15 Stores Like Free People
Sheridan Grant
Table of Contents
Born from the flowy and retro patterns of the 70s, the bohemian style features natural fabrics, warm tones, bold accessories, and plenty of flair. Or more literally, flare jeans and flare sleeves.
If you’ve got a passion for a vintage touch and an effortless and artistic look, you’ve likely visited Free People at least once or twice.
In fact, I’m willing to bet you’ve at least heard of the brand, considering their impressive 3.9 million Instagram followers and over 1.7 million likes on Facebook.
On top of that, the women’s fashion company has been featured in popular media outlets such as Glamour, Refinery29, and Elle for the way it has taken the world by storm.
All that being said, it’s very likely that Free People has caught your attention.
To give you a few more options, all with the same style in mind, I’ll break down some of the best stores like Free People and what to consider when finding the perfect fit.
But first, let’s delve deeper into what the brand is all about for a stronger comparison.
Overview Of Free People
Designed to reflect the freedom and openness synonymous with being young, wild, and free, the brand, founded by Dick Hayne, opened its first store in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1970s.
As the store grew, it actually experienced a name change, becoming known as Urban Outfitters for a little while. But, alongside his then-wife Meg, Dick decided to split the wholesale brand in two in order to meet demand.
Though the name has returned to its roots, the brand only continues to grow, and has adopted a more contemporary and mature style that evokes “femininity, courage, and spirit.”
Every piece of clothing is designed to reflect the essence of the wearer, with a confident and carefree attitude designed for those who truly and simply love life.
Today, the brand is available worldwide, which only makes sense considering their styles are inspired by worldwide travel. Now, let’s take a look at some of their highlights before I jump into my list of the best stores like Free People.
Highlights
- Wide variety of women’s bohemian-style clothing and accessories
- Trendy and versatile designs
- Options range from casual to dressy for a well-rounded wardrobe
- High-quality fabrics, materials, and craftsmanship
- Free standard shipping on all orders
- Sold worldwide on their website or commonly found in retailers
How We Chose The Best Stores Like Free People
If the high-quality bohemian clothing from Free People is up your alley, you may be interested in shopping around a few brands with a similar selection.
That being said, they should all have something unique to offer while still having the original values in common.
When choosing the best clothing stores like Free People, there were a few things that are important to keep in mind to find their closest comparisons.
Below, I’ll fill you in on all the details that I considered when making my selection to present you with the best of the best.
Price
Of course, the burning question in everyone’s mind is always, “how much will it cost?” So it’s important to keep in mind that quality and price usually go hand in hand. Although, this isn’t always the case.
Regardless, I looked for stores like Free People but cheaper, as well as stores that fell into a similar price range, to give you a clear and well-rounded selection. Especially if you’re on the hunt for affordability, this list will point you in the right direction.
Style
When it comes down to it, if you’re looking for clothing stores like Free People, chances are you’re on the hunt for fashion similar to their selection.
So, I focused on options that carry a similar style with that air of elegance and a carefree attitude, featuring intricate details and plenty of patterns.
While a few of the options on my list carry a little more variety with options from a number of styles, it all blends seamlessly with that classic boho look.
Quality
There are a lot of things that affect the overall quality of a brand, from the materials they use to the processes they follow.
This usually contributes to the overall price of each piece, though all of the brands in my list design their products to be durable and long-lasting.
Many of them also have made an effort to be ethical and sustainable which may affect your overall decision.
This is especially important when comparing stores to Free People, due to the brand’s focus on lessening its carbon output, commitment to reusable shopping bags, and installation of LED lighting in stores.
Selection
As I mentioned, Free People designs bohemian clothing for women. If you’re on the hunt for homewares, unisex options, or a greater variety of styles, some of the stores like Free People I will explore may pique your interest as they also feature a wide variety of options.
Convenience
The overall convenience of a brand depends on a number of factors, from shipping options to rewards programs. When on the hunt for stores like Free People, I considered options that save customers time and money.
On top of that, many of the brands are available both in-store and online, so there are plenty of ways to shop. Whether you prefer the comfort of your own sofa or the ability to try it on in dressing rooms, each brand has an option for you.
Diversity & Inclusion
Representation matters and so does a brand’s ability to support those who support it.
In my list of stores like Free People, you’ll find inclusive size ranges, and representation of models with different backgrounds and sizes, some of which support artisans and designers of different ethnicities by working with them on new releases.
Below, I’ll cover my top picks when it comes to the best online stores like Free People, in no particular order:
- Anthropologie
- Amour Vert
- & Other Stories
- Urban Outfitters
- Reformation
- FARM Rio
- Sézane
- Madewell
- Christy Dawn
- For Love and Lemons
- Brandy Melville
- American Eagle
- Mara Hoffman
- Nasty Gal
- Boohoo
15 Best Stores Like Free People
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the breakdown of my list of the best stores like Free People.
Below, I’ll get into all you need to know about each of the brands, as well as how they compare when it comes to the factors I listed above like overall quality and selection.
#1 – Anthropologie
Anthropologie, a sister brand to Free People, is also well known for its bohemian look.
The company was also founded by Dick Hayne in the fall of 1992. This story has different beginnings, though, as it was designed for one of Hayne’s friends who felt there were no options for creative and boho style-loving 35-40-year-old women.
After opening its first store, Anthropologie is now available in stores worldwide. They offer AnthroPerks, which allows users inclusive access to perks, promos, free shipping, and special extras.
In addition, they are committed to manufacturing in a lawful, ethical, and responsible manner. Plus, they believe in the importance of representation, releasing a statement that they stand beside the Black Lives Matter movement, with a list of actions they have taken.
In comparison to Free People, Anthro is designed for an older, more refined audience. Plus, it carries a wider range of pieces, including clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture, beauty and wellness products, gifts, and candles.
All that being said, Anthropologie’s price range is similar to Free People’s, with the clothing and accessory selection ranging from $12-$2,000.
#2 – Amour Vert
Branding themselves the “original sustainable fashion brand,” Amour Vert was founded by husband and wife duo Linda Balti and Christoph Frehsee in 2010. Today, it is based in San Francisco and maintains that same philosophy.
It is most well known for its collection of women’s clothing that is made from high-quality materials while having little impact on the environment.
They offer free shipping on US orders and plenty of promo codes to make sustainable options more accessible. Speaking of, the brand also has a few boutiques located in the US, though it is available globally online.
Amour Vert is committed to sustainability and uses only harm-free, non-mulesed wool and other organic fabrics.
Plus, the ReAmour program allows customers to browse, buy, and sell pre-loved pieces to keep them from ending up in a landfill. They also recently partnered with Stich Fix to make more size-inclusive styles.
In comparison to Free People, Amour Vert maintains a timeless and minimalist design that is easy to dress up or down, meaning it can be worn comfortably around the house or in the workplace. It carries a variety of women’s clothing from fancier dresses to comfy loungewear.
In terms of pricing, Amour Vert basics start at around $15 while more intricate designs can cost up to $300.
#3 – & Other Stories
Born from the perfect blend of creativity and sustainability, & Other Stories was launched by H&M in 2013.
With a range of contemporary and functional women’s clothing and accessories, the brand strives to follow a thoughtful and ethical vision, while remaining committed to, “sharing stories from diverse perspectives, reflecting what the world looks like.”
Materials include 100% sustainably sourced cotton, vegan fabrics, and recycled plastic water bottles.
Speaking of, the brand also has a recycling program for customers, inviting them to bring in empty beauty packaging and gently used clothing for a 10% off discount on future purchases.
The style is simple yet quirky with a variety of timeless basics combined with practical yet unique shades and patterns that provide an intricate touch to every ensemble.
The style is a little more modern and feminine compared to Free People, though the pieces could be easily paired for a cohesive look. In terms of costs, & Other Stories clothing pieces range from $25-$379.
#4 – Urban Outfitters
Another sister brand to Free People, Urban Outfitters, was founded in the early 1970s by Dick Hayne. The brand has long since been committed to, “inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity, and cultural understanding.”
Like its sister brand, UO believes in a sustainable design system, the importance of advocacy, and the necessity of community. When it comes to accessibility, there are plenty of stores across North America and Europe, and online shops for each country.
UO has a similar selection to Free People with a collection of boho flowy styles with fun prints and patterns, though it also carries some more trendy pieces with moodier vibes that are designed for a younger age group.
On top of that, the brand has men’s, home, lifestyle, and beauty sections for a well-rounded collection.
The brand has also started a Diversity & Inclusion Committee that is “rooted in listening and learning, with strategic focuses in community outreach, representation, learning & development, employee engagement, recruitment, and supplier diversity.”
All that being said, the UO also frequently offers promos and sales for extra savings, as well as a rewards program that gives shoppers access to exclusive deals and allows them to earn points for discounts.
Speaking of costs, Urban Outfitters clothing ranges in price from $10-$960.
#5 – Reformation
Another brand on my list committed to sustainability, Reformation actually began as a small storefront that sold vintage clothes in 2009.
With founder Yael Aflalo at the helm, the store quickly became a go-to and has since remained on its original trajectory of providing clothing that limits waste and has a unique, feminine touch.
In saying that, Reformation’s mission is simple: “to bring sustainable fashion to everyone.” Because of that, the company offers free shipping and is available worldwide. They craft every piece from sustainable materials and fabrics, even using recycled materials.
In comparison to Free People, Reformation style feels contemporary and cool yet whimsical and free with plenty of soft neutral colors, puff sleeves, and square necklines.
Its collection includes women’s clothing and accessories, and even wedding attire, whether you’re the bride, a guest, or a bridesmaid.
With quarterly sustainability reports that also include an assessment of the brand’s diversity and inclusion efforts, Reformation is dedicated to maintaining its commitment.
Because of the brand’s commitment to sustainability efforts, the price ranges on the higher end of the spectrum at around $38 for basics and $488 for luxe dresses.
#6 – FARM Rio
Founded in 1997, FARM Rio was born when Katia Barros and Marcello Bastos took the plunge with their idea, showing up to the Babilonia Feira Hype fashion market in Rio de Janeiro with their own collection.
Every piece is designed to embody the spirit and color of Rio itself while maintaining a feminine and natural vibe for soft silhouettes and an effortless finish. They became popular in Brazil, then they took the rest of the world by storm.
In comparison to Free People, FARM Rio’s style is joyful and energetic with eclectic prints and plenty of eye-catching color. The selection consists of women’s clothing, outerwear, activewear, and accessories, all of which maintain the brand’s essence.
Plus, materials are responsibly sourced and the brand has been certified eco-responsible, and even maintains 100% carbon neutrality.
What’s more? With every purchase, FARM Rio plants a tree, with over half a million planted to date. On top of that, they are committed to representation and believe that every voice and culture matters.
All that being said, you may be wondering about the price range. FARM Rio clothing ranges in price from $30-$625 depending on the intricacy of the piece.
#7 – Sézane
Sézane’s story began in France in 2013 when Morgane Sézalory found some vintage clothing in lost suitcases.
She began tweaking the pieces and selling them online under the name Les Composantes. This translates directly to “building blocks” and means separate pieces that combine to create the whole.
Things took off quickly and it wasn’t before long that Sézane was born! Today, they are a Certified B Corporation with locations all over Europe and the US, offering free worldwide shipping and returns online.
They are committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and creating pieces that never go out of style, never ending up in a landfill. T
hey also have philanthropic goals, committing to providing equal opportunities to everyone, partnering with La Voix de l’Enfant, Sport dans la Ville, and Démos.
In comparison to Free People, Sézane carries a collection of sophisticated, vintage, and timeless men’s and women’s clothing. The pieces feature thoughtful and unique designs for intricate and special touches that are designed to last a lifetime with high-quality, perfectly cut fabrics.
Sézane’s prices range from $55-$250.
#8 – Madewell
The oldest brand on my list, Madewell was founded in 1937 as a workwear company.
In 2006, it was adopted by J.Crew and transformed into modern and stylish women’s clothing. Today, the brand has stores all over the US and ships worldwide.
Madewell is also committed to sustainability and believes in responsibly sourcing materials and ethical manufacturing processes.
Speaking of commitments, the company is also built upon four crucial pillars: “developing leaders, infusing talent, fostering inclusion, and building equity.”
Best known for its denim collection, Madewell also carries a variety of clothing and accessories that is casual and comfortable, carefully selected from top brands.
Like Free People, the items are designed to last forever and are for women in their 20s and 30s. When it comes to costs, Madewell ranges in price from $15 basics on sale to $790 for outerwear.
#9 – Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn was founded in 2013 by the brand’s namesake, on a mission to maintain “practices that honor Mother Earth and all her people.” The brand believes in working alongside the world and thus focuses on farm-to-closet.
This means using regenerative practices and fabrics, paying farmers and artisans livable wages, directly addressing climate change, and giving back to the earth.
Similar to Free People, Christy Dawn carries a collection of women’s and kid’s bohemian-style clothing, though each piece also has a vintage yet chic touch. On top of that, the brand features female models of all different backgrounds and sizes.
The brand has extended sizing, making these sustainably and ethically crafted pieces available to more shoppers. Speaking of, the brand also offers worldwide shipping, with one in-person store located in the US.
Because of Christy Dawn’s social and environmental commitments, the prices are on the higher end of the spectrum, ranging from $50-$800.
#10 – For Love and Lemons
Founded by Laura Hall and Gillian Rose Kern, For Love and Lemons is a 100% women-led company.
The two girls met in 1996, at only 11 years old, at a lemonade stand and became fast friends. They shared a dream of, “female camaraderie and love and compassion for all”, which they carried into adulthood.
In 2011, the duo swapped cups of lemonade for a collection of women’s clothing and lingerie that is designed to be enchanting and vibrant.
Today, the options are available worldwide via their website and other popular retailers, online or in-store. The brand continues to diversify its team and models as they strive to foster an inclusive workplace and company culture.
They are also transparent about their manufacturing processes as well as their sustainability efforts, including a reduction of waste and carbon footprint.
For Love and Lemons combines vintage and eclectic designs with modern and whimsical pieces to create a unique blend of timeless and trendy with a bold color palette.
Like Free People, the product line consists of a variety of clothing for women, as well as stunning and feminine lingerie. In terms of pricing, For Love and Lemons clothing ranges from $30-$500.
#11 – Brandy Melville
Silvio Marsan and his son, Stephan founded Brandy Melville in the early 1980s in Italy. They opened their first US store in LA in 2009 and the casual Malibu aesthetic quickly took off among teenage girls.
Today, the company has locations across North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe and ships to countries around the world. Interestingly, it was also one of the first brands that marketed mainly on social media, meaning it has set trends in more ways than one!
Brandy Melville offers a more simple and minimalistic take on bohemian fashion, while Free People carries more patterns and colors that lean on the sophisticated side of things.
In saying that, Brandy is a popular choice among young adults because of the one size fits all collection of girls’ basics. However, the brand has had issues with a lack of size inclusivity and model diversity in the past.
Designed for young women and girls, Brandy Melville’s prices range from around $20-$60.
#12 – American Eagle
Founded by two brothers in Pittsburgh in 1977, American Eagle is a casual clothing store for men and women. AE is also the parent brand to Aerie, which specializes in women’s intimate and loungewear with a contemporary athleisure vibe.
The brand offers a wide range of styles, from cool and preppy classics to contemporary to boho, meaning there’s something for everyone.
They carry flowy dresses, pants, and tops with unique prints and patterns similar to Free People, although it also has more comfy, casual, and neutral options.
Their items are designed for a younger audience, targeting university students and young adults.
The brand also focuses on diversity and inclusion, reflecting people of all different ages, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds in their images. Plus, their products are available worldwide, with physical locations scattered across the world.
Another convenient perk: American Eagle has a rewards program that gives shoppers access to free shipping and exclusive deals. American Eagle clothing is on the affordable side of things and ranges in price from $10-$100.
#13 – Mara Hoffman
With a commitment to “implementing more sustainable and responsible practices” while “presenting colorful collections inspired by and in celebration of women,” Mara Hoffman founded her company in 2000.
Like Free People, the brand carries a collection of bohemian and flowy styles with effortless yet styled silhouettes and bold and unique patterns.
They mainly use natural, organic, and recycled materials, while also remaining committed to minimizing waste and energy usage.
Today, their size-inclusive pieces ship worldwide and are stocked in popular stores all over the globe. Plus, the brand also has a rewards program that allows customers to easily collect and redeem points for extra savings.
Speaking of, Mara Hoffman’s prices range from $200-$500.
#14 – Nasty Gal
The story of Nasty Gal began in 2006 in San Francisco with an eBay account and Sophia Amoruso’s collection of vintage pieces.
Today, the label carries a wide collection of women’s clothing that is designed to be empowering and bold, with a vintage and bohemian touch at its core.
The brand is also moving towards a more sustainable future as it focuses on reducing its carbon footprint and making clothes with better materials and practices, while also producing less wasteful packaging.
The company behind Nasty Gal has also committed to giving back to various communities.
Compared to Free People, Nasty Gal offers a similar mature style, although they offer more options for different preferences, especially considering its range of over 5,000 pieces. They are also available worldwide and operate exclusively as an e-commerce company to keep costs low.
Speaking of, Nasty Gal prices range from $10-$100.
#15 – Boohoo
Boohoo was co-founded by Carol Kane and Mahmud Kamani in 2006 with the knowledge that a person’s style is their individuality. So, similar to Free People, their pieces are designed to reflect the customer’s values and overall aesthetic.
Boohoo’s collections consist of women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, as well as beauty and home decor options. Plus, the style section is quite diverse as pieces range from boho and eclectic to trendy and bold to loungey and comfortable.
Speaking of diversity, Boohoo believes in inclusivity and takes pride in its support of all different people and bodies.
Plus, the brand has a sustainability plan in place to use better materials, develop its relationship with manufacturing partners, and “create a solid foundation for change.” Boohoo is also primarily an e-commerce retailer with prices ranging from $15-$130.
Which Stores Like Free People Are The Closest In Comparison?
While I think that all the brands I have listed qualify as stores like Free People, there are a few that stand out as being the most similar. Here are my top three:
- Anthropologie
- Urban Outfitters
- Christy Dawn
Of course, it only makes sense that the sister brands offer similar selections, commitments to the world, and price ranges, though the styles differ slightly in the sense that they’re designed for different age groups.
Christy Dawn places a close third because of its collection of prints, flowy silhouettes, and overall boho styles, though some options lean a little more vintage.
Plus, I admire the brand’s commitment to sustainability and their inclusive collection.
Which Stores Like Free People Are The Most Affordable?
While Free People carries a beautiful collection, the styles can sometimes lean on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to price tags. So, what are the cheap stores like Free People?
American Eagle, Brandy Melville, Nasty Gal, and Boohoo all stand out as the most obvious choices, considering that their prices range from around only $20 to $100.
Another perk? All of the more affordable options carry a wider variety of styles, meaning you can shop for yourself and everyone you love without breaking the bank!
Final Thoughts
If Free People has become your go-to but you’re on the hunt for something new, if you like their styles but find yourself looking for cheaper alternatives, or if you’re looking for a company that has similar goals for sustainability and ethics, there are a lot of brands to choose from that offer similar styles.
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to find stores like Free People, and whatever it may be, I hope that my list has shed a little light on your options.
So next time you can’t find that perfect fit on Free People, be sure to consult my list of quality alternatives!
Check out some of our other store alternatives:
