Free Assembly at Walmart Review

I don't get to Walmart very often, but after seeing an influencer campaign featuring their new clothing label called Free Assembly, I've been curious to see the collection in person. Spring is almost here, and as winter winds down, I always get inspired to stock up on fun new pieces for the hotter seasons. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the line in this Free Assembly clothing review, so keep reading for info on Free Assembly quality, sizing, and a look at what I brought home.

May 28, 2026 update - shop the Spring 2026 collection.

Brand Background

Free Assembly aims to be more eco-conscious than other Walmart brands, and consists of Men's, Women's, and Kids' apparel. Expect better quality, more organic cotton, labels made from recycled materials, and improved tailoring. In true Walmart form, affordability still stands; most items are priced under $40. After a browse around the Women's and Girls' clothing departments at Walmart, all the fresh new Free Assembly merchandise on display at Walmart proved irresistible. 

Below, the Spring 2026 collection featuring striped blouses, florals, and chic suits

Above, Free Assembly blazer ($40) and wide leg trousers ($32)

With Brandon Maxwell at the helm, Free Assembly looks elevated, on-trend, and comparable to items you could find at Madewell, Nordstrom, Free People, or Anthropologie. Crisp poplin blouses, classic stripes, colorful florals, and must-have roll neck sweaters are just some of the spring 2026 styles you'll see in store.

The ad campaign and styling evokes a carefree, preppy feel with crisp basics and laid-back looks.

August 23, 2024 update - Shop Free Assembly for Fall 2024:

February 3, 2024 update - Get ready for spring.

January 13, 2024 update - Shop new arrivals:

Here's a peek at my store's small selection of Free Assembly.

The gingham fit and flare dress ($32) and the white blouson dress ($28) practically scream spring picnic, farmers' market, Sunday brunch, or garden party. Both are medium weight (not sheer), and versatile enough for casual days or dressier occasions. I can appreciate special details such as puffy sleeves, gathered waistlines, and any dress that has pockets!

Shop spring favorites:

This gingham tie-front tank top is part of the Girl's department, where they stocked an assortment of cute denim jackets, floaty dresses, and cropped denim. The top also comes in black and has a price point of $12. I didn't buy it, but it's still tempting me. The back of the top is solid white knit fabric, and it looks like it runs slightly big. 

The Kids' clothing seems more vibrant and fashion-forward than the Women's, and I recommend giving it a peek if you have kids or if you can fit into their sizes. 

Sizing notes: Kids' size are from 5 to 18, and Women's are from XS to XXXL (0 to 14).

I bought the mixed media blousant shirt pictured below on the right. It runs true to size, has 7/8 length sleeves, and perfectly captures a business casual vibe. 

The bow ties at the cuffs are fixed, so they aren't adjustable. I like the slanted seam design in front, as it's visually flattering. The back of the top drapes nicely due to inverted pleats, and the bottom half is made of the striped woven fabric. This is the sort of top that I can wear for a weekend walk and then around town to do errands. It has a professional-meets-athletic look that gives it versatility without being boring.

I could not resist these True Waist Wide leg jeans ($22) from the Girls' department. I'm wearing size 14 and they fit well, with a tiny amount of gapping at the back waist. The length is perfect for me, no hemming needed! The delicate floral print is fun, and the 98% cotton, 2% spandex construction gives them some stretch, but not so much that they lose their shape. They are medium weight, and not see-through, which can be an issue with light denim. They come in other prints and colors, including a thin railroad stripe which I almost bought. 

Footwear note:

The Teva-inspired floral nature sandals are by Time and Tru ($12). They run true to size and have cute fabric bow details. With my affinity for all things pink and floral, these sandals were a no-brainer. They're not as cushioned as Teva Original Universal sandals, and not as eco-friendly in terms of materials, but they bring me so much joy. They come in sizes 6 through 11, and have adjustable straps at the toe and the ankle.

Shop Free Assembly:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop Free Assembly:

Stella McCartney Eclypse Sneakers Review

As the chunky dad sneaker trend began to grow on me, I caught a glimpse of the Stella McCartney Eclypse sneakers while browsing athletic shoes online. It was love at first sight. I saw a few styles that interested me on Stella McCartney's site and on net-a-porter, which led me down the Eclypse rabbit hole. There were so many styles and colors to choose from. I narrowed it down to the elusive animal print Eclypse sneakers with pink color blocking and sporty velcro straps. Something about the bright pop of colors, simple velcro straps, and chunky sole instantly appealed to me. These were not boring or typical sneakers. 

January 9, 2020 update - Shop new Stella McCartney Eclypse sneakers:

November 11, 2019 update - Shop the Eclypse sneakers:

September 23, 2019 update - Shop the Eclypse sneakers in the latest colors. Sizing tip: go up a size because they run small.

September 20, 2019 update - Shop more Eclypse sneakers:

In my online quest for information about the Stella McCartney Eclypse sneakers, I was unable to find more specific fit and sizing details. How did the sneakers run? Were they well cushioned? Were they easy to break in? I scoured social media and luxury retailer sites for clues and reviews. Unable to find any Stella McCartney Eclypse sneaker reviews, I relied upon the size guides that claimed that my size, a U.S. size 7, would be a Eur size 37. After finding the style I wanted and buying them from a retailer halfway across the world, I realized with much disappointment that they run small and are narrow in the toe box. Hence, the reason for this Stella McCartney Eclypse sneaker review. I've never bought Stella McCartney footwear before, and didn't know what to expect. I did know that the sneakers were made of man made materials since Stella McCartney does not use animal products. I worried about whether they'd be breathable, would they stretch, etc. With a price point upwards of $600, they are quite an investment, so I'm hoping this review helps anyone else looking for info on the Eclypse.



In terms of sizing, I wear a Eur 38 in the Eclypse. So a U.S. size 7 wears a Eur 38 in my opinion. Don't always trust the size guides! The Eclypse sneakers seem to run very narrow, so if you have wide feet, go up a size. The two velcro straps don't allow for as much adjustment as lace-up styles do, but I adore the simple, sporty look of them. Another thing I love is the thick sole, which adds two inches (50mm) of height while being comfortable. It does add weight to the shoe, so they're not as lightweight and breathable as my workout shoes. Fortunately, they are supportive and well cushioned. The padded tongue contributes to the sporty vibe. I don't intent to wear these during workouts, but more as a casual everyday shoe. The neoprene material is thick and easy to clean, giving the sneakers a well-constructed and expensive look. The pull tab in the back makes them easy to slip on. I'll be wearing mine with thin socks to avoid any blisters during the break-in period. 

Ready to dip your toes into the chunky sneakers trend?

Shop Stella McCartney Eclypse sneakers:

Get the look for less by Steve Madden:

Shop more sneakers:

Wear them with:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Spring Summer 2018 Fashion Trend Forecast

New York-based fashion forecasting firm Fashion Snoops has released four key Women's trend stories in their spring summer 2018 fashion forecast. I'll be sharing more about each trend below, along with visuals including: mood boards, design details, materials, key items, interactive product widgets, and color palettes. 

*Please note that this blog post is from Fashion Snoops. Students, please feel free to use this information for school projects if you properly cite both Fashion Snoops and The Key To Chic as sources.

1. Individualist

The Individualist woman is an art curator as well as an activist. A somewhat unlikely pairing, she appreciates art at a high level and promotes social reform through industry fundraisers and society functions. She embraces political artivism and encourages change by layering wisdom with creativity. 

The Individualist is inspired aesthetically by all things beautiful, yet she pushes boundaries with an unexpected mix of artwork and immersive structures in her gallery. It's in this contemporary mix that she develops her own trademark style embodying sophistication and eclectic, modern design. 


Materials are polyester satin, metallic woven lamé, and cotton shirting. Patterns are nonsensical, hectic expressionism, and identity crisis. Design details are ruffles, asymmetric hems, and sequins. Key items are the overcoat, reworked shirt, and asymmetric skirt.



Browse Individualist pieces:

2. Neuetradition

The Neuetradition woman is a bold new leader and fearless pioneer of a young society rebuilding their city. She is a philosopher and thinker, taking on a new age where everything has to be rethought and redesigned. She deconstructs the pillars of tradition, evolving them into something new and functional, creating an essence of raw sophisticated beauty.


The Neuetradition philosophy believes in utilizing, reusing, and reinventing everything from redeveloped buildings to reconstructed tailored suits. Key items are the asymmetric skirt, ankle strap mules, and heeled oxfords. Key materials are high shine finishes, seamed leather, and denim. Design details for footwear include braided seams, pieced seams, and square toe shapes.







Browse Neuetradition items:

3. Quest

As a professional photographer and passionate traveler, the Quest woman is an avid explorer, specializing in the study of foreign tribes. She lives a nomadic lifestyle, with a gypsy-like flair. She believes that life is an adventure in which you should walk unafraid, allowing yourself to be free and letting your wanderlust reign.



Her home is a collection of her treasures, eclectic souvenirs, and an array of rare objects. With her effortless style and easy going, charming personality, she is able to gain access to unknown destinations and uncover hidden gems.


Key items are cargo pants, ankle wrap sandals, and shoeties. Important details include mixed patterns, tassels, pom poms, and braided leather. Key materials are woven leather, sheer silk, suede, and woven cord. 





See examples of Quest:

4. Sensory

The Sensory woman defines our tech-obsessed society, which becomes increasingly parallel to virtual reality. The secret to her success is the ease at which she could slip into an alter personality. She fully embraces sci-fi fantasy and is obsessed with new teleportation theories. 


Everything about her surroundings exudes extreme reality, from slick, hydra-charged colors to performance tech materials in her office and home. Surrounded by so much adrenaline and fantasy, it's easy to get lost between worlds, and that's exactly the point. 


Key items are tech shorts, stocking boots, velcro sandals, and neoprene boots. Design details to note are back zips, iridescent piping, velcro straps, and PVC ankle cuffs. Materials are neoprene, metallics, ripstop nylon, and mesh nylon.





View examples of Sensory:

Some trend report updates:

August 25, 2018 update - See four denim trends for 2019.

August 21, 2018 update - See four fashion trends for fall 2019 and winter 2020 on The Key To Chic.

August 20, 2018 update - See five footwear trends for spring summer 2019 on The Key To Chic.

March 5, 2018 update - See key Women's fashion trends for 2018 in my MAGIC trade show report.

February 21, 2018 update - See five key 2018 denim trends for Women in my MAGIC trade show report.

February 19, 2018 update - Love shoes? See five Women's footwear trends for 2018 in my MAGIC trade show report.

February 2, 2018 update - See four Women's trends for fall 2018/winter 2019 in this post.

January 25, 2018 update - See my favorite spring 2018 trends in this mini retail report on The Key To Chic.

January 23, 2018 update - See four Men's trends for fall 2018/winter 2019. 

January 9, 2018 update - See nine trends for Women in my spring summer 2018 fashion trend preview.

January 4, 2018 update - See a spring summer 2019 fashion trend forecast.

September 14, 2017 update - See 9 key fall 2017 winter 2018 fashion trends in my retail report. 

August 30, 2017 update - See 4 men's fashion trends for spring/summer 2018.

August 17, 2017 update - See this fall 2018 and winter 2019 fashion trend forecast.

July 25, 2017 update - Browse top trends:

Follow along on my Insta stories @thekeytochic, Facebook page, and Pinterest trend boards, where you'll have access to trend information, fashion inspiration, shopping reports, and personal style. 

For more trend forecasts, see my other spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast, my 2017 denim trend report, and my fall 2017/winter 2018 fashion trend forecast.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Browse trends: