What is Boho Style & How to Dress Bohemian

Boho style is more than just a fashion trend; it describes an unconventional lifestyle revolving around arts, music, and creativity. In recent years, it has gained global popularity, appealing to people of all ages who value individual expression and freedom in every aspect of life. It is not about following a particular trend but rather creating a unique aesthetic that suits your personality. Layering, mixing and matching different patterns and designs, and accessorizing are all characteristics of the boho dressing style. Incorporating vintage and retro items, especially when accessorizing, makes it a lot of fun, too. You really wear what defines you most, as long as you are relaxed and feel comfortable in it.

Understanding Boho Clothing Style: What is it?

Bohemian style in fashion draws inspiration from various cultures and traditions around the world. Free-flowing garments in earthy tones and natural pastels, floral and ethnic patterns, embroidery, and an eclectic mix of jewelry and accessories are used to create a unique, free-spirited look. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, viscose, linen, and wool, are valued not only because they are comfortable and healthy to wear but also because they are good for the planet. Maxi dresses, a-line skirts, wide-legged pants, oversized tees, shirts, and cardigans, embroidered peasant blouses, lace tops, patchwork and crochet, leather jackets and high boots with fringes and studs, scarves and shawls with every imaginable pattern and size, all are essential pieces for creating a unique boho look.

Why Choose Boho

Choosing boho as your clothing style and in your living space can have many advantages. You are the maker of your custom look as it fits your personality and lifestyle. As this style is all about comfort, opting for a bohemian style in your home should be a wise choice. You can create a cozy, inviting, energetic space and a constant source of inspiration by carefully using mismatched patterns, antique and vintage statement pieces, natural textiles, ethnic-inspired furniture, and select artwork from around the world. If you are the type of person who values comfort and unique expression at the same time, the bohemian style is just perfect for you.

The Origins and Roots of Boho Style

The term bohemian emerged in France after the French Revolution in the early 19th century. Originating from the state of Rajasthan in India, the nomadic gypsy people eventually reached Europe and settled in several countries. Their traditional clothing inspired many artists, writers, eccentric intellectuals, and nonconformists in France. Due to dire economic conditions, they were forced to live on a very limited income, which meant that they could not afford expensive clothing. Thus, gradually, they embraced a nomadic and minimalistic lifestyle and began wearing loose and colorful garments, ethnic-inspired clothing, and an eclectic mix of accessories. This newly adopted lifestyle gave them a lot of freedom to express their creativity through quirky outfits at that time.

Defining Boho in The Modern Era

Starting in Europe out of necessity, the bohemian style eventually became an ideology that was against materialism and strict social norms. The anti-war hippie culture in the 60s and 70s embraced it wholeheartedly, wearing free-flowing long dresses, colorful tops and shirts with bold patterns, headscarves, flared pants, oversized hats and sunglasses, and self-made jewelry. Evolving in the course of 200 years, the boho style in the present times draws inspiration from the romantic era in Europe, the hippie culture of the 70s, and various cultures around the globe, enriching it with a modern sensibility and urban sophistication to create a relaxed and free-spirited vibe.

Elements of Boho Fashion & Essential Boho Wardrobe Pieces

Boho fashion is associated with flowy loose silhouettes, eclectic layerings, earthy hues, bold patterns, flower designs, paisley, lace, leather, and ethnic and retro items. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, jute, and silk with their raw textures, or viscose with its flowy, breathable quality, are the core of this fashion and should be prioritized when creating a boho wardrobe. Essential boho wardrobe pieces are as follows:

• Maxi dresses
• Long and calf-length skirts featuring relaxed cuts
• Layered sundresses
• Kimonos, caftans, and tunics
• Scarves and shawls
• Crop tops
• Embroidered blouses
• Wide-legged pants and bell bottoms
• Distressed denim jeans and shorts
• Loose-fitting knit cardigans and sweaters
• Oversized tees and coats
• Ethnic bottoms like salwars or harem pants
• Crocheted or patchwork tops
• Fringed leather jackets and vests with studs and embellishments
• Wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses
• Colorful bold accessories

Boho For Everyone

You don't need to be a strictly bohemian person to incorporate elements of this style into your life and wardrobe. It's all about creating a relaxed and free-spirited vibe that will make you feel good and wholesome. Women and men of all ages can add a touch of boho to their clothing and environment. The flexibility of this aesthetic allows you to interpret it in many ways, depending on your taste. The soul of boho is about mixing patterns and items from different eras to create a unique, fun, and interesting look. There are no strict rules, and when trying out different color and pattern combinations, you might come up with something that is unconventional yet fun.

Boho Beyond Clothing: a Lifestyle

Environmental sensibilities made the bohemian lifestyle popular among many individuals who value eco-friendly, sustainable manufacturing practices that are good for the planet. A true bohemian cares less about financial gain and social etiquette, devoting their time to artistic or spiritual pursuits. Traveling and exploring different cultures and beliefs is very important. Living a simple life based on freedom and eliminating the stress that is associated with material attachments is also crucial. Bohemians are open-minded and non-judgemental, love to connect with nature, read books, stand up for their rights, as well as for others, and are always curious about new things.

Bohemian Looks For Every Season

Bohemian style is usually associated with flowy, loose-fitting summer clothes, but it can be perfect for any season. Check out some useful tips that will give you ideas for any season.

• Spring: After the long and gruesome winter, most of us are desperately in need of some strong, mood-enhancing colors, which makes midi or maxi-layered floral dresses perfect for welcoming spring. An off-white lace blouse with long puffy sleeves worn over a cotton tank top and a pair of stylish denim jeans will be a head-turner this season. You will also need lightweight cardigans for the chilly evenings, so get one with geometrical or ethnic patterns. A fitted or loose leather jacket with frills and embellishments will set you up for any day or night outings.
• Summer: Breathable, sweat-absorbing viscose and cotton are the perfect materials for summer, and there are so many beautiful sundresses, gypsy skirts, denim, and linen shorts to choose from. Pair them with comfy leather sandals or flip flops and a nice gauze scarf to protect your head and shoulders from the sun. Oversized sunglasses and crocheted summer hats are also indispensable for the boho-chic look in summer. And you will definitely need a sequined or frilled top as well to stand out at those beach parties. A maxi kimono is also perfect to pair with a crop top and shorts in the summer.
• Fall: A classic boho staple, maxi dresses made with substantial materials are perfect for layering during autumn. You don't need to bundle up as you do in winter; you can pair it with a chunky cardigan and lightweight ankle boots. Neutrals are easy to mix and match with floral and ethnic patterns; thus, they make great layering items. Make sure you have a fedora hat, warmer scarves, and shawls for those cool nights. Wide-legged linen or denim trousers are easily matched with knit slouchy cardigans of all lengths. Accessorize with dangling earrings, elegant necklaces, and a statement vintage purse.
• Winter: The key to maintaining a boho-chic look throughout the winter lies in the art of layering your clothes. Dressing in several thin layers will keep you warmer than just wearing a thick sweater and make you look more elegant. Cowl neck sweaters, oversized coats, ethnic-inspired woolen ponchos, stylish boho beanies, cowboy boots, suede ankle boots, or waterproof non-slip boots for the snowy and rainy days are essential boho pieces for the winter. If you don't like the boho staple maxi dresses, opt for a wool tunic dress paired with thick leggings instead.

Master Boho At Any Age

Boho style can be mastered and enjoyed at any age, as it is so fun and flexible. If you are in your twenties or thirties, you can wear cute denim shorts or mini skirts paired with floral tops or embroidered blouses. Sheer lace tops or mini dresses worn over bikinis can be paired with metallic gladiator sandals and glitter make-up for clubbing. Off-shoulder blouses can be paired with ethnic patterned or floral a-line skirts or structured trousers. Make sure you accessorize with a bold-colored crocheted shoulder bag or purse for the authentic boho look. The forties, fifties, and beyond may call for a more laid-back look. You may want to start with essentials like wide-legged pants and loose blouses, maxi cardigans in neutral shades, and gradually add more color with a bold scarf or hat and lots of ethnic jewelry. Tunics and kimonos with floral or geometric patterns are true boho staples and are easily combined with fitted jeans or leggings. Depending on the accessories you add, they can be a boho fashion statement any time of the day.