Your Guide to Bohemian Style {aka Boho Chic}

July 9th, 2009 by crystal

UPDATE – 4 Key Pieces for Bohemian Style – Spring 2011

Also known as boho-chic, the bohemian style seems to cycle in and out of fashion pretty regularly. I remember it being trendy when I was in high school with broomstick skirts and peasant blouses. Then, in college, caftans and fringe were the thing. And, all of this was just in the last 10 years. That’s not to mention the 60′s and 70′s when this look was super popular. Except then, the look was referred to as ‘hippie style’. So, why do we call the style ‘bohemian’?
Bohemianism first emerged in the early 19th century when artists began to move into gypsy neighborhoods in Europe. The term ‘bohemian’ refers to untraditional, antiestablishment lifestyles. For clothing, dressing bohemian means expressing your creativity and individuality. The look can be quite messy with its many layers and accessories. Some fashionistas have claimed that to pull off this look, you have to perfect that messiness by maintaining an overall balance. In other words, don’t overdo it.

Bohemian Styles

How to Dress Boho ChicHow to Dress Boho ChicHow to Dress Boho Chic

Photos: 1, 2, 3

Peasant Girl

Peasant girl boho is the ultra feminine version of this style. Long, flowing skirts, angelic headbands, lace and embroidery characterize this style. Go for lighter colors and floral patterns.

Rugged Bohemian

The rugged boho style often includes distressed denim cutoffs, cowboy boots and a tunic of some sort.

Bohemian Luxe

The super chic version of the bohemian trend is the luxe look. Basically a glammed up version of the basic boho style, bohemian luxe includes maxi dresses, a mix of more modern heels and accessories and darker colors.

Bohemian Style on the Runway

As bohemian style cycles in and out of high fashion, we can always look to certain designers for the standard. Diane Von Furstenberg, Mara Hoffman, Anna Sui, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and Matthew Williamson have all been major players in keeping the trend stylish.

Bohemian Style 2011Bohemian Style 2011Boho Style 2011

Celebrities Wearing Bohemian Style

Celebrities love to dabble in bohemian style. We’ve seen plenty wear a peasant top with denim cutoffs and cowboy boots. One celebrity who’s embraced the look (some argue she and Kate Moss created boho-chic) is Sienna Miller.

Bohemian TrendBoho TrendBohemian Trend

Mary Kate has also frequented the style, sometimes to the extreme. A few years ago, her style was referred to as ‘ashcan’ and ‘homeless’ (think Direlict from Zoolander).
Mischa Barton, on the other hand, has epitomized the bohemian luxe look with her angelic headbands and goddess gowns.

Basic Pieces to achieve Bohemian Style

When looking for bohemian style pieces, go for flowing, light fabrics with ethnic or floral prints, embroidery and/or fringe. Layering and accessories are key to achieve that messy, yet put together look.

Dresses

Boho Dress

Maxi dresses, tunics and tiered dresses are all perfect examples of bohemian style dresses.
Shown:
Charlotte Russe Halter Dress $21.80, What Comes Around Goes Around Tunic Dress $173, Victoria’s Secret Embroidered Dress $85

Bottoms

Bohemian ShortsBohemian Skirt

For bottoms, look for distressed denim, bell-bottoms and peasant skirts.
Shown: Citizens of Humanity Bell Bottoms $198, Vigoss Destroyed Shorts $26.99, Smocked Lace Skirt $22.99

Tops

Tunics, caftans and peasant tops are the main boho tops. Most have long, full sleeves, but short sleeves work, too.
Shown: bb Dakota Tunic $41.00, Juicy Couture Caftan Tunic $129.90, Alloy Boho Tunic $14.99

Shoes

Bohemian Gladiator FlatsBohemian Cowboy Boots

Gladiator sandals, boots and fringed heels are the perfect shoes for a boho look.
Shown: Jessica Simpson Fringe Sandals $49, Studded Gladiator Flats $18.99, Distressed Cowboy Boots $34.99

Accessories

Bohemian ScarfBohemian BeltBohemian Bangle Set

Accessories are a must for the boho look. Oversize sunglasses, scarves, wide leather belts, bangle bracelets and oversize jewelry are the basics.
Shown: New York & Co Scarf $11.86, Woven Horseshoe Belt $9.99, Jessica Simpson Sunglasses $45, Ethnic Bangle Set $4

Are you a fan of Boho Chic or Bohemian Style? Do you go all out or just wear one or two pieces?



RELATED – Top 10 Pieces for the Seventies Trend


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26 Responses

  1. myvogue Says:

    I love the Rugged Bohemian – that’s my favorite outfit for the winter – denim – cowboy boots. And tunics are always part of my closet.


  2. Abby Says:

    I love it. Any way to make this style iwth skinny jeans?


  3. crystal Says:

    Oh! Good question, Abby! Yeah, I think you can totally make the style work with skinny jeans. Pair with a tunic top, a wide belt and gladiators. You might even give your skinnies one wide, rolled-up cuff. That’s a great boho-chic look!


  4. List of the day… « Girl Shakes World Says:

    [...] long hair, cute braids….*loving sigh*  However, you have to know how to pull it off.  This is good bohemian, this is [...]


  5. Top 10 Jeans for Fall 2009 | SSaSy Chic Says:

    [...] the waist and thighs, they flare out into extra-wide legs. Flare jeans are great to wear with a boho-chic top or tunic. They’re also a nice jean option for plaid [...]


  6. Breanna Says:

    CAn u put a tunic with short shorts and is so what kind of shoes could you were


  7. crystal Says:

    Breanna,
    You can most definitely put a tunic with short shorts. Just make sure your shorts are at least 1 inch longer than the length of your tunic. Otherwise, your tunic will look more like a dress. For shoes, go for boots or gladiators. :)


  8. BohemianFanaticcc Says:

    are there any shops that sell only exclusively boho? I live in China, so…


  9. crystal Says:

    I haven’t seen any shops like that. If I do, I’ll let you know!! :)


  10. Holly Says:

    I can’t find any stores that sell these kinds of clothing, so ive just been making and remaking my own clothes. unfortunately, they dont turn out nearly as pulled together yet messy as i hoped. Can you give meany tips on store that would have these kinds of layers? thank you brahh


  11. crystal Says:

    Definitely! Try Forever 21 or delia for inexpensive options. Urban Outfitters is a mid-range store that often carries boho styles. Sundance and Anthropologie have higher priced (and a bit more sophisticated) styles.


  12. Rovi Says:

    Check http://www.thelittlebazaar.com. Not all will be like what you want, but if you look carefully, you may find some that will work. Prices are surely low – much less than Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie, and a much wider choice.


  13. How to dress boho chic with the clothes i already have in the winter? | Scarf Center Says:

    [...] oh and another site i love and use depending on what type of boho girl you are is: http://www.ssasychic.com/fashion/your-guide-to-bohemian-style-aka-boho-chic/ [...]


  14. Anika Says:

    i really love the peasant girl boho chic look, but i have short-medium hair that rests on my shoulders (barely). i feel like i need long flowing waves to pull it off… help?


  15. Amanda Says:

    I absolutely LOVE boho-chic clothing


  16. emmy(: Says:

    i loove the first look where can i find an outfit like that? i have short hait its barely reaching my shoulders i dont think i can pull off the look. help please cause this is how i’m going to dress in high school. but i wanna have the right look.


  17. Livs Says:

    Would harem (hareem) pants work with a boho style??


  18. Store Appeal » Blog Archive » Free People Says:

    [...] People is the dream store for every boho-chic girl who loves unique clothing and accessories that show personality and distinct style. There are [...]


  19. Top 10 Spring 2009 Fashion Trends | SSaSy Chic Says:

    [...] Bohemian Style was a big hit with a few designers. And, many designers had this look going in at least one of their styles. Think peasant blouses, flowery prints, loose-fitting, etc. The best way to pull this off this Spring is to pair a bohemian styled piece with something a bit more conservative like a biege skirt or vest. Shown: Rebecca Taylor Here’s a rundown of the main boho-chic styles. [...]


  20. chondona Says:

    hi i wanted to know if you can wear long skirts and tunics to achieve the boho look and will the boho chic style ever go out of fashion. or is it a timeless look.


  21. crystal Says:

    @chondona – I wouldn’t say the boho trend is a timeless look. However, it’s definitely here for a bit. Your long skirts and tunics idea would work with this trend as well as the 1970′s style that’s so popular this season.


  22. Top 10 Pieces for the Seventies Trend - Spring 2011 | SSaSy Chic Says:

    [...] do you think? Will you be wearing any of these styles this season? RELATED – How To Dress Boho Chic  Subscribe to ssasychic ch_client = "ssasy"; ch_width = 550; ch_height = 90; ch_type = [...]


  23. 4 Key Pieces for Boho Chic Style | SSaSy Chic Says:

    [...] of this Spring’s most popular styles have a boho-chic quality to them. Maxi skirts, drapey tanks, strappy sandals…while they could also be [...]


  24. LoveFashion Says:

    Love this article! It is true that designers are always coming back to this, it’s such a beautiful way of dressing! I also found this cool fashion post showing how to get the Pucci Spring 2011 bohemian “luxe” look for less. It was based on the runway pics, but it helped me out! :)
    Heres the link;
    http://www.discipleofchic.com/2011/03/runway-look-for-less-bohemian-beauty.html
    Great job, SassyChic! Very thorough and helpful! :)


  25. Maxx Says:

    Hi, I Was Wondering If These Outfits Would Work For This Look:

    1: Yellow Oversized flowy Tee, Dark Wash Denim Shorts, A Braided Skinny Belt, a Medallion Necklace, Bangles, And Birkentsocks

    2: White Tank Top, Braided Skinny belt, Bleached Distressed Denim Shorts, A Fringed Open Poncho, Medallion Necklace, Bangles, And Birkenstocks

    3: A Black Tank Top, Denim Shorts, A Chain Beads and Feather necklace, A Wooden Bead bracelet, A Straw Fedora, And Calf High Brown Leather boots.


  26. Jo Says:

    Loved this article! I’m a bohemian at heart so this was helpful ;)


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