Free People’s Fall Collections Are Woven With a Historic American Spirit

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Somewhere between the extreme styles of Stevie Nicks and Debbie Harry sits Free People‘s latest collections — filled with feminine touches and natural blush tones when not undercut with leather and studs. Outside their traditional boho-chic looks, this season, they take us back to the 80s, when lacey silhouettes of dresses, informed by the hippie movement, transformed into edgier rock styles. These hybrid looks, embodying an old Americana sensibility, feel more relevant than ever as we move away from the hyper-femme signature looks of Summer’s Barbie and into the darker days of Fall.

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There’s a subtlety to how we’re shopping these aesthetics, though. Rather than embracing Harry’s Rockbird era from head to toe, we’re mixing and matching specific items with staples already in our closets. The Chelsea Coin Moto ($498) looks great paired with a simple white tee and jeans. Or how about the Lace Ragged Hem Top ($178) paired plainly with black slacks and flats?

To shop Free People’s latest selection, we’re blasting Nick’s Bella Donna as we sift through this season’s selection. Below, we’ve outlined our editor’s fashionable picks from a range of categories like jackets, bottoms, and tops you’ll love.

Hottest Free People Jackets

Chelsea Coin Moto Jacket

Fit: Relaxed, slouchy fit
Features: Exaggerated collar, defined zip detailing, dropped shoulders, side pockets

It’s taking the moto jacket to the next level and reminding us of Debbie Harry’s early biker-chic style. The soft, slouchy look is designed in an oversized, relaxed fit that could have come directly from her wardrobe. Oversized lapels drape down the front of the jacket, while exaggerated coin detailing covers the exterior in a metal grid. The coat comes in a bronzer color with gold coins, but we recommend buying the black for an effortlessly edgy style with a touch of patina.

How We’d Wear It: As versatile as it is vintage-inspired, this moto jacket can really go with anything. However, we might pair it with a highly-rated plain white tee or tank and popular pull-on denim pants for an effortlessly chic look. Buy Chelsea Coin Moto Jacket, $498

More Free People Jackets:
• Fast Lane Denim Moto Jacket, $148
• We The Free Madison City Denim Jacket, $128
• We The Free Max Vegan Moto Jacket, $168
• Dolman Quilted Knit Jacket, $198

Hottest Free People Dresses

Laughlin Dress

Fit: Billowy silhouette, maxi length
Features: Soft satin at the bust, pieced-together fabrication with sheer chiffon and lace detailing

Femme, flattering, and flowy, the billow on the Laughlin maxi dress feels like it came directly out of the Gypsy music video. The design features jacquard paneling, a sleeveless silhouette, an asymmetric hemline, and ruffled detailing. A pieced fabrication throughout the body gives the dress texture, allowing it to flow with subtle movements.

How We’d Wear It: Because of its feminine design, we recommend wearing this with a little edge. Pair the dress with some vintage boots to create a look more grounded in rock n’ roll. Buy Laughlin Dress, $300

More Free People Dresses:
• Young And In Love Mini Slip, $78
• Anderson Maxi, $198
• Kirby Maxi Dress, $168
• Tulle Much Half Slip, $148

Hottest Free People Shoes

Jeffrey Campbell Avril Ankle Boots

Fit: Narrow
Features: Pull-on style, ankle length, textured leather uppers, pointed toe, zipper, buckle, stud details, spike heel

Since 2000, Campbell has created footwear that’s accessible, comfortable, and fashion-forward. These Avril Ankle Boots are just that. Inspired by 80s silhouettes, the short-heeled boot is more practical than a stiletto but retains its trendy appeal and elevated design. Incite your inner rebel with some edge on your foot, featuring a dramatic pointed toe and mixed hardware details.

How We’d Wear It: With such bold shoes, we recommend styling these with some simple black pants, like these We The Free Crossroads Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans, and a tee. Buy Jeffrey Campbell Avril Ankle Boots, $268

More Free People Shoes:
• Dami Moto Boots, $530
• Mystic Mary Jane Flats, $128
• Zayne Zip Front Boots, $500
• Bianca Sling Heels, $140

Best Free People Jeans

We The Free Moxie Pull-On Barrel Jeans

Fit: Low-slung, slouchy fit with a tapered silhouette
Features: Distressed detailing throughout, paint splatter features, oversized patch pockets, contrast drawstring waist, pull-on style

The perfect excellent and contemporary addition to any denim drawer, the Moxie Pull-On Jeans look like they’ve lived a second life. Like all great jeans, the paint splatters and distressing throughout gives them character.

How We’d Wear It: Partner these vintage-styled jeans with something soft, like the Lace Ragged Hem Top. We also like pairing some black ballet flats with these jeans to reference Fall’s big trend, “balletcore.” Buy We The Free Moxie Pull-On Barrel Jeans, $148

More Free People Jeans:
• We The Free After Dark Mid-Rise Flare Jeans, $98
• Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop Jeans, $258 -$288
• Levi’s 90’s 501 Jeans, $98 – $118
• We The Free Twin Flame Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans, $98

Hottest Free People Bags

We The Free Leigh Distressed Tote

Features: Metal hardware, buckle-detailing, removable and adjustable straps

We love a big bag, so the fact that this Leigh Distressed Tote comes in an oversized design and has style? It’s the perfect selection for anyone. Never leave the essentials behind with this distressed leather bag, featured in a hobo silhouette with exterior pockets for all your essentials. Throw it across your body with the longer strap or keep it close to you with the shorter one. Buy We The Free Leigh Distressed Tote, $168

More Free People Bags:
Cecily Embellished Fringe Bag, $398
High Speed Crossbody, $98
Mary Frances Beaded Crossbody Phone Bag, $90
Anna Sui Snakeskin Sequin Tote, $240

Hottest Free People Tops

Lace Ragged Hem Top

Fit: Slim, relaxed fit; falls below the hips
Features: Soft satin fabrication, V-neckline, lace trim, fixed shoulder straps, draped detail at the sides

An elevated take on the classic cami, this feminine top has a satin fabrication and sleeveless design with lace trim and draped detail for added dimension.

How We’d Wear It: To balance the soft tone and fabric, partner this top with a leather jacket and popular pull-on denim pants for a look that feels both relaxed yet dressed up. Buy Lace Ragged Hem Top, $178

More Free People Tops:
The Bureau Moto Girls Tee, $98
Lady Lux Printed Layering Top, $48
Spaced Out Floral Cardi, $498
We The Free Austin Denim Top, $198

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