We love Free People, but will be the first to admit that their clothing can be…confusing. From the often-bananas styling (bikinis and moon boots while tromping through the woods, as one example), to the inconsistent sizing between pieces and the occasional quality control issue…Free People is tricky. While it’s easy for us to be inspired by Free People, it takes a good bit of work to actually find pieces that fit well and are actually wearable! And we’ve found that this has gotten even more true as we’ve gotten older.
Pieces We Actually Love From Free People
That said, over the past year or so, we’ve happened upon some serious Free People gems – pieces that work on our forty-something selves – and wanted to share! These pieces are all well-made (many are made from 100% natural materials), wash and dry well, fit comfortably, look cute, and are easy to style. I will say the draw to Free People clothing for me is often that they are unique pieces you can’t find elsewhere, so when they do fit, they’re fab finds.
Let’s get into it.
Our Favorite Free People Shorts + Shorts Sets
This is one area where Free People – surprisingly – really seems to get it right. Whether you like shorty-shorts or longer pairs, we’ve found some we truly LOVE.
Free People Moxie Barrel Shorts
Shorts (29) | Shirt | Bag | Sandals
Details + Fit: I’m very picky about how shorts fit and feel on me, especially as I have entered my late 40’s (nothing squeezing and squishing the waist please) and these Moxie shorts are just about the only denim shorts I care to wear. They’re loose enough in the waist and the legs that they don’t bug and they look cute. A bunch of us love them! I have them in two washes.
Free People Harper Set
Harper Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring
Details + Fit: Made from a 100% cotton that feels a little thick…almost like canvas (but not at all scratchy – it’s very comfortable!), this set is nice and breezy. It has a seriously cool cut – very fashion-girl kind of lines – and is exactly the kind of product I’m always looking for from Free People. The back is low, but you can honestly wear it with any sort of real bra you don’t mind showing off a lil’. I’m packing this set when I go to Greece, and plan on using it as both a cover-up and as a real outfit.
I’m wearing a size small…so I’d describe this one as being very TTS.
I actually tried on several of these sets in this IG Reel, if interested.
Free People Leandra Shorts Set
Leandra Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring | Bag | Bracelets
Details + Fit: 100% cotton, this set is fantastic. The fabric is a t-shirt material, but much thicker than your average tee. The top is nice and boxy, and the sleeves are extra-long short sleeves that look so freaking flattering. The shorts have a tie waist, but aren’t squeezy – something that is much appreciated since I tend to carry weight in my midsection. I’m wearing a size small, so the fit is TTS (if not the tiniest bit big).
Leandra Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring | Bag | Bracelets
Free People Strada Set
Strada Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring | Bracelets
Details + Fit: 100% cotton, and runs really snug in the waist. Because I’m only 5’3″, I needed the size small just to get the proportions right – the medium size runs slightly longer and more voluminous. If you carry weight in your middle sizing up might be a good idea, but if your waist is smaller than your hips, this set runs TTS.
The fabric is great – it’s like a really high-quality t-shirt, but a little heavier. Overall there’s a nice heft to the fabric, which is why the top has such great swing and drape.
Strada Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring | Bracelets
Free People Sorelle Shorts Set
Sorelle Shorts Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring | Bag | Bracelets
Details + Fit: 88% Cotton, 12% Linen, this set is really breezy. Free People’s linen does run the tiniest bit scratchy (if you have sensitive skin like mine), but it softens up over time. The shorts closure is just a drawstring, so they’re not at all squeezy on the mid-section. This is just a really fun, playful set that looks seriously cute as a beach coverup, or for wandering into a local coffee shop. The color selection is small but really good, too.
Our Favorite Free People Tops (Tees, Tanks, Sweatshirts, Sweaters & Fleece)
One honorable mention for now…stay tuned for more.
We The Free Take 2 T-Shirt
at Nordstrom | at Free People | at Zappos // pearl + leather necklace
Details + Fit: This tee was in my recent article about the best white tees you don’t have to tuck in and I love it. It’s the perfect length and a super soft fabric. It’s a bit sheer which I like for summer, but some of the other colors are not. It comes in quite a few color options and I definitely want more. At under $40 it was one of the lower priced t-shirts I found in my round up.
Tee (M) | Pants (M) | Sneakers (tts)
Our Favorite Free People Jeans, Pants, & Matching Sets
This section includes one of our most-worn pairs of denim ever, plus comfy pants and even comfier matching sets.
Free People Pull On Jeans
at Nordstrom (blue wash) | at Free People
Details + Fit: These are some of my most-worn jeans lately, especially for the shoulder seasons and warmer months. They’re soft and lighter weight and oh so comfortable with the pull-on style waistband. It’s flat in the front so it doesn’t dig and the hem at the bottom is nice and wide to give them that cool drape at the bottom. I brought them on my most recent trip and they’re so good. I have to wear my shoes with a bit thicker sole to make them work on my 5’4″ self, but worth it.
Free People Moxie Barrel Leg Jeans
at Nordstrom | at Free People | at Bloomingdale’s | at Shopbop | at Zappos
Details + Fit: 100% cotton, these are one of my very favorite pairs of jeans, and a good “starter pair” if you are still thinking about barrel or baggy jeans. Even Linzi loves hers! These jeans do run big – I typically size down one size in mine. I’m wearing the regular length here, but they’re now available in tall sizes. I own these jeans in two colors, and they’re the jeans I often get stopped while wearing. They’re comfy, easy, and seriously cool. One of FP’s very best pieces.
We The Free Jetset Knit Pull-On Pants
Pants (M) | Similar Tee | Sneakers
Details + Fit: I adore these sweatpants. They’re absolutely leveled up from actual sweats into actual pants and they are something I grab all the time. They’re baggy and have cool details and are just so easy to wear. The pockets make them look like ‘real’ pants or like you tried a bit harder and this is always the goal with getting dressed in my book. Look like you tried when really it was easy. They do run big. I could probably wear a S but like the oversized fit here and the drawstring waist accommodates that.
Free People Miller Set
Miller Set (s) | Sandals (more sizes, here) | Daisy Ring | Bag | Bracelets
Details + Fit: 100% cotton knit – this one feels like it’s made out of a sweater material, I was actually thrilled (and shocked!) to find that it’s all cotton! It’s super cozy, runs huge (I’m wearing a small and the pants are sliding off – I don’t mind, tho), and is honestly such an unexpected favorite. My husband – oddly enough – loves it, and even my teen boys always compliment this set. Wild.
Free People Hot Shot Relaxed Matching Set
Matching Set (S) | Hat
Details + Fit: This set is so freaking comfy for those days when I’m bopping around in warm weather and just want to be sporty and in pants. I wear the pants a lot mixed with other tops, too. The material is soft and stretchy and lightweight without being too heavy. The pants have a comfy wide waistband. The tank is perfect for popping over a sports bra, cami or swimsuit. The fit does run big. I tried a Medium and wound up sizing down to a Small in this.
Similar Top | Matching Set (S) | Similar Sneakers | Slides
That’s it! Have you guys encountered any FP gems you love? Spill! We’d love to know.
xo,
L & S
