6 Budget-Friendly Swaps to Get the Free People Look on a Serious Budget

If you love Free People but have trouble affording their pieces, this is your article.

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Free People dress

Whenever I’m shopping, I love to play a little game called “Find the Look for Less”. It’s such a thrill to find items that are similar to more expensive ones, especially as a college girl on a budget. It feels like I’m winning every time!

One of my favorite brands is Free People — their clothes are gorgeous, however they also often cost more than I can afford on my budget. So today I challenged myself to find some Free People dupes for less. Here are some items that are very similar to Free People pieces but at a fraction of the cost! 

Can afford to spend a bit more? The links to the gorgeous Free People items will also be available to shop!

1. Denim Overalls

Two models: one wearing Free People overalls and the other wearing Forever 21 overalls. Both have sweatshirts underneath one wearing black boots the other red heels.

Products: Left – Free People, Right – Forever 21

Overalls of any kind are a closet must-have. These washed black denim overalls are a more edgy alternative to the regular denim classic. The Free People overalls retail for $98, while the Forever 21 pair are are less than half the price, at just $34.90. 

Overalls look great paired with any kind of boots, as you can see above! I suggest pairing a bright colored shoe with them to really contrast the dark color of the overalls.

2. Peg Pants

Peg pants: the first pair is from Free People and the second pair is from ASOS. Both are paired with sweaters, one model has on boots the other has on oxfords.

Products: Left – Free People, Right – ASOS

Peg pants are my favorite pants style for all situations. They add a little something extra to any casual look, yet are also great for a business casual day at the office. 

The Free People pants on the left retail for $78 and the ASOS pants on the right cost a more affordable $40. These pants pair nicely with sweaters as you can see, but they also look great with classic utility blouses. Mules and oxfords are my go-to shoe styles for pairing with peg pants.

3. Gray Skinny Jeans

Gray skinny jeans: The first pair is from Free People and the second is from Old Navy. They are both paired with tops and one model is wearing black mules and black heels.

Products: Left – Free People, Right – Old Navy

Gray is the new black! At least in the case of jeans it is. Raw hem jeans, like these gorgeous ones from Free People, are my favorite jeans right now. However, these Rockstar jeans from Old Navy, though not featuring a raw hem, are comfortable, cute, and still make all outfits killer. (And you could always cut the hem yourself if you wanted…)

The Free People jeans on the left retail for $98, whereas the Old Navy jeans are only $34.99 — perfect for girls on a budget! 

A pair of gray skinnies pairs wonderfully with any kind of loose blouse. The tightness of the jeans offsets the volume of the blouse for a perfect combination.

4. Transprent Sunnies

Transparent Pink Sunglasses: The pair on the left are from Free People and the pair on the right are from Urban Outfitters. Both models have flowing curly hair.

Products: Left – Free People, Right – Urban Outfitters

Transparent sunglasses have been trending like crazy the last few months — expect to see them everywhere during spring break! They’re a new take on an age old classic and enhance any outfit. 

The Free People pair on the left retails for $30 (not too bad by Free People standards!), however the pair from Urban Outfitters costs just $16. Both pairs come in many colors in addition to this pink shade, including orange, red, and blue.

5. Black Beret

Black Beret: The left is from Free People and the right is from Target. The beret from Free People is featured on a model who is wearing earrings, a jacket, and a bustier. The beret from Target is featured on a mannequin head.

Products: Left – Free People, Right – Target

Berets have a long, rich history, first arriving on the fashion forefront in the early 1900s. They add a Parisian flair to any outfit and look great with almost every hairstyle. 

The left beret is from Free People with a retail price of $28, and the beret on the right is from Target for only $12.99. Either beret would look gorgeous with a plethora of outfits and will surely add sophistication to your look.

Also Read: How to Look Like You’re Wearing Free People Spring

6. Classic Black Belt

Classic Black Belt: The left photo is from Free People the right is from ASOS. The model on the left is wearing hers with high-waisted jeans, a white top, and blazer whereas the model on the right has hers with high-waisted jeans and a sweater.

Products: Left – Free People, Right – ASOS

A classic black belt is a staple that all college girls should have in their closet but it’s not something you should spend too much on! The Free People version of this classic belt is $38 and the ASOS version rings in at $29 for a savings of $9. 

Classic black belts are such great items because they really pull together an outfit! If you don’t have one yet, you need to invest. I chose these belts in particular because the round buckle sets them apart from their usual square counterparts. 

Want to see more “Look for Less” posts like this? 

Comment below if you’d like to see this done with any other brands and if there’s certain brands you’d like to see!

4 thoughts on “6 Budget-Friendly Swaps to Get the Free People Look on a Serious Budget”

  1. This is great! Please, for the love of all that is holy, do Modcloth (how am I supposed to look like a quirky librarian on the budget of one?)

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  2. Love it, love Free People, love not having to spend all my money. Other ones you could do: Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, NastyGal,

    Reply
  3. I’m so glad gray jeans are in fashion. Now I don’t have to try and refresh my faded black pair (and no doubt get black dye over everything I love)

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