Ways to Welcome Boho Style Into Your Wardrobe

What Is 'Boho Style'?

Boho chic style is about being free-spirited and unrestricted, embracing creativity and your unique personality.

It originated among the artists and creatives of Paris, who took inspiration from the Romani community who came from the bohemian region of Europe. This inspired the iconic fashion of the hippie movement in the sixties and seventies. Given that this period of style was so influential, boho has continued to be a beloved style of alternative fashion ever since. 

Common hallmarks of boho fashion include loose, flowing fabrics, earthy tones, bold and vibrant patterns, layering, and stand-out silhouettes. 

Want to learn more about this fascinating style? See our What Is Boho Style Clothing? article.

How To Dress Boho

Now we’ve established what boho style is, it’s time to jump into some bohemian outfit ideas so you can introduce this sensational style to your wardrobe!

What is a Boho Dress?

From funky prints to floaty maxi dresses and earthy tones, a boho dress is arguably one of the easiest ways to add bohemian vibes to your wardrobe. Opting for a dress with bell sleeves will truly encapsulate your boho dreams.

You can effortlessly style your dress all year long by wearing strappy sandals throughout the summer, then dress boho in winter with boots.

A chunky knitted cardigan is perfect for layering and can also look fabulous thrown across your shoulders when the chilly summer evenings set in.

Explore Boho Blouses

A patterned or floral blouse is a perfect way to capture ‘70s boho. Try an earthy-hued cami top layered with a brightly coloured patterned blouse to combine natural influences with vibrance.

Boho fashion also takes inspiration from medieval and folk outfits, which is why tunic blouses or tops are so popular. Longer than your typical shirt, a tunic flows past the hips for a looser and more laid-back look. For more on this boho essential, see our guide to tunics or peek at our five ideas for styling tunic tops.

Free & Floaty Fabrics

Loose and floaty fabrics are the epitome of the boho vibe, so the easiest way to achieve the look is through flowy tops and dresses. An asymmetric cut to your floaty tops and dresses can give your whole ensemble a more artsy look and feel.

If you opt for loose-on-loose, always add a bit of structure to your outfit. Do this with accessories like your shoes and handbag: a structured bag made from natural materials or chunky cowboy boots are both great additions to a floaty boho outfit.

Play With Boho Style Patterns

Have you considered moving away from block colours and introducing a bit of pizzazz to your wardrobe? Floral prints, tie-dye patterns and nature-inspired prints are all very typical of boho style and are the perfect way to add a little bohemian chic to your everyday wear!

Are jeans a staple item in your wardrobe? Opt for a patterned top in a bold print, incorporating a chic fedora and some ankle boots to really finish off the whole look. Alternatively, you can effortlessly wear nature-inspired floral dresses season after season.

Accessories Are Key

Whether you’re just adding a bohemian touch or wanting to create a whole boho-inspired look, we know that accessories are always key! From oversized sunglasses to layering beads, accessories are a sure way to transform your outfit from drab to fab.

Handcrafted items and natural materials, such as leather and wooden beads, will create a classic boho look — the more individual and unique your accessories are, the better. Hoop earrings and a leather bag will effortlessly bring your outfit to life!

In the cooler months, consider layering over a paisley wrap or poncho to keep out the cold and pairing with a fedora to add a little boho chic to any outfit.

Check out our inspiration page to learn how to master boho chic at any age. 

Play With Boho Style Patterns

Maxi skirts, maxi dresses, or palazzo pants—anything long and flowy is a step in the direction of classic boho chic! Wear a maxi skirt traditionally with a vest top and a customised denim jacket for an easy summer ensemble, or switch it up with a loose semi-sheer cover-up.

We especially recommend wearing maxi styles to gigs and parties with dancing, so the flowy skirts swirl around you beautifully as you move. This makes a particularly entrancing sight if your maxi skirt or dress has an eye-catching and detailed pattern. 

Embrace Embroidery

Embroidery detail is a great way to add a touch of bohemian charm to any outfit. Whether it’s layering on an embellished jacket or subtle stitching to a simple style, it can really help to elevate any boho chic look.

We always recommend choosing something timeless that you can wear again and again, as the great thing with a bohemian look is that it will never go out of style.

Vintage T-Shirts For Casual Boho Style

Looking to add boho touches to your outfit without the floaty materials and embellishments? A great way to nod to the boho era without going all out is by using vintage graphic tees. This trend kicked off in the ‘60s and ‘70s and you can easily express your artsy self through these t-shirts!

Wear your vintage graphic t-shirt with flared jeans and ankle boots for a complete boho makeover, or integrate it into your everyday look by simply tucking it into your favourite pair of trousers or skinny jeans.

Embrace Earthy Hues

We know that natural materials make for a fabulous boho outfit, and earth tones are a key element, too. If you don’t love the loud, bright colours, take advantage of the golds, creams, browns and soft greens.

Natural-coloured leather accessories, such as shoes and handbags in brown or tan, match perfectly with this earthy feel. Keep it modern and stylish with a tasselled leather handbag, or choose a more natural style to truly complete your boho look.

Captivated By Crochet

Crochet is cute and charming and is a huge part of boho fashion. There are many ways crochet can be effortlessly added to any outfit to completely transform it into a whimsical and quirky style. Choose a cardigan, a top or even a statement poncho to add a bounce of boho flair.

Additionally, a dress with simple crochet can be layered on top of your favourite swimsuit. If you’re looking to add just a touch of boho chic, a crochet bag is a great way to add a little to your look.

Wear your comfy and cosy knitwear over any of your favourite boho pieces, from flared jeans and floaty tops to floor-length dresses and gladiator sandals. Wool-knitted items are ideal for that natural and earthy feel! 

Boho Work Clothes

Bring boho to the boardroom with our bohemian workwear. While free and floaty boho clothes probably aren’t appropriate for extremely formal workplaces, smart-casual and casual workplaces can easily be made more vibrant with some boho style.

Opt for a boho dress or top with a little more coverage. Choose sleeves over straps on your boho dress or tunic, or pick an embroidered boho blouse matched with a maxi skirt. Finish with bold, earthy-toned boots and some work-appropriate accessories like scarves or beaded jewellery.

Boho Festival Styles

One place where you’re sure to see some stunning boho looks is at a music festival. With loose cover-ups and feathered accessories, boho style will always be a festival favourite, especially at fashion-forward festivals, like Coachella. 

Our guide to Coachella style can help you nail boho outfits at your next event. 

You can even take your festival style inspiration from boho icons, such as Stevie Nicks, with our guide on How to Dress Like Your Favourite Music Icons.