As a Professional Budget Shopper, Free People’s Sale Section Is My Little Secret for Summer Outfit Planning

When I saw that Kylie Jenner wore embroidered floral jeans to a Knicks game recently, I immediately fell in love. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair that really speaks to me, and these are it. The colorful patchwork feels creative and cool, adding plenty of personality even with a simple top. And at 50% off?! I’m sold.With polo tops having a moment, I’ve been into anything with a collar lately. So you can absolutely believe this chic mini dress is going straight in my cart. I’d style it with flip-flops as a swim cover-up moment, or dress it up with kitten heels and fun jewelry for something a little more elevated.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowEverywhere I turn, someone is wearing polka dots. It’s officially fashion’s favorite print right now, and honestly, I get the hype. It looks especially cute on this easy half-zip sweatshirt. It’s the kind of piece that makes a basic sweatpants outfit look a little more styled.A white, breathable top is such a summer essential. The breezy short sleeves and eyelet design of this one make it feel light, airy, and easy to throw on with everything from denim shorts to linen pants.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThis feels like such a fun twist on the athletic shorts trend. Instead, it’s a skort version that still has that sporty vibe, but feels a little more feminine and polished. Honestly, it looks like something you’d score at a really good vintage store.Not to be dramatic or anything, but this may be the summer dress of my dreams. The handkerchief sleeves paired with the soft off-white color are giving effortless goddess energy.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowOveralls are underrated, in my opinion. They make getting dressed so easy—just throw on a simple tank underneath and boom, you’ve got a cute outfit. But the details on this pair are what really make them stand out: the square neckline, elastic waistband, pleated front, and skinny straps give them cool points.A bright tote just feels right for the warm-weather season. This one is roomy enough to hold all your essentials, plus a laptop, a change of clothes, and whatever else you inevitably end up tossing in there. Use it as a work bag during the week or a beach bag on the weekends.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowImagine this lacy orange bodysuit with a ruffled white skirt and some thong-heel sandals? Vacation outfit perfection, if you ask me.For those cooler nights, a light knit sweater is always handy to have. This cropped cardigan is lightweight, breathable, and perfect to throw on over just about anything—or wear on its own over a bralette.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIf I closed my eyes and pictured the perfect long denim skirt straight out of a Y2K music video, this would be it. From the funky asymmetrical design to the light-wash denim, it’s such a fun piece that feels both nostalgic and fresh.Slip-on loafers are essentially elevated slippers. They’re comfortable, give a polished finish, and keep blisters out of the equation.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhen you don’t know what to do with your hair (translation: you don’t have the energy to do anything with it), just add a pretty, main-character hair clip and call it a day. This oversized floral one speaks for itself.Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.