hips. It’s become a summer staple that I wear constantly, whether I’m meeting a friend for lunch or need a top I can throw over my sports bra before heading to a Solidcore class.

When Everlane discontinued her favorite tank top, writer Bella Druckman went searching for a similar option andfound it at Free People. “I have a short torso, so a lot of shirts are too long for my liking. At 19 inches, this one is right at the top of my sweet spot, meaning it’s slightly cropped and hits right at my belly button,” she says.

Here’s another beachy piece I’m hoping to wear on vacation. Made from a blend of breezy linen and cotton, this pull-on skort looks ideal for throwing on as a cover-up. Just note: It has a micro silhouette (just as the product name describes) so it’s extra short, but since it’s a skort, it has built-in shorts for added coverage.

After spotting crinklysmocked tops everywhere, I came up with a list of my favorite fully smocked pieces, including this FP Movement workout ensemble. It’s a set you can mix and match with other pieces in your workout-clothes drawer. The high-rise shorts are really flowy and at times can even look skirtlike because of the pleating (but the built-in underwear helps if I’m ever caught outside on a windy day).

When we polled experts about thebest workout leggings, Vanessa Chu, the co-founder ofStretch’d, recommended these seamlessleggingsfor yoga or Pilates. Chu, who is a certified yoga instructor, says the spandex and nylon material is not too thick or thin, which means these offer temperature regulation and proper coverage. A perforated panel on the back of the legs provides added breathability, while theUV-protectivefabric shields against sun exposure. They’re also available in 15 colors, from lime green to basic black.

On her search forbaggy workout pantsto wear comfortably in apost-leggings world, Druckman tested a dozen picks from popular activewear brands. She described this FP Movement style as being a slouchy pair you can wear from Pilates to brunch since they’re lightweight and flowy. “They hit right at my ankle, and the cinched bottom hems prevent the pants from riding up my leg throughout the workout,” she says.

This design also caught Druckman’s attention: At the thigh, they resemble leggings, but the bubble shape around the ankles gives them a baggier illusion that would be ideal for yoga classes.

A few seasons ago, former Strategist editor Maxine Builder purchased thisonesie, which is inspired by the Good Karmaleggingsabove, according to theproduct description. Builder says the fabric is fairly thin and surprisingly soft — but pretty supportive, given the crisscross, open-back silhouette. The jumpsuit also has a perforated design around the hips and down the legs, which means it’s better for summer orsweaty activitieslike hot yoga, Builder says. She owns this Washed Black colorway and says it doesn’t show sweat.

Another supportive one-piece is the Righteous Runsie, which I tested for this story. It combines a comfortable tank-style top with lightweight (and lined) shorts. It’s great for low-to-medium-impact workouts, such as Pilates and strength training, though I also wear it while doing quick errands. It also has a center cutout and a zippered back pocket, ideal for stashing my cards or lip balm. I own it in black, though it’s available in over a dozen other colors, including light pink, brown, and navy blue.

I was also sent these running shorts, and they have quickly become my go-to for humid runs. They are exceptionally lightweight, and the mesh zippered waistband is almost like a running belt with plenty of space to stash small items such as my house keys or energy gels. I own them in this hot-pink shade, but I’m already eyeing more colors for the fall.

This colorblock pullover appeared in ourfleece-jacket guide, as recommended by style bloggerBethany Everett-Ratcliffe. “It’s most comparable to the brand’s olderNantucket Fleece, which I have and am still obsessed with,” she says. “While I don’t typically wear fleeces with jeans, it’s a great way to make jeans and a white tee look fun while keeping it casual.”

If you’re looking for a button-front fleece, this Hit the Slopes version wasrecommended by trend forecasters, who called it a do-it-all jacket and highlighted its unique shade range. One expert described it as “reminiscent of a traditional teddy coat and an everyday-wear and activewear hybrid.”

Another outerwear option is the Pippa Packable Puffer, which was atop gift idea recommended by trend expertsin 2022. Dubbed Free People’s “first-ever performancepuffer,” it’s designed to fold into its own pocket and doubles as a travel pillow, Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla says. I also own thisjacket, which is the ideal lightweight layer for errands or walks around my neighborhood in wet or cold conditions. I love that it’s loose-fitting while still feeling very insulating. This puffer comes in 20 colors, including Spice Tangerine and Sport Green.

WhileCampbell “Pookie” Puckettowns several matching pajama sets, she especially likes this one from Free People. “They’re so oversize and comfy. They don’t stick to your body, and they’re very flowy,” Puckett told us when we interviewed her about her favorite things. They also have a drawstring, and the wide leg is similar to a pair of sweatpants. “You just feel so good when you wear them,” she says. “I have a couple pairs, and I wear them at least a couple nights a week.”

Emily Hyland, the co-founder of thePizza Loves EmilyandEmmy Squaredrestaurants, told us she lives in this pull-on, low-backbralette. “It has a really thick band below it, which I think is really flattering for defined waistlines,” Hyland says. Hyland calls it the most comfortable bra and says she wears the ultra-stretchy style under everything.

I own this sling bag in two shades, and I love that it’s super-functional (similar toLululemon’sEverywhere Belt Bag) but with a dressier feel thanks to the suede and metal detailing. It’s ideal for travel or commuting to work because it’s roomy enough to hold essential belongings — including my wallet, keys, phone, charger, and sunglasses — while securely strapping across my chest. I also appreciate the tiny outer pocket for holding small items like lip balm and the side clip for easy-on, easy-off adjustments.