Bohemian Fashion Style

Explore the essence of Bohemian fashion style! Discover key characteristics, must-have boho pieces, mixing tips, and inclusive modern takes on bohemian clothing.

The Essence of Bohemian Style

A relaxed, free-spirited, and unconventional approach to design and fashion constructs the essence of bohemian style. The idea is to create a unique harmony by using different colors, patterns, and textures, that is inviting and visually captivating. Another characteristic of this style is to draw inspiration from various cultures around the globe, utilizing several components of them to form an eclectic and sophisticated aesthetic.

Defining Bohemian Style Clothing

So what is bohemian fashion style? Although it became immensely popular after 2000, thanks to the famous runway models and actresses like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss, and Olsen Twins, the bohemian clothing style has been around for more than 200 years, gradually appearing in the artsy streets of Paris after the French Revolution.

Origins and Evolution: Escaping the invasion of Afghans, the Romani people migrated to Europe around the 14th century. Their clothing style inspired the artists and intellectuals of Paris, who were enduring hardship after the revolution, and the term bohemian was coined at that time, mistakenly believing that the Romani people came from the Czech region of Bohemia. It was popularized by the Beatniks of the 50s and the hippies of the 60s and 70s in the US. The hippie chic trend in the 90s and boho chic fashion style of 2000s solidified this style as a unique trend.
Key Characteristics: It uses a mix of vibrant colors and earthy tones, along with neutrals. Layering, mixing and matching different textures and materials gives it energy and sophistication. Natural and sustainable fabrics are used to create comfortable and free-flowing silhouettes.

Bohemian Style Clothing Essentials

The essentials of boho fashion style and must-have pieces are as follows:

Dresses and skirts: Free flowing maxi dresses, midi dresses, kimonos and kaftans, tiered dresses, cute baby doll dresses, sundresses, crochet dresses, maxi and calf length skirts in solid neutral or vibrant colors, or featuring patchwork, paisley, floral, and retro or vintage inspired prints and patterns. Layered forms, a-line and asymmetrical cuts, wrap around styles are prominent.
Tops and blouses: Relaxed, comfortable tops and blouses in neutral and vibrant colors featuring ethnic, geometrical, floral, retro patterns, paisley, embroidery, tassels, and fringes, crop tops in solid colors, sequined tops, crochet tops.The sleeves are varied, but mostly puffed or elbow length. They can be layered with solid tank tops and bikini tops.
Pants and trousers: The bottoms are mostly relaxed. Bell-bottoms, flared pants, boy-friend jeans or distressed denim pants and shorts, wide legged linen pants in solid neutral colors or eye-catching, eclectic, and funky prints. Wide legged jumpsuits in solid earthy shades or featuring graphic prints.
Outerwear: Long relaxed cardigans in neutral or bold colors, slouchy knit cardigans, oversized coats for fall or winter, leather jackets and vests featuring fringes and studs, denim jackets, hooded sweats, wool ponchos with ethnic or graphic patterns, cute beanies and oversized shawls with fringes, oversized raincoats, vintage or retro coats.

Fabrics And Textiles

The Bohemian fashion style takes pride in using natural fabrics and textiles, such as cotton, viscose, linen, silk, bamboo, hemp, jute, and wool. As the silhouettes are mostly free flowing and relaxed, the utilization of breathable, sweat absorbing fabrics are important for comfort and ease of movement. Bohemian individuals are strongly connected to nature, therefore they prefer eco-friendly, sustainable materials that are good for the planet. Artisanal textiles from different cultures are also cherished.

Patterns And Prints in Boho Fashion

As boho style fashion is all about creating a unique, free-spirited look, a large variety of patterns and prints are utilized. Floral prints in vibrant or subdued colors are very common. Ethnic and folkloric patterns are very popular as well, because embracing world culture is a prominent feature of fashion boho style. Paisley, vintage patterns, embroidery in all forms, abstract geometrical prints are also prominent.

Mixing And Matching

What is boho fashion style? Along with the utilization of varied textiles and textures, mixing and matching is maybe the most prominent feature of boho fashion, which allows you to create your custom look that is perfect for your personality and body type.

Balance is the key word when mixing patterns. Too many mismatching patterns can be overwhelming and messy looking, and too little is just boring and lifeless. One way of doing this is using the same or similar colors. Thus, you can pair a floral blouse with a striped skirt. Using no more than two or three patterns is the key.
Using neutral colors such as black,navy, white, beige, and gray as a base is also a very good idea. Wide legged pants in solid colors can be matched with a floral, ethnic, or retro patterned top for instance, allowing the patterns to stand out.
Matching different textures can add sophistication and dimension to any outfit. You can wear a solid color chunky sweater over an asymmetrical skirt with interesting floral patterns. A flowy silk or viscose blouse can be matched with thick woolen trousers.
Accessories are great to achieve an eclectic look. You will be injecting life to a neutral outfit by using a patterned scarf, a belt, or purse in bold colors. Chunky ethnic jewelry in vibrant colors are also great.
Animal prints are very trendy these days. A fitted or relaxed top with animal prints can be paired with floral skirts or pants for a quirky and artsy look. You can finish the look by layering up long necklaces and a fedora hat.
A good quality kimono or kaftan with floral or ethnic prints is definitely a boho staple. It is so versatile, as it can be paired with solid color pants, shorts, leggings, depending on the weather and your age. Finish it with comfy sandals or boots for the day, and add some statement jewelry, a pair of high heels, and bright lipstick for the night out.

Embracing Bohemian Style Clothing in Everyday Wear

Creating boho inspired casual outfits is so much fun, as this style is very versatile and encourages individual expression. Distressed or plain denim pants in fitted or relaxed forms are perfect bases for putting together casual boho outfits. Matching them with patterned boho tops, embroidered blouses, oversized knit cardigans, a statement purse or crocheted shoulder bag will instantly create the free-spirited boho look. Boho staple long dresses can also be worn casually with a pair of comfy sandals or boots.You can pair oversized hoodies and tees with graphic prints with wide legged pants and chunky ethnic jewelry for a casual boho-chic look.

Professional Boho

As we mentioned earlier, mixing stripes and floral patterns is a cool way to achieve the boho look. With a fitted striped skirt or trousers worn under a flowy floral blouse in pastel tones or paisley prints is perfectly office safe and exudes elegance and sophistication. In boho style flared pants paired with a basic top and fitted blazer you will look very office-ready. Boho blouses with wider hems and sleeves can add a playful bohemian vibe to any slim cut office trousers. Even accessorizing with drop earrings, a few chunky bracelets and rings will break the boredom at work.

Boho For Special Occasions

Essential for any capsule boho wardrobe, tunics are very versatile items. For special occasions opt for a sequined one, which you can pair with elegant tailored trousers or skirts in neutral colors, classy high heels with a matching purse. Silk or chiffon maxi tunics and kaftans can be paired with flared pants or a-line maxi skirts for a more edgy boho look. You can cinch your tunic at the waist with a statement belt of bold color as well. Long flowy dresses with wider sleeves and hems featuring deep necklines can be paired with heels or dressy flats, and structured handbags for romantic date nights.

Bohemian Style Clothing For Different Body Types

Can bohemian style clothing work for different body types? Most definitely! As free-spirited and versatile as it is, the boho fashion style offers the perfect piece of clothing for any body type. Check out our tips for the most common body types.

The Hourglass: Your shoulders are as wide as your hips, and you have a thin waistline. Choose clothes that define your waist and are comfortable on the curves, like a midi boho dress.
The Rectangle: This type is usually tall and slim, and the shoulders, waist, and hips are aligned. You need to draw focus to your waist with a belt or robe. Flared maxi and midi dresses, a-line maxi skirts should balance out the upper half of your body.
The Pear: The hips are wider than the shoulders, and your waist is defined. A-line, flared and layered dresses and skirts with fitted waists will flatter your body, and draw the attention away from the hips.
The Apple: The shoulders and bust are wider than the hips, with no definition on the waist.you need to draw the attention away from the waistline, and show off your legs. Flared and loose mini or midi dresses, tunics can be worn over slim cut trousers and leggings.
The Pyramid: The body structure has the shape of a V. The shoulders are broader than the hips with no or little defined waistline. Choose clothes that add volume to your lower body, and draw the attention away from the upper half.
The Athletic: Slightly broad shoulders, muscular and lean body, and less curves. You can highlight your upper half with off shoulder, strapless, or halter top dresses. Aim to create a balance between the body halves, so if the bottom is fitted, the top should be loose and vice versa.

Inclusivity in Boho Fashion

Thanks to the free-flowing, versatile, and eclectic nature of the boho style, no individual is left out of the fashion world. Regardless of your body shape, cultural background, gender, or race, you can find the perfect bohemian outfit that is aligned with your personality. In fact, bohemian fashion celebrates diversity by welcoming unique expression in all forms, drawing inspiration from various cultures, valuing artisanal craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical production. Whether you are a seasoned bohemian, an artist, a traveler, an office worker, or a busy mom, there is a unique spot for you in the colorful world of bohemian fashion.

Modern Bohemian Fashion Style

Evolving in the course of 200 years, modern boho fashion offers a great alternative to mainstream fashion trends. It’s not just about wearing trendy clothes, but a philosophy of life, encouraging individuals to express their true selves, live in harmony with nature, value the rich traditions of different cultures, reduce waste and pollution, and support sustainable, eco-friendly practices. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the timeless values of bohemian fashion will have the power to guide us to a more liberated and ethically conscious future, where every individual takes pride in contributing to a positive change in society.