What is Boho Style Clothing? Everything You Need to Know About Bohemian Style

Boho style is associated with creativity, free-spiritedness, artists and those who love to be unique. But what is the boho look, and how can you master it? 

In this guide, we’ll delve into all things boho, from the history of the style to the ways you can wear it through the seasons, and even how to translate boho fashion into your home’s interior style.

We can thank the Romani culture of Bohemia for the gorgeous boho fashion we know and love today, as it’s inspired by the free and flowing clothes worn by the people of that community. Focussed on bold patterns, floaty fabrics, and influences from nature,  their clothing holds themes of being a free spirit and not conforming to the rules of a conventional lifestyle. 

The free-spiritedness and nomadic themes of boho fashion likely helped it become so popular with the hippies of the sixties and seventies. The flowing skirts, blended textures, natural fabrics and earthy tones of boho style were seen at some of the most famous and influential events of these decades, including the iconic Woodstock Festival.

Boho fashion has remained a beloved style ever since, a go-to for adventurous souls of all ages and backgrounds who love to express their individuality. But what sort of clothes will you need for your boho capsule wardrobe?

Dresses are a central part of women’s boho style. The number one rule? The flowier, the better!

Find a maxi dress you can twirl around in - bonus points if it boasts a gorgeous pattern with exotic or natural influences. A wrap dress is also a fabulous boho dress option, as it harks back to the stylish seventies when contemporary boho fashion was at its height.

Of course, dresses aren’t for every person or occasion, so we’d encourage you to try out boho style tops. A floaty blouse with lovely, loose sleeves is ideal for that free boho feel. A bardot blouse, in particular, is perfect as the bare shoulders add a fun and flirty touch.

Thanks to their looseness and folky influences, tunic tops are immensely popular in boho fashion. Choose one with bold bell sleeves or intriguing embroidery for the full boho look, and see our guide to tunics for more tips on wearing this lovely wardrobe staple.

Choose boho bottoms by looking at the influences of the style. The Romani women loved long maxi skirts, often called ‘peasant skirts’, which were loose and flowed to the floor. Skirts are far from your only option, though. 

If trousers are your thing, look to the boho styles of the seventies, where flared jeans reign supreme. At Joe Browns, you can find an array of embroidered, wide leg and customised jeans to really steal the spotlight with your boho vibes. If you want something a little more interesting than jeans, though, harem pants and beach trousers are a fabulous boho bottom option as they’re fantastically floaty and inspired by Middle Eastern influences.

Boho chic is iconic for its accessories that make a statement - think dangly earrings, big hats, tassel-fringed scarves and oversized sunglasses. Forget the “less-is-more” attitude of other styles - with boho, it’s all about eclectic maximalism. 

Stack your bracelets, layer your beaded necklaces and finish it all off with a gorgeous handbag made of natural material in a neutral colour to ensure it matches with all of your boho outfits.

Boho has many rustic and folk-based influences, so boots fit the boho look perfectly. Try a cowboy boot for a rustic farmyard aesthetic, elevated with elegant embroidery. Long boots with a slouched style make for a stunning pairing with your maxi skirts and floaty boho dresses - be sure to pick one with tassels or some aspect of customisation to really amp up the boho vibes.

Sandals are also fabulously folksy shoes and pair perfectly with a maxi skirt in the warm weather.

Now you’ve got the basics of boho style, but how can you create a transitional boho wardrobe to take you through the year?

Boho style takes so much influence from the natural world as part of its earthy essence, and in spring, nature is brimming with flowers. So, match the natural beauty outside by choosing a maxi dress or tunic with a vibrant, floral pattern.

Spring can get chilly in the evenings - so why not wear a denim jacket to cosy up? Layering this natural texture on top of a blouse and maxi skirt combo is so boho. 

If you want to keep the flowy feel going when you layer up, though, opt for a kimono. A classic part of traditional Japanese clothing, a kimono is the perfect way to incorporate boho fashion’s love of drawing on different cultures for inspiration.

Breezy boho is perfect for keeping cool in summer, especially when you opt for lighter fabrics. 

Try a sleeveless maxi dress to bear your arms for a tan or a bardot top to let those shoulders catch some rays. A short but still flowy boho dress lets your legs see the sun, too - try a long tunic with bare legs to achieve this look!

A loose crochet top is another fabulous boho option for a beach or festival style, especially when paired with shorts.

Last but not least - you can’t have summer without sunglasses. When it comes to boho, go as oversized as possible with your shades for an eccentric statement. Top off with a huge, floppy sunhat made from a natural, woven material.

The earthy tones we associate with boho are perfect for autumn. Match the leaves with deep browns and amber hues. Add a long and flowing cardigan over the top to beat the autumn chill. 

There’s no need to put your shorter boho dresses away for autumn. Boho mini and midi dresses are perfect transitional pieces when paired with knee-high boots that will keep your legs warm. 

Pairing with jeans or leggings is a beautiful option, too.

Winter is all about layering - and so is boho! In winter, layer many thinner fabrics on top of one another for an eye-catching silhouette.

Knitwear is a winter go-to and it’s beloved in boho fashion. Natural wool and crochet are ideal for the rustic, bohemian aesthetic. 

See our guide to layering knitwear for further tips on the knitted style.

Lastly- keep that neck toasty with a fringed or tasselled scarf for added texture!

Want to discover more about taking your boho style from season to season? See our seasonal boho style guide to be beautifully bohemian, whatever the weather.

Boho isn’t just a fashion - it’s a lifestyle of being adventurous, creative and free. If you’re looking to embrace boho style beyond just what you wear, why not inject boho into your living space with bohemian homeware?

Just like with boho clothing, boho homes blend patterns and colours. This can be easily accomplished with an eclectic mix of patterned cushions and throws - and perhaps a vibrantly printed rug too. 

We have lots of nature-inspired patterned homeware, including animal-print and floral pieces for you to bring boho’s natural influences into your decor. 

Along with layering patterns, try layering textures too. Try a crochet throw against your sofa for that folksy look. 

Bring the classic boho element of drawing inspiration from different cultures into your home through ornaments with Asian, African or Aboriginal influences. Bonus points: If these ornaments are souvenirs from your travels. Adventure and wanderlust are key to boho culture.

Make sure to include those all-important natural and rustic touches. Leather, woven baskets and macrame are all gorgeously earthy. Plants are another way to go natural with your home interior, and faux plants are always an option. 

Lastly, finish it with some statement wall art to celebrate boho’s artistic roots.

Explore Joe Browns remarkable selection of boho clothing today, or see our inspiration page for more head-turning style tips for your home and wardrobe. 

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