Hey, hey friends…does anyone else magically want to be a bohemian goddess in the summertime? Yes, I’m a closet Stevie Nicks this time of year, but that’s forever hard to balance out with the fact that I mostly wear graphic tees, black jeans and sneakers the rest of the year. I don’t know what it is about wanting to be able to pull off all the Free People stuff right now, but it happens every summer. 

How I Shop Free People

Besides not really being a boho gal, I find Free People hard to wear for those of us shorties. Most of their flowy dresses and bell bottoms and breezy tops and oversized tees are for the tall mamas. So I took it upon myself to wander in this summer and see what someone 5’4″ (that’s me) and under could manage to pull off. I’ll be honest, it’s not a ton of stuff, but there are some super-cute pieces! And forget about this gorgeous bralette. Everyone, no matter your height, needs it (and it works lovely under the Voloshin x TME Morgan top!)

What do I usually shop for at Free People? I love their graphic tees, their jeans (they have lots of Levi’s, and their in-house jeans are reasonable at $78 (but typically size up)), their Movement line (these Kyoto leggings are a team fav, forever.) Usually they have a ton of pretty dresses either in lace or t-shirt dresses. I skip the super-trendy things, but I like trying them on. I love their weird jogger/trouser pants, their camis and definitely their bralettes. 

The Utility Midi Skirt

This skirt is adorable, and I don’t just throw that word around for skirts. Love the front slit and the asymmetrical waistline. Love the fabric and the style. I believe I’m wearing a 6 here, so maybe size up. So cute with a tied tee, graphic tee and sandals. One of my top picks.

Tee and at Nordstrom | Skirt (6) or at Nordstrom | Boots (similar)

The Fun Cover-Up Midi Dress

I actually love this thing. It’s huge and this is a small, but I think going down a size it would be like a lovely tee version of the kaftan I want to live in every summer. I like it with the boots and jeans for a whole new vibe. I’d also rock this with sneakers, Birks or nude sandals. I adore this version for a bit less oversized feel, too. Both are $50, which I love…a bit lower price point than many of their items.

Dress (s) | Bralette (s) and at Nordstrom | Boots (similar)

The Cute Not-So-Stevie-Nicks Dress

OK, so it’s a little Stevie, but nice and fitted and figure-flattering for the vertically challenged. I like the cut and fit of this dress a lot. And I’m not a dress girl most of the time. I feel like with a pretty gold or nude sandal this would be great! Of course, I’d probably wear it with sneakers. The bralette works well under this too, since it’s backless. Or you could go with their lace halter bralette we all have and love.

Dress (s) | Bralette (s) and at Nordstrom | Boots (similar)

The Railroad Stripe Trousers

Love these. Love the oversized tee and the slouchy trousers. That’s sometimes tricky to pull off as a petite mama, but this worked. I like it with the cropped tee, too, for a pop of color.

Tee (s-runs large) | Trousers (27) | Boots (similar)

The Wide-Leg Crop Jeans

There is just something fun about these, albeit they lean slightly pirate with my boots. But in-person I actually really like the vibe of these. I think maybe with sandals and a pretty tank. They run a size small.

Tee (s- runs large) | Jeans (28-size up) in Ivory at Nordstrom | Boots (similar)

The Cute Cami & Jeans I Brought Home

This was probably my favorite outfit of the bunch, and I definitely love the jeans. They’re a departure from skinny jeans, but not too tricky to wear. Love the exposed button-fly and the distressing. You know me and black jeans. The cami is super-cute and I love the color. It’s a little bit boxy, but I think it still works. I just need to tighten the straps a little bit. The bra isn’t perfect under this, but I kinda like it peeking out for summer.

cami (s-runs a little big/wide) | Bralette (s) and at Nordstrom  | jeans (28 – size up) | Boots (similar)

Shop My Fave Free People Outfit Staples For Summer

Free People Favs At Nordstrom

Are you a Free People fan? My overall takeaway is go to FP for a few fun things to mix into your regular closet. I won’t be building my capsule wardrobe here, but I always find things that get me out of a rut and get me trying something new. Happy week, friends! — and will you send some sun our way? Believe it or not July 4th did not bring the actual summer as it usually does!

xo,

L

Hey, friends. Hop on over to follow me on Instagram @laurajansenstyle to see more of what I’m up to in Portland, Oregon. If you want to shop my current pieces I’m loving and wearing, head over to My Closet!