When it comes to conquering boho style, it can be a pretty daunting task. Free-spirited, 70s-inspired, and romantic are all words to describe bohemian fashion for women. But how can you bring bohemian clothing into your everyday wardrobe?
Boho style in clothing is characterized by its eclectic mix of natural fabrics, earthy colors, and intricate patterns, embracing a free-spirited and relaxed aesthetic with influences from various cultures.
While not everyone aims to emulate the full music festival look, incorporating a hint of boho whimsy into your outfit can add a delightful and unique touch.
Boho Style: What to Wear
Many modern-day fashion trends trace their roots back to bohemian style, showcasing elements such as tie-dye patterns, flowing maxi dresses, and delicate lace ruffles. These boho-inspired details are beloved by many and have become staples in their everyday wear.
However, if you’re just beginning to explore this aesthetic, incorporating subtle accents can effortlessly elevate your outfits.
Think about brands that nail this style: Zimmermann, Ulla Johnson, and Chloe. Their dreamy designs are perfect if you want to take on the trend. But if you’re not into high fashion, don’t worry.
You can shop these styles at mall brands like H&M and Zara, especially in their spring and summer collections. Here are some ways to get started.
LAYERING
Layering is vital for boho chic. Think about long maxi skirts, relaxed blouses, and flowy pants. Top it off with a rich brocade-adorned coat for the ultimate free-spirited look.
It is not only about your clothes but jewelry and accessories as well. Longline necklaces, glittering rings, and wide-brimmed hats will have you looking like a boho dream.
OVERSIZED & RELAXED
Another key to conquering this aesthetic style comes down to the oversized silhouette. Although roomy styles can look amazing, ensure you do not look haphazard. So, if you wear a relaxed pair of wide-leg pants, wear them with a fitted top or vice versa.
Focus on proportion, especially if you have a petite frame. Remember that sometimes less is indeed more.
THE FLOWER CROWN
In significant part to music festivals and fashion bloggers, the flower crown has become ubiquitous with bohemian style. This youthful accessory can easily bring some fun to any outfit. Try it with a breezy muslin dress or a crochet crop top with high-waist shorts.
And although the floral crown can take your outfit to the next level, you can easily tone it down for everyday wear. Wear a hairclip with a floral adornment, a flower headband, or a floral print scrunchie to channel your inner flower child.
STATEMENT ACCESSORIES
If you want to conquer this style, accessories are the ultimate final touch. A retro-inspired pair of sunglasses or a statement necklace is all you need to bring a little flair to your wardrobe. You can also easily wear a printed scarf to add a pop of color to your look.
Switch it up and mix and match for an eccentric look. Fringe earrings or large hoops can bring some next-level style to your outfit.
FLARED PANTS
You may think flare pants should be left in the 1970s, but the retro style has made a significant comeback in recent years. Instead of going for an exaggerated flare, keep it simple with a more narrow version.
Wear it with a dramatic print, or keep it simple in denim pants. The flare-style pant goes perfectly with a peasant top or embroidered coat during cooler months.
We also think jeans in a flared silhouette bring casual yet chic vibes. For more of a statement, you can opt for a jumpsuit.
FRINGE ACCENTS
Get ready to show off your playful side by embracing fringe. A fringe dress will undoubtedly turns heads when worn with a kimono jacket.
If you want a more minimal fringe style, look for a dress with a frayed hemline. You can even look for a bag or fringed ankle boots with tasseled accents.
LACE WITH EDGE
Lace may seem like an old fashion material, but you can make it new again. A simple white maxi dress adorned with lace truly channels a Stevie Nicks-inspired look.
Or, if you are not a fan of dresses, you can find a lace top to show off this look. Add some edge to your lace look with a leather or denim jacket and suede boots.
SCARF STORY
A fabulous boho-style scarf is one way to add pizzazz to your everyday outfit. Instead of wearing a scarf around your neck, wrap it around your head for a retro-inspired look.
Not only is it stylish, but it can also cover up a bad hair day. If you don’t want to wear a scarf, you can easily tie it around the handle of your favorite bag.
HATS: THE FINISHING TOUCH
A bohemian look is perfect for you if you’re a girl who loves hats. Wearing a floppy hat can protect you from the sun and spice up a simple top and jeans ensemble.
When it is summer, a straw hat works well. But for cooler months and weather, look for wool or felt styles. Don’t be afraid to pay with color and prints. It’s all about making a statement.
PRINTS MIX
Throw away all the black in your closet because boho chic is about mixing and matching prints. It can be daunting to mix prints, but follow these tips. First, look for patterns on similar scales.
So don’t mix a huge floral with small stripes. Then, look for a similar color scheme. Pairing hot pink with navy doesn’t work, but burgundy and navy work perfectly. And when in doubt, just go with your instincts!
FOOTWEAR
Footwear plays a pivotal role in defining the overall aesthetic. Two standout styles that perfectly channel the boho spirit are cowboy boots and sandals, each bringing a unique dimension to the look.
Cowboy boots, a classic staple, have evolved beyond their traditional roots, now embodying the Coastal Cowgirl trend.
Picture these boots paired with flowing maxi dresses or distressed denim for an effortlessly chic look. On the other hand, sandals, ranging from strappy to embellished, offer a lighter, more laid-back approach.
JEWELRY: SUSTAINABLE & RETRO
Jewelry in bohemian fashion is a statement of individuality and a nod to cultural influences. The 1970s, a significant era for boho style, introduced an array of iconic jewelry pieces that continue to inspire.
Think chunky wooden bangles, long beaded necklaces, and turquoise accents, each piece telling its own story. In today’s fashion scene, these vintage inspirations are being reimagined through the lens of sustainability.
Artisans and designers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods, aligning with the bohemian ethos of living in harmony with nature.
Bohemian Fashion Icons
In the world of fashion and entertainment, numerous celebrities have adopted the boho trend, effortlessly blending its charm with their unique styles.
Below, we highlight stars who exemplify bohemian elegance, offering inspiration for easily incorporating this look into your wardrobe.
KATE MOSS
Stars like Kate Moss wear boho clothes and make them look effortlessly cool. The British supermodel is one of the most important fashion icons of recent years, known for her relaxed silhouettes.
She is the quintessential ambassador of rock chic bohemian style. Kate cultivates a chic aesthetic reflected in maxi-length silk dresses, jean shorts, low-heeled boots, and billowing maxi skirts with slits.
She often combines these garments with leather jackets, blazers, and denim jackets.
ZOE KRAVITZ
Meanwhile, Zoe Kravitz is proof that young stars love this way of dressing, too. The actress, model, and singer is an international It girl who is known for her cool style.
The multi-hyphenate cultivates bohemian style through fabulous outfits and works with top fashion brands.
Zoe usually wears long silk dresses, jeans, ruffled skirts, slouchy sweaters, romantic blouses, and low-heeled boots for a carefree look.
SIENNA MILLER
Sienna Miller is an American-British actress, model, and fashion designer. The blonde beauty is a fashion icon well-known for her boho look.
When people wonder, “What is bohemian style?” they often look to Sienna for the answer. Sienna wears a sophisticated twist on the aesthetic with psychedelic print shirts, embroidered maxi dresses, fringed garments, comfortable jeans, and low heels.
VANESSA HUDGENS
Vanessa Hudgens is an actress known for her strong sense of personal style. The actress represents bohemian style well, wearing the aesthetic at music festivals, and has been referred to as the Queen of Coachella.
Vanessa usually wears long dresses, tops woven in silk thread, maxi-length skirts, and strappy flat sandals. As for accessories, she chooses silver jewelry, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and large leather bags.
NICOLE RICHIE
Nicole Richie is an influencer, and fashion designer who perfectly represents today’s sense of bohemian style.
Unsurprisingly, she opened her own fashion brand, House of Harlow 1960, initially with jewelry but soon expanded into apparel. Now, the label offers boho-inspired jackets, dresses, and jewelry.
Fans of the aesthetic can’t go wrong with these trendy designs. Frequently, the fashion brand has collaborations with online retailer REVOLVE.
STEVIE NICKS
Stevie Nicks, celebrated for her solo work and her role in Fleetwood Mac, is widely recognized as a 1970s style icon.
She frequently dons hippie-inspired attire, including embroidered capes, flowing dresses, and maxi skirts. In terms of accessories, Stevie favors hats, scarves, oversized bags, and statement jewelry.
FLORENCE WELCH
Florence Welch, the British vocalist leading the indie rock band Florence and the Machine, is renowned for her distinctive fashion sense.
Her unique approach to style blends bohemian elements with a touch of gothic influenced by her love for the horror genre, which has made her a standout figure in fashion.
This unique fusion of styles has even led to her featuring in several Gucci campaigns, showcasing a gothic boho aesthetic that complements her perfectly.
CHER
Cher, an American singer, actress, and pop culture icon, has been turning heads for decades with her extravagant fashion choices. A pioneer in bringing boho fashion into mainstream fashion during the 1960s, she is celebrated for her fearless trendsetting.
Cher embraces this aesthetic with long, psychedelic-print dresses, maxi skirts featuring daring slits, crochet pieces, and tunics adorned with bold patterns.
Her accessory choices often include striking headpieces and bold gold jewelry. Admirably, she opts for a more fluid and expressive approach to dressing.
The History of Bohemian Fashion
Boho chic, known for its free-spirited and unconventional approach, emerged as a counterculture in the early 19th century, deeply influenced by the Romantic movement’s ideals of individualism and artistic expression.
Historically embraced by artists and subcultures for its casual and relaxed vibe, the style saw a significant global surge in the 1960s due to hippie culture. Music festivals like Woodstock helped to cement the aesthetic. Today, the aesthetic continues to be associated with festivals like Coachella.
This period introduced a shift towards comfortable clothing, floral prints, and maxi dresses, captivating audiences worldwide with its bohemian chic allure.
Cultivating a Free Spirit
As we journey through the rich tapestry of boho style, it’s clear that it can be an aesthetic and lifestyle. With its free-spirited roots and romantic vibes, it beckons you to embrace your individuality and express your personality through your wardrobe.
It’s about finding that perfect balance between comfort, style, and self-expression. So, dive into the world of bohemian fashion, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
Mix and match prints, layer to your heart’s content, and accessorize with a touch of vintage charm. Whether channeling icons or adding a modern twist with sustainable jewelry, this style is all about making it your own.
