Fashion evolves with eras, trends, moods, and occasions. The shoulder-padded power suits and neon colors of the ‘80s, along with the graffiti print textiles and baggy athletic wear of the ‘90s have floated in and out of style. In addition to these in-your-face moments, there are styles with a softer side as well. Vintage wear, for example, embraces opulent fabrics and unique pieces, but what is bohemian style clothing and how does it fit into the mix?
Boho style is inspired by the bohemian lifestyle and hippie culture of the late ‘60s and ‘70s when the message was about peace, love, and living free. Accompanying that time period were clothing trends that felt just as light and airy: flowy dresses, ethereal fabrics, pastel color combinations, and delicate jewelry for embellishment. The bohemian style is threaded into the fabric of today, often reserved for warmer months and tropical vacation destinations. After all, the light fabrics and colors that characterize this type of wear aren’t as well-suited for cold weather climates.
Each decade has left a legacy of fashion highlights to pull from, which makes the modern-day a free-for-all in terms of what’s “on trend” to wear. Anything goes. The kind of styles you wear don’t have to be the same every day; there’s room to play around with different options and see what you like best. Bohemian fashion is casual enough to wear for an all-day music festival in the desert or as upscale as you need for your next weekend resort getaway. All it takes is a few pieces, including a few select pieces of designer swimwear, to pull together the look and embrace the free-spiritedness of this fashion choice.
Let Fabrics Flow with Maxi Dresses
While minimalist fashion often entails black or white monochromatic looks and structured lines, everything is looser when it comes to boho chic style clothing. However, a loose and flowy aesthetic doesn’t equal sloppy or ill-fitting. It’s the kind of clothing that easily moves with you and allows your legs to catch the breeze. Maxi beach dresses and beach skirts are two key clothing items that make up boho fashion.
These garments are flattering on everyone and are comfortable to wear for all types of occasions. They are easy to roll up and pack which makes them a convenient way to add effortless style to your look when traveling. With a spectrum of subtle and bright colors and designs available, it’s never hard to find a piece that speaks to your unique style.
When it comes to resort wear dress codes, a maxi dress often fits the bill. An example that truly embodies the boho trend is the White Ana Long Dress. The beauty is in the details of this design. Eyelet cutout details and a tiered hemline creates a pretty and timeless design that can carry you through years of various fashion trends.
It’s lined to the first hem for tasteful coverage while leaving the bottom of the dress subtly sheer. Paired with neutral-toned beach sandals and an armful of bangles, this is a classic option to wear for a beachside picnic, boutique shopping, or day exploring a coastal city. It’s light, airy, and has enough structure to flow with the natural curves of any body.
While the White Ana Long Dress is perfect for daytime adventures, the Black Pery Long Dress is ideal for nighttime activities. It’s chic, sexy, and can stand on its own or be customized to fit any occasion. The front slit and billowy bottom of the dress invite movement, while the detailed V neckline and shoulder straps form a figure-flattering streamlined silhouette.
Wear with metallic sandals and a couple of simple bracelets for a modern spin on a boho outfit. Or, pair with a light wraparound and kitten heels for an elegant take. You can never go wrong with a black dress as the background for any layering options and accessories you want to add to capture different looks. A maxi skirt or long dress is a great piece to fit into any wardrobe and can be worn regularly without feeling outdated.
Pants Put a Chic Spin on Classic Bohemian Clothing
Bohemian clothes of the past were mostly made up of prairie skirts and ground-grazing dresses. Jumpsuit styles weren’t as popular back in the day, but this laid-back one-piece option gives the classic bohemian look a chic update. Pairing a wrap top with a flowy pair of pants is another trendy and relaxed alternative to the maxi skirt.
Matching colors on the top and bottom also delivers a sophisticated, streamlined appeal that feels breezy and casual, but appears chic and elegant. Although jumpsuits and pants are fantastic to wear on their own, switching up the look with shoes, beach accessories, hair, and makeup can all help to create various styling options.
One stunning example of this is the Jasper Slim Wrap Top and Jasper Julia Pant. This pairing is stunning with gold jewelry-- thin hoop earrings and a couple of slim arm cuff bracelets are all that’s needed to complete this perfect outfit. The side slits on the pants and elastic waistband at the back ooze comfort and add a sexy appeal. Fresh-faced makeup and a low, messy bun match the look perfectly, making it ideal for dinner and drinks near the water or even appropriate for a beach wedding. For a more dramatic take, a pair of black heels, a swipe of liquid eyeliner, and wavy beach locks add a classy flair to fit in with any special occasion. The pants can also be paired with a slim-fitting bodysuit or a bandeau bikini to wear during the day.
By incorporating versatile bohemian pieces into your wardrobe, you can achieve a chic style with ease. Play with the various options and make it your own by following the trend but not strictly adhering to any one look.
Accessories to Elevate Any Boho Fashion Style
Boho fashion has evolved from its origins to include more than the iconic flower accessories of the past. Dainty gold and silver jewelry, bejeweled sandals, and wide brim hats all make up the ideal boho chic style. The combination of a floppy beach hat and shades is the epitome of carefree, adding flair to your outfit while protecting your face from the bright sun. And a designer beach bag like the ViX Pyramid Bag or the ViX Amalfi Bag holds your resort essentials and looks high fashion at the same time. The structure and design are what elevates it from your everyday tote.
Making simple additions or swaps to your wardrobe allows you to transition easily from t-shirt-and-shorts casual to the sophisticated polish of boho-chic fashion. Both are comfortable, but the latter has a more specific styling point of view. Like with clothing, choose a few key accessories to rotate regularly. Let your wardrobe pull double duty to match the activity or occasion.
A belt, jacket, earrings, or bag can complete your outfit and make it appropriate for a destination wedding, a night out exploring on vacation, or even a trip to the hottest new restaurant in town. There are no limits when it comes to personal preference and how you decide to play up this look.
Even though there are signature pieces that make up the bohemian style, it’s all about how you choose to mix-and-match them and come up with a look that’s personalized to you. Take a cue from Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, and Sienna Miller, all leading ladies who have taken this iconic trend and made it their own by dressing it up for the red carpet or layering it with other clothing and accessories.
Having fun with accessories and being playful when creating outfits is a smart way to get more wear out of your wardrobe, especially when you start with staple pieces that you love.
Take Boho Chic from the Street to the Beach
The ethereal, romantic nature of boho style clothing matches perfectly against a beach backdrop of palm trees and turquoise waters. Even if you reserve these options for your next coastal vacation, it doesn’t mean you’ll be spending all of your time on the sand. Having the versatility of pieces that maxi dresses, long skirts, and loose-fitting pants offer allows you to wear them shopping, dining, and exploring without restriction.
Much of boho style clothing includes beach cover ups as well, which means you can head straight from the pool or beach to your on-land activity. This prevents the need for multiple clothing changes throughout the day and limits how much you need to pack when you’re on your exotic getaway. Start a bohemian section of your closet to rely on when the mood strikes, that way you never need to wonder what to pack for a beach vacation. Whether it’s a day spent by the pool or necessary for your next vacation, with a few quality pieces, you’ll be all set.
The best thing about what the bohemian life represents is individuality and freedom to wear whatever makes you feel the most confident. Take whatever parts of the boho-chic fashion style that work for you and leave the rest behind. Coordinate with other items in your wardrobe and develop a boho vibe with your own personal style. There are guidelines when it comes to boho clothing, but the rules are meant to be adjusted.
