This American Brand Has Finally Landed in London, and We Couldn't Be Happier

It's that time of year when the January sales are winding down and fresh new-season S/S 19 product is dropping every single day. But with the sub-zero temperatures dictating what we can actually wear, cotton blouses sadly have to wait. So what should you be buying when your heart wants summer dresses, but your body is telling you to wear as many clothes as you can?

Our fashion editors have found one destination that's right for this split state of mind: Free People. The Philadelphia-born brand is known for its retro, bohemian style, but it does so much more than beachwear and linen dresses. It is opening its very first true London store on 28 Floral Street in Covent Garden today, and it's got the best knitwear, chunky hiker boots and hair accessories. We've been there and can confirm it's the shopping haven you might imagine.

Look for the transitional buys like midi skirts (whip off the tights for spring), easy-to-layer light knits and longer length dresses that look just as good with boots as they will with sandals. Scroll down to see how to shop the best Free People buys available online and in store right now. 

Forever Knits

Deputy editor Emma Spedding wears the Bonfire Cardi in classic cream.

It's never too far into winter to invest in great knitwear. Although our brains are telling us to head for the sandals, linen frocks and straw bags, the British weather is reminding us we need all the layers. Look to neutral knitted pieces in sorbet shades that you'll be able to filter through your wardrobe all year. 

Our Free People prediction: The Love This City V-neck jumper looks just as good layered over a roll-neck for now, as it will with light-wash denim later in the year. 

Beautiful Bohemian Dresses

Editorial director Hannah Almassi wears the Oasis Midi Dress in the hue "grape leaves."

It's easy to assume that buying dresses in winter is a big no-no, but there are so many you can wear now. We've found some styles that you can actually wear with tights (yes, really), and then some that you will just lovingly look at until spring rears its beautiful head. Note: It buys always sell out first, so best to get them now. 

Our Free People prediction: The black Embroidered Fable Dress is already a best seller, and it also comes in nine other gorgeous prints and shades. Yep, it's one of those It dresses we talk about. 

Wear-Anywhere Midi Skirts

Slip skirts have been popular with the Instagram crowd. Lindsey from Ropes of Holland wears the Free People Normani Bias Skirt (£70) and Sweet Memories Turtleneck (£25). 

We don't know about you, but a midi skirt has saved the day more times than we can remember. We rely on it every season and for every occasion. It's all to do with that perfect length that goes with all tops and footwear types.

Free People prediction: The Bias Slip Skirt (that also comes in nine other colours, FYI) will fly off the virtual and now real life rails, stat. 

Endorphin-Boosting Accessories

Sometimes all you need to feel more awake (aside from a morning coffee) during winter, is an accessory that makes you feel good as soon as you wear it. This is why bright beaded bags and playful statement earrings are first on our shopping list. 

Our Free People prediction: Python print is here to stay. The Aston Snake Bite Belt with its vintage-feel square buckle is an instant win.

With-the-Band Vibes

A band tee can be that simple piece that just keeps on giving. Lazy weekend? Throw on your T-shirt and flared jeans. Festival? Throw on your tee with biker boots and a belt bag. It's an easy-to-wear casual piece, and Free People has plenty of them to choose from. 

Our Free People prediction: Mega-flared denim is big news for spring, so invest now. Our insiders at FP have already told us this Just Float On pair is selling so fast. 

Next up, these are all the S/S 19 trends you need to take note of.