For the Past 5 Years, I've Bought All of My Favourite Dresses From This Store

The first sign of seasonal shift and I turn into a hippy. Anyone else? If floaty, printed, slightly retro midi and maxi dresses become your go-to, then we likely will share the same taste in shopping destinations. So listen up, because I’m about to share a bit of useful intel with you (don’t worry—you can thank me later).

You may be thinking it’s too late to invest in dresses with a chilly autumn/winter right around the corner, but it’s all about snapping up those It dresses before they inevitably sell out and pairing them with the right cosy layers. So, to go with my knee-high boots, wool coat and museum of earrings, I always head to Free People when the weather starts to turn. It’s my secret source for bohemian dresses that you won’t keep bumping into on your commute. The Philadelphia-based brand might not be as known in the UK as it is in the States, but I predict that once you see its latest collection, you’ll want to channel your inner Stevie Nicks.

What’s more, I often find that Free People’s dresses are of a better quality than you’d find elsewhere on the high street. Rather than more cost-effective obvious prints, for example, you’ll find embroidery on linen instead. In the place of cheaper elasticated waistbands, you’ll discover cinched, full-skirted silhouettes or cutaway details. It’s partly down to the in-house designs but also a credit to the buying team, which cherry-picks a mixture of pieces from other niche brands as well.

Basically, if your icons range between the Olsens circa 2005 and Talitha Getty in the ’70s, you’ve come to the right story (and the right online store). Keep scrolling to shop my top Free People dresses (before I buy them all). They’re a versatile, all-weather option well worth investing in, and believe me, your wardrobe will be grateful. 

Pure romance.

The ideal mini to pair with knee-high boots. 

Business in the front, party in the back. 

This looks good in every colour. 

A perennial bestseller. 

Got an evening event? Your outfit is now sorted. 

I keep spotting this on Instagram. 

Such an elegant, backless style. 

I don’t know whether it’s the length or the colour, but this dress in undeniably chic. 

Just add an oversized biker jacket. 

Such a flattering shape for every body.

Look at that cinched waist…

You’ll live in this come spring. 

How to make cut-outs look expensive. 

Just add strappy heels and you’ve got an instant wedding guest outfit. 

Finally, a floral print that isn’t overly “cute”.

You’ll wear denim dresses as much as jeans. 

Drop dead stunning. 

The dancing emoji come to life. 

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