How to Dress Boho: Recreating Iconic Bohemian Style

The boho dress is a piece of clothing we often see in summer thanks to its loose, flowy and breathable style. But it’s still a winner in winter with a leather jacket and some boots. A distressed leather jacket is so sixties chic, too, a natural progression from the shiny black leathers worn in the fifties. 

Boho dresses are typically associated with freer fabrics, giving them a floaty silhouette rather than the figure-hugging nature of a tailored frock or bodycon dress. They also tend to have eye-catching and detailed prints, like Aztec patterns or paisleys. But, for full sixties style, we suggest a floral print boho dress. After all, what could be more sixties than flower power?

Footwear in the 60s took a trip down memory lane, with childhood shoes returning. Dainty Mary Janes and flat trainers were the go-to footwear, paired with dresses, jumpsuits and anything your heart desired. Gorgeous microsuede kitten heels, a much lower version of the high-heeled pump also featured within this fashion era, perfect for any formal outing when you want to add a touch of timeless class.

Boho fashion in the '60s took inspiration from around the world, with a sense of wanderlust in every outfit. It was through accessories, in particular, that sixties’ boho appreciation for transcontinental styles really shone. 

From the regal elegance of kimonos to the chic style of head wraps, layered beads, and chunky bracelets, it all came from the sixties intertwining of cultures as different communities began to mix unlike ever before and travel abroad became slightly more accessible. 

The women's jumper dress was a playful part of the 1960s and gave a youthful appearance to any woman who strutted her stuff in them. Jumper dresses were often embellished with large bows, polka dots, pastel colours, and a wave of psychedelic prints for the early hippie movement. Today, jumper dresses are a little more understated and chic but still pay homage to the classic silhouette from the 60s.

Read how to create a boho capsule wardrobe here.

After being left behind in medieval times, tunic tops re-emerged in the 1960s with a new boho twist. Now in bright colours with tassels and embroidery, they offered a more boho take on the sixties’ favourite mini dress, and sixties ladies often rocked them with bare legs and boots or sandals.

Welcome a tunic to your wardrobe with our tunic styling tips or some advice from our tunic guide.

Denim had a real boom in the ‘70s, with boho icons layering denim on denim. Blue flared jeans matched with a denim shirt or jacket brought rustic boho textures to 1970s style. So, just go bold and double up on the denim.

To break up the blue, distressed denim and patches were popular, or colourful embroidery. 

Embroidered fashion grew in popularity rapidly in the 70s as a symbol of peace, love, and liberation. Embroidered flowers, peace signs, and slogans crept onto jeans, jackets, t-shirts, and tunics. It is a simple way to bring something unique and personal to your everyday outfits.

Hints of embroidery and textured patterns are easy elements to incorporate into a look, and they are just one of many ways to be boho at any age. 

A fashion statement that has stayed throughout the years but became a massive hit in the 1970s was bell sleeves. With a tight fit at the shoulders and then flared from the elbow and wrist, this flirty fashion trend is again making waves within fashion today. From stunning bell-sleeve tunics to summer shirts that will leave you feeling floaty, free and fabulous, bell sleeves are cute paired with high-waisted flared jeans and strappy sandal platforms.

Fringing and tassels were all over ‘70s boho clothes, on belts, bags, blouses and more. Rock a statement fringe vest with a classic denim mini skirt and knee-high boots. Or why not try incorporating fringe into your looks via accessories like handbags and earrings?

When it comes to white blouses, there are plenty of ways to style them, and they were a true classic in your wardrobe in the 70s. Elegant and sophisticated when paired with a trendy printed maxi skirt, add a statement belt fastened right at your natural waist to spice things up.

Free bohemian clothing might seem like the antithesis of a 9-5, but we’re here to tell you that you can, in fact, wear boho clothes to work!

A boho dress with smart Mary Janes is perfect to float around the workplace and add a bit of pattern. Or, if you’re feeling more 1970s, pair a bell-sleeved blouse with more tailored trousers and a low-heeled shoe for a perfectly professional look with a hint of whimsy.

One of the easiest ways to boho-up a workplace outfit is by adding boho accessories to your workwear. Think a chunky bangle, layered beads or statement dangly earrings modelled after beautiful natural elements like feathers and leaves. 

See our ways to welcome boho style into your wardrobe for more inspiration.

From organic cotton to responsibly sourced viscose and recycled yarns - at Joe Browns, we have introduced more sustainable content into our boho clothing ranges than ever. So you can show off your style and your commitment to the planet.