The Strategist Guide to Shopping at Free People

Strategist contributor Monica Heisey says she struggled to find jeans that fit her “XXL-bottom-half lifestyle” until she tried this pair from Free People’s CRVY collection. Heisey says this straight-leg cut fit perfectly right out of the box due to the contoured waistband and a 12-inch difference between the waist and hips, compared to the industry-standard ten. The ultra-sturdy denim gives the pants a high-quality vintage feel, but they’re also stretchy for comfort, Heisey says. While they may not solve everyone’s denim-buying problems, if, like Heisey, “you’ve been languishing in the midsize-fashion desert or struggling to find a pair of ‘loose fit,’ straight-size denim,” this might be your lucky day, she says.

Ideal for layering is this supersoft cardigan that our writer Rachael Griffiths has been testing. “It’s so oversize and slouchy that I can layer it over thinner knitwear — think crochet tube tops or knitted long sleeves,” Griffiths explains. She loves the classic cable-knit pattern and that it comes in a warm brown shade, which lends itself well to her earthy color palette throughout autumn and winter.

I’m often a last-minute travel packer: I ordered this two-piece set right before a trip to Turks and Caicos. I wanted a dressier coverup and liked that this set offered a pullover top and a cinch-able skirt that could be mixed and matched with other items in my suitcase. The fabric feels similar to quick-drying cotton terry but more lightweight, making it perfect for hopping between the ocean and the pool.

I’m also a fan of this denim set, which I mainly bought because I adored the top’s open back with a charming tie detail. The denim is soft and stretchy thanks to a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane, and it’s surprisingly lightweight, so I never overheat, even on super-humid days. As for the bottoms, fair warning: These are technically designed to be micro shorts, so they’re slightly more revealing than my typical Levi’s 501 jean shorts.

With the rise of “tenniscore,” former Strategist writer Chloe Anello uncovered the best stylish tennis dresses that can be worn for baselining and brunching alike. Anello says Free People recently signed professional player Sloane Stephens to its Movement line and quickly launched tennis dresses like this one, which has built-in shorts and a flouncy skirt that moves well during high-intensity workouts. Virginia Thornton, founder of Black Girls Tennis Club, also notes the retailer’s solid selection of designs and says many have “cute and surprising cutouts in the back — you know, business in the front, party in the back.”

When we polled experts about the best workout leggings, Vanessa Chu, the co-founder of Stretch’d, recommended these seamless leggings for 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 the UV-protective fabric shields against sun exposure. They’re also available in 15 colors, from lime green to basic black.

A few seasons ago, former Strategist editor Maxine Builder purchased this onesie, which is inspired by the Good Karma leggings above, according to the product 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 or sweaty activities like 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 running 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.

This colorblock pullover appeared in our fleece-jacket guide, as recommended by style blogger Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe. “It’s most comparable to the brand’s older Nantucket 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 was recommended 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 a top gift idea recommended by trend experts in 2022. Dubbed Free People’s “first-ever performance puffer,” it’s designed to fold into its own pocket and doubles as a travel pillow, Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla says. I also own this jacket, 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.

I recommend this soft-cotton trench coat if you want something dressier than the two jackets above. It’s a classic silhouette with a lapel neckline, but my favorite detail is the navy-striped trim. It also has adjustable cuffs and button-front closures, though I like to wear it open with a white T-shirt and wide-leg jeans. The fit is somewhat oversize, so I’d consider sizing down.

While Campbell “Pookie” Puckett owns 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.”

When searching for the best women’s underwear, we dubbed this lace-trimmed option from Free People’s in-house intimates line the best bikini style. Pardilla, who tested a pair, says “the modal is light and feels great against the skin.” The low-rise, dipped waistband also keeps the hemline from sitting too high and peeking out, Pardilla says. And despite the seams along the bottom, she says there’s no visible panty line. (Free People offers a three-for-$30 deal if you want to buy in bulk.)

Emily Hyland, the co-founder of the Pizza Loves Emily and Emmy Squared restaurants, told us she lives in this pull-on, low-back bralette. “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 to Lululemon’s Everywhere 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.

“During the summer, I’ve been a huge proponent of big basketball shorts with a cowboy boot,” says Remi Wolf, who loves that she can wear these boots in her day-to-day life and when she’s performing onstage. “They’re comfortable and they’re easy to run around in, and they make me feel like I’m doing something without me having to wear a crazy heel or something,” Wolf explains. She’s owned a pair for around six months and reports that she’s “worn the fuck out of them.”