Bohemian fashion
With summer on the horizon, perhaps you’re looking to update your wardrobe. Adding some boho-inspired pieces is a fresh choice. Short for “bohemian,” boho-style fashion rarely goes out of style—picture loose skirts, vintage leather bags and embroidered mules, among other clothing options. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best boho items to add some flavor to your summer staples.
What is boho style?
Bohemian-inspired fashion began to make an appearance in 19th century Europe. The style was in direct opposition to the bourgeois fashion and values, popularized by artists who lived in poverty. Much of the fashion was inspired by Romani people living in France at the time. Boho style became popular again during the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s, complementing the values of free love, interest in Eastern beliefs and expanding one’s consciousness.
What classifies boho fashion?
21st-century boho makes less of a lifestyle statement than it once did, but the clothes are as trendy as ever. Because of its geographic origins, boho draws inspiration from what Europeans considered “exotic.” This means clothes are often inspired by the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. Boho clothes come in a wide variety of variations, but here are some characteristic features:
Emphasis on natural tones and materials
You’ll often come across boho clothes in earth tones, fabrics with nature-inspired prints, and fabrics from natural materials such as leather or macrame.
Embellishments
Fringe, applique design, tassels, poms and delicate embroidery are a few examples.
Bold, nature-inspired patterns
Paisley, chevron, ikat and floral are only a few prominent boho prints.
Free-flowing fit
Like the bohemian attitude, bohemian clothes are often loose and comfortable. Even shoes are typically low-heeled. This is undoubtedly one of the more comfortable fashion styles, which is excellent news for a summer wardrobe.
Boho hats
Nothing quite says “artist” like a hat cat. Adding one or two to your summer wardrobe is an easy way to shield your skin from the sun while adding a bohemian touch.
Lanzom Women’s Lady Retro Wide Brim Hat: available at Amazon
With its breathable fabric and many colors, you can get one of the Lanzom hats in every color. Perfect for the beach, backyard, concerts, and any place your summer adventures will take you.
Marcus Adler Women’s Suede Band Panama Hat: available at Macy’s
A perfectly understated woven hat with an intricate band detail. A chic and sharp choice, especially for a monochrome or earth tone look.
San Diego Hat Company Women’s Ultrabraid X Large Brim Hat: available at Amazon
Got a flair for the dramatics? With its extravagantly wide brim, this sunhat is a show-stealer.
Boho blouses
Peasant blouses and tunics reign supreme. Look for flowy fabrics with embroidered details.
Levi’s Calliope Cotton Peasant Top: available at Macy’s
A simple top with a flattering peplum waist and breathable cotton fabric. It would go nicely with high-waisted bottoms.
Ferbia Women Crochet Top: available at Amazon
Ferbia’s versatile top works well as a beach cover-up or worn on its own. The bell sleeves and loose fit nail the boho aesthetic. Comes in a variety of earthy colors.
Free People Baby Blues Tunic Top: available at Macy’s
A pretty and flowy top with lace detail, pair this with an equally flowy skirt or fitted denim. Look out for the Cream shade for summer and Lovebird shade for fall?
Boho skirts
Skirts that blow with the wind, skirts with tiers, skirts that look a little distressed…no matter your pick, all of them fit into the boho aesthetic.
Free People All About The Tiers Printed Midi Skirt: available at Macy’s
You’ll make a statement with this one. Both the rust and ivory shades have intricate patterns, which work nicely with a plain blouse and tee.
CHARTOU Women’s A-Line Flowy Midi Skirt: available at Amazon
Light and simple with charming buttons down the front. Go for an understated feel with this denim skirt. Suitable for fall and winter too, just add tights.
Free People Parker Wrap Denim Mini Skirt: available at Macy’s
If you’d rather show some leg, consider this tastefully ripped skirt. With some brown boots and a wide brim hat, you can’t lose.
Boho dresses
As with skirts, boho dresses are flowy and nature-inspired, often with vibrant prints.
PRETTYGARDEN Women’s Wrap Maxi Dress: available at Amazon
Wrap dresses are universally flattering. Choose one of the colorful prints that PRETTYGARDEN offers, and you have a bold, comfortable summer outfit.
Tommy Hilfiger Floral-Print Tiered Midi Dress: available at Macy’s
A dress that’s made to be seen. This is an excellent dress for a night out on the town and has a floral print and midi-length ruffles.
Minibee Women’s Embroidered Hi-Low Tunic: available at Amazon
When in doubt, go for a relaxed sundress. This tunic-style number has flowers embroidered along the front. It comes in four colors.
Boho bags
For an actual boho-style bag, try something roomy with a bit of slouch to it. Materials like denim, leather and macrame are all popular as embellishments.
Area Stars Macrame Woven Bag in Cotton with Cotton Fringe Details: available at Macy’s
In case you want the boho vibe in a smaller size. The bag is entirely handwoven and includes a small pocket on the inside.
The SAK Silverlake Crossbody: available at Amazon
This bag is a bit more structured but still has all the right boho touches: floral detail embossed into the front, soft leather and earth tones. We recommend the “tobacco” or “stone” colors.
Calvin Klein Naomi Crossbody: available at Macy’s.
Think of a picnic basket with glam. Great for adding some polish to a relaxed outfit while still conveying a casual summer mood.
Ola Faleti is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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