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Free People clothing to snap up ASAP, as chosen by the Cosmo fashion team
Including the last-minute summer holiday ‘fits you rlly need
Yep, it *is* necessary to have an edit on the best Free People clothing. While trends come and go at an alarming pace, and the high street seems to tap into every one of them, the US-based brand is in a league of its own.
The concept of Free People began in the ‘70s in Philadelphia (before it morphed into Urban Outfitters, but that is a story for another day), but the namesake store didn’t officially launch until 2001. Which feels apt, since the label absolutely nails both the Noughties and Seventies aesthetic – two huge trends for 2024.
Over here at Cosmo we love any brand that dances to the beat of its own drum, but we’re especially obsessed with Free People. Our fashion team has rounded up the pieces of note from the new collection and the result is a mix of whimsical, retro pieces with a Daisy Jones And The Six vibe, meshed with some hardcore early-2000s throwbacks both Sienna Miller and Kate Moss would be hella proud of.
Here are the very best bits to buy from Free People right now. And we mean right now, nothing ever hangs around on the FP site for long.
“The perfect fringed suede jacket has been on my wish list for a long time, and this vegan suede iteration is ticking all the boxes with its oversized fit and wear-with-everything beige colourway. It will look just as good layered over summer dresses as it will paired with jeans and a tee.”
– Alex Dale, Fashion Writer
“I love an item of clothing that’ll transcend seasons. Paired with some wedge mules, a printed mini-shoulder bag and a tan, this 90’s knit dress – which has Rachel Green written all over it, fyi – is ideal for a chic summer city break. Swap the mules for knee high boots and a suede blazer jacket come autumn and find it’s still your wardrobe heavy hitter.”
– Sophie Leen, Bookings Editor
“Anything with a nautical, Breton stripe is a big win for me in the summer months. And this Charlie mini is giving me real French Riviera vibes. Just add a straw hat, flip flops and oversized basket bag (with a baguette thrown in) to complete this effortlessly chic lewk.”
– Rosie Davenport, Ecommerce Writer
“This is the perfect, throw-on-and-hit-the-farmers-market summer dress. It's an airy cotton linen blend with a deep-scoop back to keep you cool – whether you're hunting for a massive tomato at the aforementioned market or sunning on the beach. There’s 12 colourways but I love ‘wet plaster’. And... it has pockets!”
– Anna Cafolla, Site Director
“I live in maxi skirts all year, but a citrus-striped asymmetric one is *ideal* for hols. I’ll be knocking around in this skirt with red Havainas and my boyfriend’s giant old blue t-shirt.”
– Maddy Alford, Fashion Editor
“I’ve always been bias to a halter neckline – I love how it broadens my shoulders and looks so demure – but it’s the unique button detail, waterfall ruffles at the back and faded blue colourway that makes this midi really standout from other summer dresses I’ve seen on the high street.”
– Sophie Leen, Bookings Editor
“It’s safe to say that this year’s love for the new tank-top dress (you know the styles that have a jersey vest top bodice and floaty cotton skirt) shows no sign of abating any time soon. Which is great news if you’re like me and can’t get enough of these comfy midis. I like that the high neck on this FP piece makes it appropriate to wear to work, even if you’ve got a DD+ chest.”
– Rosie Davenport, Ecommerce Writer
“This airy cotton maxi dress is the perfect balance of beachy and bohemian. I love how the smocked bodice and dainty, adjustable straps create shape without feeling restrictive. The ultra-flattering, warm green hue is ideal for styling with earth-tone, accessories made from natural materials like leather, wood, rattan, and shell.”
– Kara Kia, Ecommerce Editor
“This skort is fun and sporty, with a built-in shorts lining, low-slung waist and a curved hemline that is super flattering and made for frolicking. It’s simply dressed up too – lean into the ‘90s Ibiza vibe with some cork-heeled wedges and a halter top. Café Mambo awaits.”
– Anna Cafolla, Site Director
“My wardrobe is significantly lacking when it comes to nice tops, but this pretty tie-front design more than fits the bill. I love the lace detailing, pleated hem and the of-the-moment butter yellow hue.”
– Alex Dale, Fashion Writer
“Long baggy shorts are the coolest throw-on for the beach. You can grab these airy cotton-linen blend pair in a few colours, but I love the pink, especially paired with a teeny-tiny boob tube worn over your bikini and some equally bright Havaianas”
– Sophie Leen, Bookings Editor
“Free People does co-ords really well, and this set creates the perfect pulled together look, without having to try too hard. Ideal. I wore the Cabo Sweater Skirt set on a recent holiday, and have never had so many DM’s asking where something was from…”
– Jess Bantleman, Social Manager
“A prettily pleated strapless mini dress that’s endlessly versatile. I’d style the on-trend mocha-toned version with some mesh ballet flats and a bikini underneath for a relaxed holiday fit.”
– Anna Cafolla, Site Director
“We’ve seen tie-front waistcoats everywhere this year, but the linen is a fun upgrade for this style. I love the flowy skirt to pair with it, it creates an easy, beachy, boho look. I love the red colourway for something a bit more vibrant. If the weather isn’t on your side, you can pair with chunky knee-high boots and a sweater over the shoulders.”
– Jess Bantleman, Social Manager
“This is my new airplane ‘fit. It will keep my warm and cosy in the chilly aircon, but it feels pulled together since it’s a co-ord.”
– Maddy Alford, Fashion Editor
“The sightseer set is the perfect throw on, and the linen fabric is so chic. I’d opt for the black, and pair with chunky gold jewellery on holiday. It’s ideal for an evening dinner too, just throw on a pair of kitten heels and your favourite bag. Love.”
– Jess Bantleman, Social Manager
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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