The Ultimate Boho Cheat Sheet To Nail The Bohemian Look In A Flash
The boho style draws inspiration from the bohemian lifestyle of the late ’60s and ’70s It has seen a revival with celebrities like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss embracing this natural look while adding their personal touch of glitz and glam. Boho clothing is undoubtedly fun to wear. However, you need to strike a delicate balance to ensure you don’t look like a hippie stuck in the ’70s.
Are you wondering how to do it? Well, keep reading to discover 10 must-have essentials for a boho-chic wardrobe to create a boho look that looks not only effortless but also elegant. Before we jump into that, let us take a look at some interesting information about the history of bohemian clothing.
What is the boho style?
Although the true origins of the bohemian fashion is still an open question, many believe it originated as a counterculture in the 19th century France. During the French revolution, when several creatives and artists were driven into a life of poverty, they were forced to wear old and worn-out clothing. This later metamorphosed into a form of expression that is today popularly called boho style.
Some others believe that the nomadic Romani people who came from a place called Bohemia in the Czech Republic are the original bohemians. They rejected the mainstream lifestyle and lived a life beyond the societal norms.
Despite the debate on the origins of the bohemian culture, one thing that remains the same is its meaning. The boho style refers to an artistic expression that is unconventional and free-spirited.
What is boho chic?
The boho style was born out of necessity. However, it transformed into an ideology, which in turn led to the creation of a new line of clothing. The Boho chic is a genre of fashion that is greatly influenced by the various hippie and bohemian cultures.
It makes use of natural fabrics ranging from delicate linen, chiffon, and cotton to more durable fabrics like suede, leather, fur, and sheepskin. It often combines various textures, patterns, and colors to create a look that truly reflects an individual’s true personality.
Signature elements of boho fashion
The boho chic is a favorite style vibe of many young collegegoers. But it is not the easiest to pull off as one can easily get carried away. To avoid your boho outfit look like a Halloween costume, don’t overdress from head to toe in stereotypes. If you feel like you could use a bit of help in the style department, here we are presenting a simple cheat sheet that will serve as your guide for nailing the boho look.
For getting the look right, it is necessary to stock a few bohemian fashion pieces in your wardrobe.
1. The quintessential maxi skirts
When you are trying to build a boho-chic wardrobe, a maxi skirt is a must buy. This simple piece of clothing can be used with various tops for creating different bohemian looks. Maxi skirts are not only comfortable but are also available in several colors and prints. Paisley, flowers, and Aztec are some of the prints that work beautifully.
Choose a skirt that is not too poofy. If wearing a solid colored maxi skirt, pair it with a graphic t-shirt and a vest. Tie your hair in a top knot and complete the look with gladiator sandals.
2. Oversized tunic style blouses
One of the first things that pop to mind when one says boho fashion is loose tunic style blouses. A white lace top, mixed print tunic, ethnic print peasant top, and embroidered tops are the various options that you can explore.
Also, look for tops that have a trumpet, bishop, or bell style sleeves with decorative trims like pompoms, tassels, etc. Off-shoulder cuts and V necklines particularly complement the boho look.
Tunic tops look awesome when paired with flared jeans, earthy jewelry, and platform sandals. On the other hand, they go well with leggings too. Accessorize the look with a scarf and knee-high boots.
3. Swing and maxi dresses
Bohemian clothing usually features airy and flowy materials. This does not mean shapeless and baggy clothes. Your swing and maxi dresses must be comfortable yet flattering. Opt for a relaxed fit, A-line cut dress with 3/4th or half sleeves. Again, you can play with the colors and prints. Choosing one with nature-inspired or geometric prints can fetch you additional brownie points!
If you plan to wear the dress for a date night, add a touch of oomph with chunky jewelry and a pair of wedge sandals. To turn the look more casual, wear a denim vest with ankle boots.
4. Boots and booties
A pair of stylish knee-high boots and ankle booties are necessities that must be part of your collection if you are trying to rock any boho outfit. The two points that you must keep in mind while buying the footwear are comfort and versatility.
Prefer chunky heels instead of stilettos and go for natural, warm hues like such as brown, tan, beige, and grey instead of black. Mix and match the boots and booties with skirts and dresses to create various boho fashion-inspired looks. Footwear with embroideries, ethnic prints, and wood accents enhance this look.
5. Jackets, sweaters, and cardigans
When you wish to add layers to your boho outfit, wear jackets, sweaters, and cardigans to do so. Outerwear fabrics that go well with the boho style are denim, lace, crochet, and wool. The elements to look out for while making your buying decision are slightly oversize silhouettes, decorative fringe and trims, distressed elements, and cozy garments.
Try wearing a lacy cardigan on top of a short floral dress. Use a belt to tie everything around your waist and enhance the look with opaque tights and knee-high boots. You can also simply pull down an oversized crocheted sweater over a tank top and wear it along with a bell-bottom pant and a chunky pair of heels.
6. Boho style patterned scarves
Scarves are a vital item on the 10 must-have essentials list. They help exude laid back and earthy vibes. If wearing a solid color blouse or sweater, wear a scarf with fun prints to complete the outfit.
There are several ways in which one can play with scarves. You can tie, fold, or pin the scarves to other items of clothing and end up with different looks. You can use the scarf as a belt by wrapping it around your waist or transform a boring bag by attaching a colorful scarf to it. The possibilities are endless. Get creative and start exploring!
7. Retro look round sunglasses
Sunglasses not only shield our eyes but to also make a loud style statement. Besides the dresses and the footwear, round sunglasses are an important bohemian fashion accessory. To perfect the boho look, prefer glasses with large round metal or colored frames and tinted lenses.
Wear it along with a winged-out sleeves top, bell-bottom pants, fedora or straw hat, and watch the heads turn!
Avoid splurging on just one pair of sunglasses. Instead, go for inexpensive ones. That way, you can afford the luxury of buying more than one in different styles and colors.
8. The Bohemian headwear
Sometimes all it takes to complete a boho look is a hat. So, you must get your hands on a floppy straw hat! They are not only stylish but also give out strong boho vibes that add a touch of gypsy flair to your outfit.
Pair it with a sundress, big sunglasses, and sandals and flaunt the look at any picnic, outdoor concert, or fairs. If not, try pairing it with a V-neck top, boyfriend jeans, and ballet flats with appliques.
If hats are not your style, opt for floral headbands, bandanas in boho prints, or turbans.
9. Batik totes and fringe bags
Your wardrobe must contain a couple of boho style bags as it is required to tie your outfit together. Crossbody bags, messenger bags, floppy purse are some of the many choices that are available in the market. You can take a pick from several shapes and sizes too.
Look for bags handmade using natural fabrics, suede, genuine or faux leather, and that have patchwork, applique work, beads, crochet, fringes, etc. Your bag must be a fashionable asset that is unique, and most importantly, work well with a majority of your boho clothing.
10. Boho fashion jewelry
Stand tall from the rest of the crowd by sporting a few boho-inspired fashion jewelries. Head to your local flea market or make your own! The key thing to remember is to find items that are made using natural elements like turquoise, wood, feathers, coral, or suede.
Dangly earrings such as oversized hoops and long hanging feathers suit all boho outfits. Statement necklaces are ideal for jazzing up a dull dress. Keep the boho style in mind, and select neckpieces made using epoxy and pounded metal. Intricately beaded necklaces are also a great choice.
Wait, don’t forget the bangles and the rings! Keep an eye out for cool cuffs and wooden or metal bangles. For the rings, choose one with a pearl or other gem of the sea.
Conclusion
The boho style has come of age and is here to stay. It is comfortable, youthful, and a great way to express one’s whimsical spirit. Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need to get started. Feel free to experiment with bohemian fashion and experience the joy of liberation!