When Free People graced us with a sneak peek of its autumn collection in July, certain adjectives kept cropping up on social media: dreamy, perfect and gorgeous. The boho brand is synonymous with this season as its entire design philosophy aligns with the textures, colours and layering essential to cool-weather dressing. Even in spring, the Free People colour palette leans heavily toward muted, warm and earthy tones.
In my opinion, Free People’s AW26 Collection nails jackets and denim. The collection also secured cool-girl musician Willow Smith's stamp of approval by launching a collab that aligned with the release of her latest single, The Thread. And look, I get it, when you’re investing in Free People, you want to ensure they're items you’ll actually wear all season long. That’s why I’ve scoured Instagram and TikTok to figure out which pieces are being worn time and again by the internet's resident cool-girls...
Byron Mid-Length Faux Fur Coat
As seen on @sydharsh
This coat – and the way influencers are wearing it – teaches us one thing: faux fur can be very boho. This one takes on a somewhat-striped blend of brown and black hues, and the tailored silhouette looks so chic with relaxed denim. It strikes that coveted middle ground between street style and practical dressing, proving that cold-day layering can be effortless and energetic in equal measure.
This tote is, undeniably, the It Bag of autumn. The rich suede material and exaggerated slouchy shape make it impossible to ignore – brilliant news for anyone looking for a bag that’ll make a statement but still look good with every outfit in their wardrobe. Multiple fashion influencers – including Janelle Lloyd behind @waityouneedthis and Skyelar Chase who has just shy of one million Instagram followers – have been spotted with it on the eminently fashionable streets of New York City.
Nobody does denim quite like Free People – it’s why the Queen of Boho Sienna Miller loves the brand's jeans so much. And I know NYC-based cool-girl Hannah Porter agrees with this sentiment, given how chic she looks in her low-rise boyfriend pair from the brand (see above). They look just like a pair of vintage jeans as they’re designed in a non-stretch denim and sit low at the waist with a dropped fit through the hips and crotch.
Military chic has entered the conversation – and chic it very much is. The jacket of AW26, brought to us by Free People, is eccentric with its triple-button detailing and classic band-inspired design. As seen on Paris-based cool-girl Carlota Pitarch, it brings a welcome softness to the trend with its rounded hem and stand collar neckline.
Riding boots have officially gone knee-high with this tall pair from Free People, artisanally crafted in Portugal. Packing incredible presence, they are proving particularly versatile for fashion insiders navigating the transitional season. They look just as striking with jorts (as model Ocean Lewis has proven) as they do alongside fluid maxi skirts or oversized, wide-leg denim – the latter being precisely how Willow Smith is wearing hers.
Worn by Willow Smith and socialites in fashion hub cities across the globe, this cardigan with cascading ruffles and an intricate knit fabrication is an absolute head-turner. To really lean into a Noughties-inspired autumn, pair with your favorite bralette and low-rise flares.
We hope you love the products within this article created in collaboration with our brand partner Free People. We will receive compensation for this article, and commission when you click on the links or purchase. Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publication.
