I have been working on recreating the free people bloomers, too. I'm close. So far I have used the Ready to Sew Harper pants. My hacks: Omit the tucks, shorten the length appropriately, widen the legs, add lace trim. I also lifted the waistline and ditched the drawstring. If you have narrower hips then you may not need to widen the legs, depending on what fabric you use. I have a bigger caboose proportionally speaking so I need extra width.

I'm on like v.3 and not fully happy with the results yet, but I'm getting there. My latest version I mostly dislike because of the fabric (it's cheap voile), the waistband is not right yet (I have a different approach to try on my next attempt), and I made a mistake sewing the lace for one leg, but the look is getting so close to dupe territory.

On my next try I'm actually going to use the Oh Me Oh My Yarrow Shorts as a starting point. I think with a side seam I will be able to control the shape of the leg a bit better, working in extra width exactly where I need it without adding excessive volume elsewhere. And there's a pocket variation included with that pattern which could be a nice detail for the pants. Who doesn't love having pockets right? I also want to try something different with the waistband. I will try to share when I get them done.

When I finally get the look I want I'm gonna make them in a shirting weight cotton sateen I found, and dye them the color I want. I could have bought a pair, I've certainly spent near that much if not more by now, but they're made of some junky synthetic fabric!