Long dresses, flowing blouses, soft fabrics with floral or ethnic prints, bohemian style has never been so popular 😎. Romantic, feminine and casual, it is increasingly appealing to today's women, who claim a certain philosophy and an alternative lifestyle.
A real phenomenon, the bohemian style fits perfectly with current trends with its fluid and casual cuts. This timeless style is regularly updated and has been inspiring the collections of the greatest fashion designers for several decades.
Do you also dream of highlighting your unique personality, natural beauty and sensuality by adopting a bohemian look? We'll give you the best advice for a 100% boho look. Origins, fashion faux pas, bohemian style will have no more secrets for you 😁
BOHO STYLE ORIGINS
Revealed by the hippie movement of the sixties and seventies, the bohemian style is an alternative fashion, symbol of a counter-culture that advocates freedom and non-conformism. Basically, this style emanates from a way of life that is both marginal and artistic, described in 19th century French literature.
It has its origins in the clothing style of the Gypsies from Bohemia and the gypsies who wore loose, colourful clothes 💃 before being associated with the artists and intellectuals of the Romantic Movement. The Bohemian style gradually evolved and became a real philosophy of life. Victor Hugo, Balzac, Henri Murger, Puccini, Aznavour, Queen, the bohemian inspired many writers and artists of all times.
Bohemians took part in the contemporary movement that opposed the too rigid corset that hindered the body, creating new followers of the bohemian culture. Later, Paul Poiret, a famous 20th century couturier, reinvented fashion by incorporating ethnic touches into his designs.
In the 1960s, the bohemian style took a new turn with the hippie movement ☮ which broke the codes of society. Fluid dresses, floral or Indian motifs, fringes and the popular harem pants are in the spotlight. Bohemian culture marked the seventies considerably.
With a return in the 90s, the bohemian style mixes with the hippie style to become the bohemian chic or bobo style (bourgeois-bohemian) popularized by Vanessa Paradis. Women of the 2000s are increasingly taking charge of their bodies with skirts and long dresses that sublimate their femininity. The materials are fluid and colourful with many patterns. Floating trousers or palazzo trousers are also trendy. The outfits are embellished with many retro jewels, and bohemian hairstyles adorned with flowers 🌸 or braids.
-
HOW TO DRESS-UP BOHO?
Beyond your state of mind, it's your style of dress that will make you part of the bohemian movement.
To achieve a 100% bohemian look, here are the essentials:
-
Bohemian Fabrics
Natural materials such as cotton-linen or muslin decorated with embroidery and lace bring softness and romance 🥀 to the outfit. You can very well combine a lace top (white or ecru) with worn jeans shorts. It's all about mixing the casual with the sophisticated.
Ethnic or floral prints will go perfectly with the bohemian style. However, avoid colours that are too flashy.
Another key element of boho chic style is the crochet, to be used only for the upper body. Ideal for a top with 3/4 sleeves. Don't hesitate to choose a more or less tight knit depending on the season. In summer, you can then put your swimming suit 👙 underneath.
We love the fringes that will adorn your shoes, bag or jacket. Choose a garment with fringes, no more so that it doesn't look disguised.
Bohemian Colours
White will be your best ally for a bohemian look. If this colour doesn't go with your complexion, choose beige shades. Pastel shades are also very popular for their obvious softness. So don't hesitate to enhance your style with a yellow or red piece.
Essential Boho Clothes
- Here's a list of must-haves to have in your wardrobe:
Dresses and Skirts
-
This is the basis of the Bohemian style. Long, flowing cuts are preferred 👗. For more sensuality, bohemian dresses can be asymmetrical or split to reveal your pretty gams. Worn with a crop-top or a flowing blouse, the bohemian long skirt is perfect to enhance the look.
Flared Pants
-
If you are not a fan of dresses, flared pants, which are a symbol of the 60s, can also be very nice with a t-shirt and a coat. For a touch of modernity, opt for high-waisted, flared trousers or bootcut jeans 👖.
Shorts
Choose shorts that are worn, white or faded. With a kimono, it will be perfect to accompany you on the beach this summer.
Loose Tops
Tunics, and blouses are your best bet, trimmed with lace or embroidery. Choose them in white tones, or with prints. A plain t-shirt can be very useful to break up the extravagance of prints and bring a little sobriety to your outfit. To add a touch of rock, opt for an oversized vintage t-shirt.
Kimonos
The Kimono is an essential piece will enhance your bohemian outfit. You can choose it plain, with ethnic or floral motifs, with or without fringes or even in lace (white or cream).
-
Knits & Jumpers
Ideal to break the overly sophisticated or sexy side of your outfit. Soft and plain colour, it will look great with a short skirt or a dress with prints. Prefer a long, asymmetrical or loose fit.
Denim & Leather Jackets
The denim jacket is timeless and will go well with many outfits. Choose it without any frills and with a wide or fitted cut, depending on your preferences. Leather perfecto is also an excellent choice to add a rocking touch.
Bohemian Accessories
The scarf is an indispensable accessory of the bohemian style. In your hair, around your neck or around your wrist, the scarf can be worn wherever you want.
For shoes, opt for flat or wedge sandals adorned with jewelry or flowers, suede boots with fringes, westerns boots like Santiag or a pair of trainers with palazzo trousers.
Ethnic jewelry in silver, aged metal, Native American style with turquoise stones will perfectly complement your outfit. Braided bracelets, feather necklaces, engraved rings, earrings, already worn will make you happy.
Other accessories can be added, such as round or vintage style sunglasses, a fringed or crochet handbag to complete your outfit perfectly.
Also think about matching your hairstyle: loose wavy hair, braids, headbands or even a wide-brimmed hat. Finally, opt for a very natural make-up to sublimate your 100% bohemian look.
-
Bohemian Style Variants
Remember, bohemian style has no rules and that's good for you because you can wear it as you wish. Sometimes rock, sometimes hippie, vintage, or folk? You are free to decide.
The bohemian chic look is more sophisticated. Avoid floral or hippie patterns 💐 and opt for more sober prints. You can also choose silk, lace or crochet, which are key elements of the bohemian chic style. With a pretty white bohemian dress, you'll be at the top of the boho chic style!
To stick with the bohemian rock look 🎸a leather perfecto is your best bet, a hat or biker boots as a complement to a long dress. The graphic t-shirt is also a must for a rock'n roll style that rocks.
Do you have the soul of a hippie? Adopt a trendy clothing style in harmony with your values by becoming a real hippie chic! Take out the flare trousers and the little flowery blouse to tie on your belly.
Very trendy in weddings, the country style fits perfectly in everyday life, especially if you are a romantic close to nature. Soft and luminous colours, natural materials, prints with small flowers... This bucolic style is both natural and refined!
-
Fashion faux pas to avoid
For a successful bohemian look, a few missteps are to be avoided. Don't panic, we'll show you what not to do:
❌ Wear tight outfits
Not at all. The basis of the Bohemian style is precisely the flowing, supple materials that follow the body without constraining it. So no, please avoid the tight little top.
❌ Choose colors that are too flashy
It doesn't fit in with the bohemian state of mind that loves the natural. It is better to choose softer or slightly faded shades.
❌ Overdoing it
Also be careful not to overdo it so as not to give the impression of being in disguise. We mix styles and stay soft. No lace, crochet and excessive fringe.
As you can see, bohemian style is not just a fashion but a culture in its own right. It is first of all, your state of mind, your artistic sense, your sensitivity and your way of life that will make you a true bohemian. Finally, don't forget that your style of dress reflects your personality and your convictions.
