It's no secret that even the most fashion-forward people can fall into a stagnant shopping routine. We've all been guilty of making a beeline to the new arrivals section of our favorite retailers rather than shopping around. Of course, there's nothing wrong with hitting up your local Nordstrom, but if you don't want to shop at other so-called "dated" mall brands, you're missing out. After all, the resurgence of retailers like J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Abercrombie & Fitch has taught us that good staples can come from anywhere. And while these retailers have no doubt become the place to shop, there's one other place that doesn't always get its due: Free People.
Most may recall a time when boho fashion reigned supreme, partly due to the widespread popularity of Free People during the mid-aughts. But make no mistake; this brand has gone under its little revival on the down-low. Sure, you can still find those quintessential flower child pieces, but with the launch of its minimal Free-Est collection and its curated assortment of brands, there are far more stylish staples than you'd expect. In fact, As someone that regularly receives compliments from strangers in New York about my Free People dresses, I'm telling you their pieces are severely underrated.
Still dubious? I get it. It takes time to become a Free People fan like me. But to speed up that conversion, I've searched hundreds of pages and found the 51 best Free People items for summer. If these pieces don't make you a fan of the brand, then you can walk right back to your favorite store, though I'm guessing you won't need to after you see them.
Free-Est
Ryo Sundress
The drop-waist detail on this dress will make you look snatched.
We the Free
Happy Hour Solid Poplin Top
It doesn't get more classic than a poplin button-down.
We the Free
Kate Tank
The exposed seaming on this tank makes it feel so special.
Free People
Addy Chino Pants
I'm in love with the laid-back yet chic styling of these chinos.
Free People
Reisling Vest
Love a little waistcoat moment.
Free People
Billie Chino Shorts
A great pair of polished shorts for the summer.
Free People
Oval Oversized Hoops
These hoops are everything.
Free-Est
Verbena Midi
Oh, I'm shaking.
Free People
Victoria Tube Top
Style this with a slip skirt and ballet flats, and you'll look so chic.
We the Free
Jasper Suede Belt
It's giving designer, for less.
We the Free
Come as You Are Denim Maxi Skirt
If you haven't adopted the denim maxi skirt trend yet, here's your sign that it's time.
New Balance
574 Sneakers
You can bet these kicks will be sold out by next week.
Free People
Lexi Dress
Please take a moment to admire the waistline of this dress.
Free People
Olivia Blazer
Your search for the perfect linen blazer is over.
Diesel
1999 Mid-Rise Loose Straight Jeans
Free People carries some really cool brands, like Diesel.
Gola
Badminton Court Sneakers
Great sneakers are a must for the summer.
Free People
She's a 10 Top
Your style won't decline in this shirt.
Free-Est
Bubble Bliss Skirt
This is an ideal purchase, given this summer's bubble hem skirt trend.
Jeffrey Campbell
Aurora Flats
Satin ballet flats always feel so elevated.
With Nothing Underneath
Boyfriend Poplin Top
Your partner will be grateful you bought this because you'll stop stealing their oversize pinstripe button-down shirts.
Free People
Falling Out Trousers
These trousers work on and off the clock.
Sam Edelman
Christy Chain Loafers
Free People
Temptation Polarized Sunglasses
Vibe check.
Free People
Jade Jumpsuit
I'm not normally a jumpsuit fan, but this one is xi.
Free-Est
Beautifully Twisted Low-Back Mini
It's giving Jacquemus.
Free People
Rayah Anklet
Seashell jewelry for the summer? Sign me up.
Free People
Olympus Choker
Florals are in full bloom for summer.
Intimately
On Top Convertible Tube Top
You can style this as a tube or halter top based on your mood.
Levi's
Xl Balloon Jeans
Relaxed denim isn't going anywhere.
Circus Ny
Cecily Heels
Strappy sandals, ftw.
Free People
Siera Corset
The bodice on this top is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
We the Free
Crvy Pasadena Long Shorts
I can picture Bella Hadid wearing similar shorts.
BlankNYC
Vegan Suede Trench
The perfect summer-to-fall trench coat.
Intimately
Simply Biased Slip
Slip dresses are always stylish.
Fp Collection
Aurora Shoulder Bag
A cute 'lil shoulder bag.
Indy
Liotta Sunglasses
Cool girls, apply here.
Intimately
Three Day Weekend Tank
Free People has some of the cutest basics.
Muubaa
Jodie Straight-Leg Pants
These are too cool.
Seychelles
Maddie Heeled Sandals
Elevated thongs are trending for summer.
Free People
Mary Kate Arm Band
With cuffs continuing to be a big jewelry trend, I can't think of a chicer piece to buy for summer.
Free-Est
Anette Top
Love, love, love.
Intimately
Make You Mine Half Slip
The lace paneling on this slip skirt is so pretty.
Fp Collection
Fionna Strappy Platform Sandals
I was sold the moment I spotted these little buckles.
Free People
Line of Sight Square Sunglasses
These are '70s glamour.
Free-Est
Mykonos Fauxchet Sweater Mini
Someone come to collect my jaw, please.
Free People
Petite Bow
Why spend a fortune on designer hair bows when you can shop them for less?
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.