This year, like every year before it, I have noticed many seasonal trends, viral fads and 'aesthetics' rise through the ranks and adorn the internet's chicest people. But there is one summer mood that has caught my eye like no other. It's the one that consists of low-key coordinating sets, folky cotton dresses and low-slung baggy trousers paired with pretty cami tops and silk headscarves. It's a little reminiscent of the early 2000s—worn with messy tousled beach hair and little makeup, it has a nonchalance that always feels festival-appropriate. But at the same time, it can also feel refined when dressed up for warm balmy evenings in the Mediterranean or special events like weddings or Wimbledon. It's an aesthetic so completely summer-coded, and feels like a blend of styles from the best-dressed regions of the world (IMHO: L.A., the South of France, London, Sydney, and so forth). Some would call this movement the boho revival, but I affectionately refer to it as "The Free People Effect."
Known for laid-back, easy-to-style pieces, Free People was once predominantly recognised for its vintage-inspired collections and bohemian aesthetic. Think crochet dresses, distressed denim and embroidered linen. Whilst this is still true of its style, the brand has grown in recent years, now designing activewear, intimates, swimwear and even beauty and wellness products. Its free-spirited approach to design has truly taken over my Instagram feed and is currently in the wardrobes of most influencers, celebrities and fellow fashion industry folk I follow. I've spotted its bloomer trousers on the Scandi girls, Y2K-inspired studded leather or chain belts on my colleagues and I've seen this Seersucker midi dress on the streets at least once a week since spring rolled around. This, my friends, is the Free People Effect in full swing.
We've been blessed with unusually consistent good weather in the UK—in London, it feels as though it's been sunny since April 1, and the heatwave is scheduled to continue. As such, there has been a surge in high-summer styles worn not only on our holidays, but in the office, on the weekends and even when working from home.
Light cotton pieces are perfect for 30-degree weather, and whilst likely to be worn on their own for said temperatures, are perfect layering pieces as we approach autumn. Take this minidress, for example: Yes, you can wear it with sandals on holiday, or perhaps with shorts when at the pub with friends back home, but as we head into September, I'd suggest wearing it with some baggy jeans like these.
When it comes to packing for holidays, there is simply no need to go over your baggage allowance—this summer collection has multiple matching sets that can be dressed up or down, and you can rewear a top or a bottom with something else to create a completely different look.
I've done the legwork and scoured the entire Free People site, so whether you're heading off on holiday, enjoying the heatwave in the UK or just looking to add some summer-ready pieces to your capsule wardrobe, these are my top recommendations to add to your basket.
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