Monday, May 15, 2023

Cruise Through Summer With R29 Editors’ Favorite Free People Styles

Our editors are basically the fashion equivalent of Olympians — we’ll limber up, breathe deep, and sprint to the store (or our computers) at the mere mention of new Free People styles or savings. Whether there’s a Free People sale going live or the brand just launched a new viral jacket that everyone adores, you can bet we’re on it. Free People has a never-ending carousel of the latest trends and styles, from utilitarian looks to activewear sectioned by activity, and needless to say, obsessed. So, when Free People’s latest crop of summer styles hit the internet, R29 editors wasted no time diving in. We’re prepping for picnics at the park, beach days, vacays, and everything in between with these warm weather looks.

So sit back and get ready to scratch your “add to cart” itch, because we’re about to let you know which styles our editors can’t get enough of this season. From trendy new dresses to versatile accessories to wear to the office, come with us to start shopping for the adventure-packed summer ahead.

I’m Still Obsessed Sleeveless Mini Dress, $60

“Having a dog is a lot of work; one of the biggest time consumers for me is taking Nugget for walks. I need clothing that I can throw on at any time, and hopefully, still look cute and stay cool in this summer. I love that this dress is perfect for any summer activity, whether walking Nugget or picnicking in the park!” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Freya Sweater Set, $128

“The Freya Sweater Set has been an R29 bestseller for the past year, so I feel it’s my duty to find out what the hype is about. I can see myself looking very chic while traveling in this knit tee and lounge trouser combo that’s not super matchy-matchy and much more ‘quiet luxury‘ than your standard sweatsuit.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist

Quinn Pants, $50

“Staying ‘easy, breezy, beautiful’ in warm weather is hard when you’re not a dress girl. Thankfully, pants like these bring the airflow and work with the tomboy-ish style I usually wear. The low-rise silhouette, slouchy fit, and drop side pockets made me immediately add them to my cart. You’ll see me floating around in them at the office or park picnics — pretty much anywhere and everywhere.” — Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer

Rosalia Low Back Mini Dress, $50

“This is like the perfect easy t-shirt dress but with a subtle twist! The completely open back makes this a great day-to-night option for summer — I’d have it on with sneakers or sandals for the park or beach and pair it with some heeled mules for a sweet and simple dinner or drinks outfit.” Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist

Marina Mini, $88

“This summer, I’ll be embracing my feminine side with florals, fitted silhouettes, and dreamy dresses, like the Marina Mini. I mean, just look how cute the pleated detail is coupled with the babydoll silhouette! And the gorgeous green — I have star eyes! This dress is so versatile and light, I’m going to wear it everywhere just for the plot.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt, $118

“I never yearned for a maxi skirt until I saw this deep blue denim one featured in our round-up a few weeks ago. Since my summer closet is full of crop tops, I think this skirt will complement plenty of future outfits and prevent me from wearing the same pair of jeans every day like usual. Plus, the 40-inch length made me and my 5’ 8” stature very excited.” — Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer

Groovy Baby Maxi Caftan, $98

“You’re missing out if you haven’t experienced the true joy of eschewing your regular wardrobe and donning a caftan on a 90-plus-degree summer day. It’s a dress! It’s a beach coverup! It’s the closest you can get to feeling like you’re not wearing anything while staving off sunburns and public indecency arrests! To really lean into the ‘Olsen twins circa 2007’ vibe this piece is giving, I’d pair it with some giant hoops or shoulder-grazing dangly earrings, a handful of gold necklaces, some oversized sunglasses, and an iced coffee so large it needs a lifeguard on duty.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director

Mora One-Piece, $78

“Hot weather and jumpsuits with slightly baggy pants are heaven-made marriages. Throw on a blazer, and it’s perfect for the office. Take the blazer off, throw a novelty purse on your shoulder, and you have the ideal outfit for brunch or post-work cocktails. And, as someone whose love of sleep is unparalleled, trust me when I say that nearly any garment — but this zipper- and button-less jumpsuit more than most items — can be pajamas if you’re brave enough.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director

Island Sun Straw Sling, $88

“There are few things less pleasant than carrying an overstuffed leather/pleather work bag in the summer only to discover it’s stuck to your skin. This woven straw sling bag is stylish enough for work but can easily double as a beach tote on off days. I also love that it has an actual closure, which is surprisingly rare on most of the straw bags I’ve owned.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director

Struttin Mini Dress In Ivory, $60

“I’ll be honest, I haven’t owned a baby-doll-type dress since I was a child, but this one is super chic and feels very grown up. I also really love a square neckline — I think it’s so flattering on my chest and perfect for framing my face. This dress style is simple, clean, and looks like it can be worn anywhere from a barbecue to the beach. I could even layer a short-sleeve shirt underneath or a denim jacket on top for different vibes and occasions.” Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff—and, while we do receive commission from Amazon, all of the goods linked to on our site are independently curated by our Most Wanted shopping team editors. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication.

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The Biggest Bridal Fashion Trends For 2023 Include Party Dresses & Feathers

This year, wedding fashion is taking a turn for the glamorous. As evidenced by the New York Bridal Fashion Week lineups — presented back in 2022 — casual slip dresses and minimalist suits are being traded for can’t-miss trends that give brides-to-be their main character moment.

This year, the glittering styles and over-the-top silhouettes are getting even bigger. Think: opera gloves, high-neck styles, party-ready fabrics, and ultra-high slits that make up for the minimalist stint we’ve witnessed since the pandemic put a temporary stop on large ceremonies and celebrations and gave rise to micro-weddings and elopements.

Ahead, take a look at some of the most exciting trends walking down the aisle this year.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

High-Neck Gowns

While turtlenecks bring to mind fall essentials, rather than wedding wear, this year, brides will be adopting this high-neck silhouette into their aisle style. Designs from brands like Katherine Tash, LaPointe, and Andrew Kwon varied from turtleneck tops to dramatic high-neck halter dresses.

Dresses With Slits

Sure, sultry slits have been a staple of bridal fashion for years. But, if Bridal Fashion Week’s lineups are any indication, they’re about to get even more risqué, with designers like Dana Harel and Alexandra Grecco showcasing thigh-high slits that are anything but subtle.

Party Frocks

You’ve already heard of versatile bridal mini dresses that can take brides from the altar to the reception. Now, designers are incorporating even more party-ready elements. Take, for example, the latex draped dress by Houghton, the iridescent gown by Nadia Manjarrez, or the flouncy bubble skirt at Lela Rose.

Long Sleeves

As bridal trends take a turn for the dramatic, it’s only natural that sleeves are becoming longer and more voluminous, giving brides an elegant, timeless look. Designers like Anne Barge, Honor, and Theia took on the classic silhouette this season.

Feather Detailing

With party dressing becoming a ready-to-wear trend, it was about time that feathers also joined the bridal realm. Designers like LaPointe, Houghton, and Eloquii explored the airy embellishment in unexpected ways on modern pieces like sheer blazers, crop tops, and pants.

Opera Gloves

Bridgerton’s impact on bridal fashion has been strong, with Regency-era styles like corsets appearing on wedding dresses in seasons past. So it was only natural that opera gloves would follow. This time, designers offered modern takes with sheer fabrics, beaded embellishments, and fingerless versions that made the accessory look anything but costume-like. See: Badgley Mischka who presented a “something blue” pair and Sophie et Voila’s leather version.

Drop Waist

A staple of the 1920s, drop waist gowns are making their way into the 2020s, especially in the bridal fashion landscape. Brands like Sophie et Voila, Houghton, and Julie Vino are reimagining the lower waist silhouettes through corsets and loose-fitting styles that are anything but passé.

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R29 Readers Can Get These Twirl-Worthy Linen Dresses For 15% Off

Super Sale AlertGet 15% off all dresses at MagicLinen with our promo code R29, now through May 21.

Is twirling around in a pretty dress one of your favorite summer hobbies? We can definitely relate. That’s why we suggest adding a new cottagecore essential to your closet: MagicLinen‘s comfy, flowy, and stylish dresses. And lucky for us the brand famous for its hand-crafted, high-quality textiles is giving R29 readers an ultra-exclusive deal. From now through May 21, get 15% off all linen dresses with the promo code R29 at checkout. But if the limited-time deal doesn’t fully convince you to pull the “buy now” trigger, keep on scrolling to see some of our very own shopping editors’ opinions. (Spoiler alert: They’re obsessed.)

Cut-Out Linen Dress Tahiti in White, $86 $73.10

“I was excited to receive this Tahiti linen dress, so I can wear it for summer barbecues and beach days. I don’t own many linen pieces, but I’ve come to realize that wrinkles come with the territory and accept that I should embrace them. (The brand recommends smoothing out folding lines with a steamer while the fabric is still damp, but leaving the natural creases as is).

“I originally ordered an XL, per the sizing guide, but found that the dress was way too wide and long for my 5’3” frame. So I re-ordered it in a size large, which is slightly snug around the widest part of my body, my hips, since it’s a non-stretch fabric, but is still loose and breezy everywhere else. My favorite part of this simple sundress is the back cutout. Here, I’m wearing it over a bikini, and the strap falls perfectly over the band (I’ve also found that it hides my bra band, too), which is the cherry on top for this style.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Royal Toscana Linen Dress in Ash Rose, $95 $80.75

“A breezy linen dress is high on my summer wardrobe wish list, so I was excited to try out Magic Linen’s Royal Toscana Linen Dress, which looks like the epitome of effortless dressing with its loose fit and asymmetrical hem. I love the flowy silhouette and how the high-low hemline cascades around my legs — there is a lot of fabric here, but the piece didn’t feel heavy at all. The material also feels softer and smoother against the skin compared to some other linen items I own. As with all linen garments, it still looks chic even with a couple of wrinkles.

“The color Woodrose was also really flattering and goes with the basketweave bags and brown leather sandals I wear a lot in the summer. If you’re on the shorter side like me, just note that the two side pockets are located pretty far below the torso, so you do have to really stretch your arms to reach them. I like the billowing effect of the bottom half of the dress, but I love the look even more with a bit of cinching at the waist, using a colorful skinny silk scarf.” —Venus Wong, Senior Affiliate Writer

Pinafore Linen Dress Roatan in Brown Windowpane, $94 $79.90

“As a native Texan, I love dresses during the summer: They’re easy, breezy, and fun when the temperatures hit a record high. This is not the type of dress that I normally reach for, but it should be. I feel like a cottagecore fairy with the brown windowpane pattern…and I love it. This linen pinafore has two front pockets, an A-line silhouette, and is so breezy. I love that I’m able to just throw this on to take my dog, Nugget, for a quick walk or a trip to the park with keys, my phone, and snacks all enclosed in the front pockets. The linen dress itself is comfortable and breathable, perfect for sweaty Manhattan summers. I got a size medium, the size that I usually reach for, and it fits great!” —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Voluminous Linen Dress Nerja in Green, $115 $97.75

“Don’t mind me as I twirl around pretending I’m in Little House on the Prairie. It might be the voluminous babydoll silhouette or the puffy sleeves, but I’m getting major cottagecore vibes from my Magic Linen dress. However, one note is that I would size down since the dress has a voluminous skirt. I got an XS/M, and it was too big. There isn’t any elastic around the waist, so you won’t get a cinched look. Other than that, I found it to be a comfortable dress that I can wear around the house and outside on a warm spring day.” —Vivien Lee, Fashion Affiliate Writer

Cut-Out Linen Dress Tahiti in White, $86 $73.10

“I ordered the Cut-Out Linen Dress in white because I loved the back. I thought it gave a pretty simple white sheath and interesting detail that I hadn’t seen in that style before, and I didn’t have anything in my closet that looked like it. The linen is structured but still looks airy and flowy, and the length is modest enough to wear to your family BBQ, but it’ll still keep you cool outside. In fact, my main gripe about the dress is that it’s so airy that it’s pretty see-through in white, and you will definitely need a slip to wear outside. With a slip, though, it’ll be perfect for wearing wherever my warm summer days take me, especially with this season’s trendy platform sandals.” —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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All The Best Street Style From Australian Fashion Week

On Monday stylish crowds descended on Sydney arts center Carriageworks for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. While we're keeping our eyes peeled for the latest looks on the runways, we’re not ashamed to admit that we find the street style at the event just as alluring.

Last year's street style saw a turn towards a more individualistic sense of style, with playful mix-ups of designer and thrifted streetwear, sports luxe and retro formalwear, all capped off with bold accessories.

This year, the event is featuring more emerging Aussie designers than ever before, resulting in street style looks that are fresh and dynamic, with self-expression at their core. If the street style from Day 1 is anything to go off, we won't be lacking for outfit inspiration.

Ahead, a look at our favorite street style moments from Afterpay Australian Fashion Week.
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia
Photographer: Phoebe Wolfe/Cub Motion for Refinery29 Australia

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