8 Tips on Shopping at Free People For a Size 18!
I have been a huge fan of Free People for as long as I can remember. I loved the look and to me it was the definition of cool as a teen to early 20 year old. It was the rich, skinny girl brand that I dreamt of being able to wear every day. When I was insecure that was all I wanted. Now that I’m no longer that girl- I just love good clothes and want to wear whatever I want and know that I look great in it.
In my 20’s I had a good friend who was just that- gorgeous, thin, rich, and also like 6ft tall. She LOVED Free People and damn did she look good in it! She had this oversized yellow sweater that hung off her shoulder just the perfect amount. The greatest blend of totally put together and not giving a shit. She asked if I wanted to borrow it. I laughed it off- I could never share clothes with any of my friends let alone her. Buuuuut- What if I just tried? So, I put it on and it FIT and that’s when I realized- that maybe this could be for me? Well, at the time I found out that maybe I could squeeze my size 18 body into some things, but my wallet wasn’t so ready to take the plunge.
Fast forward to 30 where I’m very confident in my body, knows where it wants to shop, and also how much money it deserves to be spent on. We deserve to feel insanely good in our clothing too!
Every time I post an OOTD of me wearing something of theirs I ALWAYS get a comment or DM (without fail!) saying, “Free People makes plus?!” Or “Can you please show me how to wear Free People?!”. So, here it finally is:
8 Tips on Shopping at Free People For a Size 18!
Now, let me preface this journey with this. Free People #MAKEMYSIZE! It’s 2020- I should not have to be making blog posts about this, but here we are.
**I always buy an XL and will occasionally buy a L if I think it’ll work, try it on in-store, or love it so much I’m willing to make it work. Keep that in mind for your reference.
My measurements: 50 - 40 - 50
There are a few things you need to look for when scouring their site for pieces that might work on your body. And also let me just say might again. This works for me! But all bodies are different (measurements, height, etc) It’s all about trial and error. And when we’re all safely allowed to be shopping in stores again- I highly recommend not skipping the bohemian dreams that is their storefront- trying on is your best bet!
1. Look for dresses that are swimming on their size 2 model. Chances are they’re wearing the XS and that dress also comes in a size XL.
This dress is a perfect example. I own it in yellow and I just ordered it in the pink too. It’s so good. My yellow one is a size L, but was a little snug in the wrist elastic (I just broke it a little), but just ordered the pink in an XL
2. Look for a dress that flows at the waistline. Chances are if it’s defined at the waist (with most likely elastic)- it’ll be uncomfortably snug. You could always take it to a tailor and have them extend/change the elastic, but for this list- let’s say that isn’t an option. If you love the look of a cinched waist- pair it with your own belt.
This dress looks like an absolute dream in gold too. They really nail the imagery!
3. Extremely oversized, but mini dresses can be really fun! But since our size is a different proportion than their target customer and this model- realize that it will most likely be A LOT shorter on you. Think of these dresses as super cute tunics OR be bold and rock the hell out of it as is. Reminder: YOUR LEGS ARE SEXY!
I am in love with this dress in white. I’d pair it with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and button it pretty low while showing off a lacy bralette.
4. Another important detail to look for (IF POSSIBLE!) is big arm holes! If you’re shaped anything like me- you hold a lot of weight in your upper arm region (and probably refused to wear tank tops up until maybe 4 years ago- give or take). If the ecomm image shows you an oversize armhole- you’re golden!
This dress is perfect for the summer. I’d probably live in it. Wear it as a swimsuit cover-up or at drinks at your favorite roof top bar. It’s currently sold out in an XL, but I’d say a smaller 18 or a 14/16 would most likely fit comfortably in a L
5. Kimonos are LIFE. I literally love the way kimonos look. I think for a while I saw them as ways +women cover up and hide their bodies, but I think that thought process itself is a sign of insecurity. Now I wear clothes because I love the way they look. As they say “fuck flattering”!
The key to shopping for their Kimonos is to look at their bust measurement. It will most likely be a couple of inches (or more) shy of your actual measurement. That’s fine- just remember it won’t fully cover you. But again- that’s fine. Just try to make sure it isn’t over 10 inches smaller. That’s a safe measurement.
For example this is a 48” bust measurement. I measure at about 50”. Good to go!
(Also if you don’t know your measurements- learn them and don’t be afraid! You should always be reading size charts!)
6. Tops also work! But these are less common. These truly have to be oversized and Free People tends to sell sexier, tiny little tops that wouldn’t even fit one solo boob of mine. Look again for size 2 models who are drowning. They most likely have the top tucked into their jeans too- so keep that in mind!
This top could be iffy, but I would personally give it a try. Why iffy? Check out the sleeve. See that stitching that falls around mid-bicep? Judging by my arms- it will most likely be a little snug and make me not be able to pass the driving test* This one will be all about trial and error!
7. Ah, cool-girl sweater of my past: we meet again! See that slightest slip off the shoulder I’m talking about? 22 yo Maxey desperately yearned for this type of cool. 30 yo Maxey is so happy to be sharing it! Sweaters at Free People pretty much always work! They are almost all extremely oversized and extremely cute- so happy shopping!
This purple one reminds me just of the one that I loved in my youth, but I’m also in love with this one and this one.
8. Now this isn’t as much of a tip as it is just a statement. Free People came out with their CRVY jean line recently. Now, this usually means Plus, but nowadays everyone is using inclusive key terms to get sales. This is one of those time. Their jeans (not all of them) run up to a 35. Which is infact a size I sometimes order (at stores like Madewell), but their 35 measures at a 37.5” waist which is one (maybe even two) sizes smaller then I would order. If you have tried their jeans- I’d love to hear about the experience.
Comment below!
Well, I hope you learned a thing or two and put a couple of things in your cart. Use these tips at other straight size stores too- you’ll be surprised at how many (especially bohemian style) stores this works with!
Reminder: all of these links are affiliate- so I do make a commission if you buy anything, but this is by no means an ad for Free People (I wish!). I’m just a huge fan and wanted to share some wisdom with my friends!
*The driving test: when you try on a shirt and pretend to be driving a car. Put your hands on the imaginary wheel- if you’re struggling to put your arms in the correct position- the shirt does not fit and you will never wear it. Trust me.