Bohemian style, also often called boho chic or boho fashion is a style of dressing that was made popular by the flower children or “hippies” in the 1960s and 1970s. Flowy, unstructured silhouettes, head-bands, eye-catching prints, vibrant colours, over-sized sunglasses, junk jewellery, open-toed sandals, and natural fabrics were some of the elements that characterised this style. Later, this style was adopted by many celebrities, the most well-known being Sienna Miller and Kate Moss who made this style their own. In fact, both these stunning women have been called boho-chic icons for the wonderful way in which they carried off the boho vibe. Also associated with music festivals like Woodstock and Coachella, the style statement was flaunted by celebs like Vanessa Hudgens and Emily Ratajkowski among others. You can rock the style statement too by incorporating some of the key boho elements in your look.
So, we’ll take you on a quaint and fanciful ride to discuss Bohemian style dressing. Stay with us and let’s trip on this together.
20 Best Bohemian Style Outfit Ideas
Let’s discuss styling ideas and understand how to infuse the Bohemian elements into your wardrobe. However, remember that this list is not conclusive. Every little detail adds to the overall output, so take a cue and build on it.
1. Kaftan
Wearing a caftan makes you feel beautiful and bohemian, a little bit rock and roll – and comfortable – all at the same time. Wear your brightly-coloured kaftan with the beautiful safari/West Africa patterns with a matching head wrap and scarf (or even a straw hat!). A silk or cotton kaftan top looks wonderful over shorts. You can make your waist look tiny by cinching your kaftan in with a wide leather belt.
2. Long Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses alone give you a million options to keep up with the Bohemian vibe. Prints like paisley, floral, flowing, geometric, and eclectic ones define your look further. Pair them with a statement neckpiece and/or bandana, gladiator or pom-pom sandals, and a huge finger ring to match the occasion. You could also throw on a printed denim vest or a fur jacket.
3. Short Dresses
A short kaftan or flowing dress in handloom, cotton or linen fabric makes for a perfect boho-chic outfit. Add long, oxidized silver jewelry, feather earrings, pom-pom accessories, and nude boots.
4. Long Skirts
Long printed skirts in paisley or floral prints with a plain tank top, floral head wrap or floppy hat, and maybe a pair of boots if you wish (or wedges) are all fun choices that truly speak boho. Take it a step ahead with a plaid or flannel shirt tied around your waist.
5. Maxi Skirts
If you have just joined the Bohemian bandwagon and want to take it slow, start with maxi skirts – or the latest knotted maxi skirt style. They are uber chic, rather boho-chic, and make the perfect option for hippie style clothing.
6. Harem Pants Or Hippie Pants
The first thing that comes to my head when we think of anything boho or hippie is harem or dhoti pants paired with a tank top, scarf, a head accessory, loose wavy curls, and a frayed leather bag. You just don’t have to try hard with this attire.
7. Boho-Chic Tops
Paisley printed tanks tops, shirts, pom-pom tunics, ruffled off-shoulders with maxi skirts or dhoti pants fit the hippie fashion bill perfectly.
8. Bohemian Style Evening Dresses
Bohemian style evening dresses are very unlike the usual fast trends, so when you think of an evening dress, it will not be your typical LBD or sequinned dress. Anything flowy, cascading, long or printed gives you that boho look. Needless to say, add statement jewelry.
9. Flared Or Patchwork Patterned Jeans
Jeans with a flare, frays or with patchwork are considered boho. Go with a plain shirt, tank or tunic and add layers like scarves or vests.
10. Jumpsuits
You can spot a Bohemian woman when you see one. Printed jumpsuits in rustic colors and their undertones are a comfortable way of adding the boho vibe to your everyday attire. Braid your hair or accessorize it with a bandana, and apply bronzer and eye makeup to take it to the next level.
11. Bohemian Printed Kurtis
There’s so much you can do with kurtis. Your best bet is handloom kurtis in old style prints like ikat, pochampally, baltic, etc., that give you the perfect Bohemian look.
12. Denim Or Fur Jackets
Add a layer of denim or fur vests/jackets to your Bohemian outfits to go all out. Especially denim jackets with patchwork, suzani embroidery, etc., are just too perfect.
13. Nude Colored Boots
When it comes to boots, nude or camel colored shoes with patchwork or frayed edges of any length add a boho charm to your outfit.
14. Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals, especially the ones with pom-poms, are modern, yet mystic – just how boho-chic should be. The knee length ones go with dresses, skirts, and shorts, while the ankle length ones go with kurtis, ankle length jeans, and long skirts.
15. Tribal And Chunky Jewelry
Just add a chunky statement necklace, a big finger ring, a silver nose pin or a septum ring, and see the difference it makes to your outfit. You do not have to wear everything at once, but one piece at a time can transform you into a remarkably Bohemian lass.
16. Hats
Floppy hats are a thing and are an integral part of the hippie fashion statements. A pair of shorts with a tunic, nude boots or gladiators, frayed leather handbag and a floppy hat – a summer outfit that screams boho.
17. Bandanas Or Floral Hair Accessories
Here’s another hippie style that has found its way into fashion. It not only saves you from a bad hair day but can also make you look boho effortlessly.
18. Hippie Handbags
Afghani Kutch work bags or huge wallets and leather bags with distressed edges in crimson, nude or brown add up to your look. Imagine this – a long printed skirt, gladiators, bandana, brown lipstick, feather earrings, and a sling bag. It cannot get any more boho and chic!
19. Scarves
As we discussed, the best way to add boho elements to your outfit is by adding layers and wearing outfits that are flowing and flouncy. Add a geometric printed scarf to beef up your outfit instantly.
20. Oversized Sunglasses
We’re sure you’ve already noticed that oversized and round sunglasses are so in right now. And, you’ve guessed it right – they bring in the boho vibe too. So, add that to your list.
Tips
The best kind of Bohemian style bargains is to be found in flea markets. The proponents of Bohemian style believe strongly in sustainability through reuse and recycling. Hence, if you want to be a true Bohemian at heart and not just to make a fashion statement, look for second-hand clothing at flea markets in your area. Not only will you find amazing vintage finds perfect for layering, but you will also be contributing to the environment as well.
Tip: Always go to a flea market with plenty of time in hand. You will need to sort through racks and racks of clothes before you find the vintage pieces you are looking for. Always look for good quality, classic pieces from like jackets, coats, denim and leather that age well.
Bohemian Style Faqs
Q. What are the key elements of the style?
A. Flowy, unstructured silhouettes, head-bands, eye-catching prints, vibrant colours, over-sized sunglasses, junk jewellery, open-toed sandals, and natural fabrics are some of the elements that characterised this style.
Q. What kind of accessories should I use for a Bohemian style look?
A. To achieve a Bohemian look, accessorise with belts, scarves, hats and headbands!
Pick up belts in leather, crochet or macramé, beads and metals; footwear like suede ankle boots, gladiator or open-toed sandals, and clogs; bags or purses with tassels; hats like cowboy hats, or floppy ones, straw hats or even chic fedoras.
Q. What kind of jewellery should you wear with these clothes?
A. Buy junk or tribal handmade jewellery made by local craftsmen and artisans. Opt for bamboo, metal, terracotta, shell and coin jewellery. Accessories made with feathers, beads, threads, and tassels also look beautiful.
Being a hippie is directly proportional to boho, but boho is not necessarily hippie. This style blurred all geographical boundaries and welded cultures as far as fashion is concerned. We can go on about this all night! We’ll simply let you go and explore the boho world. Remember to drop a message in the comment section about your favorite boho style piece.
