Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Stores Like Free People for Bohemian-Chic Style

Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re anything like me, you can‘t get enough of Free People‘s signature bohemian aesthetic. From flowy floral dresses to distressed denim and eclectic accessories, the brand has been a go-to for free-spirited style since the 1970s. But while Free People may have put modern boho fashion on the map, they‘re far from the only player in the game these days.

As a self-proclaimed fashion addict and Free People superfan, I‘ve made it my mission to scope out the best alternative brands and stores for rocking that covetable boho-chic look. After years of hands-on "research" (aka shopping!), I‘ve rounded up my top 10 picks for stores similar to Free People that I think you‘re going to love.

But before we dive in, let‘s take a quick look at the bohemian fashion trend and why it‘s become so popular in recent years.

The Bohemian Fashion Trend, Explained

Bohemian style, or "boho chic," is a free-spirited aesthetic that draws inspiration from the hippie fashions of the late 1960s and 1970s, as well as elements of gypsy and ethnic dress. It‘s a laid-back, eclectic look characterized by flowy silhouettes, natural fabrics, earthy prints and colors, and tons of texture.

Think billowy maxi dresses, embroidered peasant blouses, fringed kimonos, distressed denim, printed scarves, and stacks of beaded jewelry. Boho fashion is all about mixing and matching different eras, cultures and aesthetics to create a unique, globally-inspired look.

While the trend has roots in the counterculture movements of decades past, it‘s seen a major resurgence in recent years, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Today, bohemian fashion is more mainstream than ever before, with a growing number of retailers and brands offering their own take on the aesthetic.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global bohemian clothing market size was valued at $10.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.7% from 2021 to 2028. The trend‘s enduring popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, from a growing interest in sustainable and ethical fashion to a desire for more individualistic, expressive styles.

With that background in mind, let‘s jump into my top picks for the best stores like Free People for all your bohemian fashion needs!

1. Anthropologie

No list of Free People alternatives would be complete without Anthropologie. As the sister brand to Free People under the URBN corporate umbrella, Anthro shares a similar boho-chic sensibility, with a curated mix of apparel, accessories, home decor and gifts.

Anthropologie has a bit more of a polished, feminine feel compared to Free People‘s laidback vibes, but you‘ll still find plenty of flowy silhouettes, dreamy prints and eclectic details. Some of my favorite pieces include:

• The Somerset Maxi Dress, a tiered floral frock with puff sleeves and a ruffled hem
• The Pilcro Tavi Buttondown Blouse, an embroidered denim top with pintuck details
• The Belize Beaded Hoop Earrings, a colorful statement piece handcrafted in Guatemala
• The Gleaming Primrose Mirror, an iconic Anthro home decor piece with an ornate gilded frame

One thing I love about Anthropologie is the brand‘s commitment to supporting artisans and small-scale makers around the globe. Many of Anthro‘s pieces are crafted by independent designers and feature hand-touched details you won‘t find elsewhere. The brand also has a growing selection of sustainable and ethically-made products, though there‘s definitely still room for improvement on that front.

Price-wise, Anthropologie is similar to Free People, with most dresses and jumpsuits falling in the $120 to $250 range. Accessories and home items can vary from $20 to $200+. Personally, I think the prices are reasonable given the quality and unique details of Anthro‘s pieces. Plus, the brand has great sales and a generous loyalty program that can help you score some serious deals!

2. Reformation

For bohemian style with an eco-chic twist, Reformation is hands down my top pick. Since its launch in 2009, the LA-based brand has gained a cult following for its vintage-inspired, feminine dresses and separates made from sustainable materials.

Reformation describes its aesthetic as "effortless silhouettes with a modern twist," and I think that perfectly sums up the brand‘s cool-girl, boho charm. You‘ll find loads of flowy floral midi dresses, breezy linen jumpsuits, and sexy printed blouses, all crafted with the environment in mind.

Some of my favorite pieces I‘ve snagged from Ref recently include:

• The Kourtney Dress, a dreamy floral number with a smocked bodice and puff sleeves
• The Cyprus Linen Two Piece, a matching crop top and shorts set that‘s perfect for beach vacays
• The Carmelina High Rise Wide Leg Jeans, a retro-inspired denim style made from eco-friendly TENCEL Lyocell

Speaking of sustainability, that‘s really where Reformation shines. The brand has set the gold standard for eco-friendly fashion, using materials like organic cotton, recycled fabrics, deadstock and vintage garments to create the majority of its collections. Ref also publishes detailed quarterly sustainability reports and is working towards ambitious climate goals, including becoming climate positive by 2025.

Of course, all that eco goodness does come at a bit of a price. Reformation‘s pieces are definitely an investment, with dresses typically ranging from $200 to $400 and separates from $100 to $200. As someone who prioritizes sustainability and believes in investing in higher-quality, longer-lasting pieces, I‘m willing to shell out a bit more for Ref‘s consciously-crafted designs. And the brand does have occasional sales that can help you save some cash.

3. Spell

If you dream of frolicking through sun-dappled fields in a flowing floral frock (I mean, who doesn‘t?), then you need to familiarize yourself with Spell. The Australian label has been enchanting bohemian babes around the world since 2009 with its "boho luxe" aesthetic that‘s equal parts laidback and lovely.

Spell is most famous for its signature printed dresses, which feature intricate, colorful patterns inspired by vintage textiles and the natural world. The brand‘s iconic Poinciana Maxi Dress put Spell on the global fashion map when it first launched in 2012, and the style is still a bestseller to this day.

Over the years, I‘ve collected an embarrassing number of Spell pieces, but some of my all-time faves include:

• The Dahlia Lace Blouse, a dreamy white top with crochet lace trim and bell sleeves
• The Wild Bloom Strappy Maxi Dress, a tiered floral stunner with a sweeping skirt
• The Seashell Organic Cotton Tie Top, a cropped blouse with eyelet lace details that‘s perfect for summer

What I love about Spell is how the brand manages to feel both timeless and of-the-moment. The pieces are romantic and nostalgic, but with a modern twist that keeps them from feeling costumey. I also appreciate Spell‘s commitment to ethical production and supporting artisan communities. The brand works with a number of fair trade groups and cooperatives to create its intricate embroideries and hand-loomed fabrics.

Like Reformation, Spell‘s bohemian beauties don‘t come cheap. Dresses typically start around $200 and can go up to $400-500 for specialty pieces. Again, I personally believe it‘s worth investing in unique, high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time, but I know the prices can be tough to swallow. Luckily, Spell does have an occasional sale section on its website, as well as a thriving resale market!

4. Christy Dawn

When it comes to bohemian fashion with a sustainable, made-in-the-USA ethos, Christy Dawn is my hands-down favorite. Founded by Christy Dawn (yep, that‘s her real name!) in 2013, the LA-based brand has made a splash with its flowy, feminine dresses crafted from deadstock fabrics.

If you‘re not familiar with the term, "deadstock" refers to leftover fabric from garment factories that would otherwise end up in a landfill. By using these rescued textiles to create its dreamy designs, Christy Dawn is helping to reduce waste and keep materials out of the waste stream. The brand also uses organic cotton and other eco-friendly fabrics.

Aesthetics-wise, Christy Dawn has a romantic, vintage-inspired feel, with lots of ruffles, lace and floral prints. The dresses have an effortless, throw-on-and-go quality that I love. Some of my favorite styles include:

• The Dawn Dress, a tiered maxi with puff sleeves and a ruffled hem
• The Lennon Dress, a floral mini with a smocked bodice and balloon sleeves
• The Fitzgerald Dress, a prairie-inspired frock with a ruffled bib and ankle-grazing skirt

In addition to its signature dresses, Christy Dawn also offers a range of separates like blouses, skirts and jumpsuits, as well as a small selection of menswear and home goods. Everything is ethically made in Los Angeles by skilled artisans paid fair wages.

Price-wise, Christy Dawn is definitely at the higher end of the spectrum, with most dresses coming in at around $200-400. But considering the brand‘s sustainable sourcing and ethical production practices, I think the prices are more than fair. Plus, these are truly special pieces that you‘ll reach for season after season!

5. Faithfull the Brand

If your bohemian style fantasy involves frolicking on a tropical beach somewhere, then you need Faithfull the Brand in your life. The Bali-based label has gained a devoted following for its breezy, vacation-ready dresses and separates in dreamy floral prints.

Faithfull‘s pieces have a throw-on-and-go ease that‘s perfect for warm weather adventures, whether you‘re island hopping in Indonesia or just brunching with friends on a hot summer day. The brand is a go-to for fashion bloggers and influencers, and it‘s easy to see why – the clothes are effortlessly chic and endlessly Instagrammable.

Some of my favorite Faithfull pieces that I reach for again and again include:

• The Amore Midi Dress, a button-front style with a smocked bodice and tiered skirt
• The Charlene Top, a cropped blouse with a cute tie front and puffy sleeves
• The Cedric Pants, a high-waisted, wide-leg style in a breezy linen blend

I love how Faithfull‘s pieces can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Throw on some strappy sandals and statement earrings with the Amore Midi Dress for a beach wedding, or pair the Charlene Top with cutoff shorts and sneakers for a casual weekend look.

Faithfull is also committed to ethical production, with all of its pieces made in small batches by fairly paid artisans in Indonesia. The brand uses mostly natural fabrics like linen and cotton, as well as some eco-friendly materials like Tencel.

Price-wise, Faithfull sits around the same level as Reformation and Christy Dawn, with dresses typically falling in the $200-300 range and separates from $100-200. It‘s definitely an investment, but the quality and versatility of the pieces make them worth it in my book!

Other Bohemian Brands to Check Out

While the five brands above are my absolute favorites, there are plenty of other stores and labels out there serving up swoon-worthy bohemian style. Here are a few more to add to your shopping list:

• Dôen: Romantic, vintage-inspired dresses and blouses made in India and Peru
• Ulla Johnson: High-end boho dresses and separates with intricate embroideries and prints
• Mara Hoffman: Sustainably-made swimwear and resortwear with a bold, graphic aesthetic
• Love Shack Fancy: Flirty, feminine dresses and separates with tons of lace and ruffles
• Jen‘s Pirate Booty: Laid-back, beachy basics like sundresses, rompers and two-piece sets

Styling Tips for a Boho-Chic Look

Now that you‘re armed with all the best bohemian brands to shop, you might be wondering how to actually put together a killer boho-chic outfit. Here are my top tips:

1. Start with a flowy foundation. The key to nailing bohemian style is to choose pieces with relaxed, billowy silhouettes. Think maxi dresses, wide-leg pants, peasant blouses and kimono-style toppers.

2. Mix and match prints and textures. Boho fashion is all about an artful clash of patterns, colors and fabrics. Don‘t be afraid to pair a floral dress with a striped scarf or a crochet top with embroidered jeans.

3. Pile on the accessories. Layered necklaces, stacks of bangles, oversized sunglasses, floppy hats – bohemian style is not for the minimalists out there. More is definitely more when it comes to finishing touches.

4. Embrace the #DressOver look. One of my favorite styling tricks is to layer a flowy dress over pants or jeans. It‘s an easy way to get more mileage out of your favorite frocks and create a cool, unexpected silhouette.

5. Keep things casual with your shoe choice. To avoid looking too costumey or over-the-top, balance out a bohemian look with laid-back footwear like flat sandals, ankle boots or sneakers.

The Bottom Line

Well, there you have it – my ultimate guide to the best stores like Free People for bohemian fashion lovers. I hope this post has given you some fresh inspiration for where to shop and how to rock the boho-chic look.

As someone who‘s been wearing this style for years, I can attest to the joy and confidence that comes with expressing your free-spirited side through fashion. There‘s just something about slipping on a breezy floral dress or a pair of vintage-inspired flares that makes you feel like you can take on the world.

At the end of the day, though, it‘s not about chasing trends or wearing a certain brand. Bohemian fashion is all about embracing your individuality and marching to the beat of your own drum. So go forth and mix, match and experiment to your heart‘s content – and don‘t forget to have fun with it!

If you have any favorite boho brands or styling tips to share, I‘d love to hear them. Leave me a comment below and let‘s keep the bohemian fashion love fest going!

Until next time, stay wild and free.

Xoxo,
Your Resident Boho Babe