How to Look Boho Chic 35 Ways

Bohemian chic, also known as boho chic, is my favorite style. It reflects my true self. You may or may not have known bohemian style when it first began. Age doesn’t matter. It has become a classic style and is a recurring trend on the designer runways. Simply wear what you normally would and add a couple of boho elements to create an updated version of this now-classic look. Below, I now have over 35 outfit ideas for how to look boho chic.

Beyond articles of clothing that showcase the body, Andie Sobrato, an SF Bay Area personal stylist, says she expects to see bohemian fashion executed in a more structured way and luxe by relying on fabrics like velvets, crochet, embroidery, and sheer knit to convey this artistic feeling, as opposed to predictable florals. “I see modern, sleek silhouettes but created in unique and organic fabrics,” Sobrato says. “It will be in the subtle details of clothing where boho will make its way into fashion in the future.” — “Nail the Boho Look…” by Julia Guerra at InStyle, May 31, 2023

This style emphasizes concern for the environment so natural fabrics and used clothing are commonly worn. There’s a focus on vintage, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces like hand embroidered, hand-knitted, crochet and macrame. It’s a great goal for the good of the planet to upcycle, repurpose and possibly make your own clothes. DIY is a key component of boho clothing. Remember the jean skirts that we made out of an old pair of jeans and some extra denim? Tie dye was an easy way of dying a pattern onto plain t-shirts, too.

Elements of Boho Style

Anything long and flowy is central to classic boho chic. It’s a romantic look. The Bohemian chick goes with the flow, expressing her free spirit with a natural and artistic blend of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. This doesn’t mean you have to live this kind of life or create this whole picture. But you might like to add one or more elements of this easy style to give a little more variety to your outfits.

Rather than sticking with all boho elements, mix with other styles and types of clothing. My top recommendation is to show your true self with some boho thrown in.

Balance something that might seem hippieish with something current, such as pearls or something shimmery. Or combine something boho with something made of black faux leather like a jacket, vest, pants or skirt. A jean jacket or olive utility jacket adds structure to a batik dress.

Embroidery is one element of boho style that is popular year after year.  You will find embroidery on tops, jeans, dresses and more.  It is the extra finishing touch to make a simple top and jeans look stylish instead of just plain, even if you’re just hanging around the house.

The modern-day bohemian also wears the following kinds of clothes:

Fabrics/Textiles

• crochet and lace (see “How to Add a Touch of Romance With Lace & Crochet”),
• embroidered mesh,
• loose and floaty fabrics,
• lightweight, loose-fitting garments,

• natural fabrics like linen, velvet, chiffon, silk, fur, suede, leather, denim, cotton, etc.
• velvet (see my Velvet Series HERE,)
• faux leather and suede,
• faux fur

Details

• fringe (see “How to Wear Fringe Pieces” HERE,)
• ruffles,
• statement sleeves such as billowy, flared, puffed, bell, flutter, etc.
• ethnic clothing and accessories,
• natural bead embellishments

Patterns & Prints

• floral prints,
• scarf prints,
• geometric prints,
• global prints,
• eclectic patterns,
• paisleys

Colors

• the colors of nature
• earth tones such as any shade of brown, gold, cream, grey or soft greens

You can find more about earth tones and the colors of nature in my Color Series HERE.

Tops & Toppers

• peasant tops,
• tunic tops,
• lacy and loose-knit cardigans and sweaters,
• kimonos (see “Here Are Over 45 Sure-Fire Ways to Rock a Kimono” HERE,)
• dusters (see “How a Duster Can Suddenly Make You Look Dressed” HERE,)
• slouchy, oversized cardigans

Other Clothing Items

• maxi dresses,
• tiered dresses,
• maxi skirts,
• flared pants or jeans

Accessories

You can get the boho look with just jewelry or a bag. But it’s hard to overdo it. Bohemian styles look great with fun, detailed accessories piled on. Try the following:

• head-wraps and embellished hair bands (these last two are great for dressing up a bad-hair-day ponytail),
• a wide-brimmed hat or fedora,
• big sunglasses,
• a bohemian purse (such as a cross-body bag, a hobo bag, a fringed bag, or messenger bag especially in canvas or suede),
• a bag with funky touches like beading and fringe,

• long ethnic necklaces with stones, shells or mirrors,
• loads of chunky and ethnic jewelry with natural stones and materials (like wood, coral, turquoise, feathers, suede),
• oversized, patterned scarves (Shop my Scarves Style Guide HERE,)
• rope jewelry and belts,
• handmade artisan crafts

Footwear

footwear is comfortable, so even if you wear heels they’re the steady kind (i.e., chunky or platform.) Besides neutral tones, get them in amazing colors or silver and gold. Look for bedazzlements like patterns, stones and sequins that mimic the clothes’ adornments.

• Western boots,
• neutral-color ankle boots,
• clogs,
• gladiator sandals,
• wedges,
• Birkenstock sandals,
• Bell bottoms also look fab with heeled clogs, platform sandals, gladiators or pumps.

Bohemian Outfit Ideas

1. Think hippie:  a peasant top or tie-dyed shirt + a long skirt, sarong, shorts or tie-dyed jeans.  Add beads, a peace sign pin or necklace, or flower.  You may also add a fringed vest, leather sandals, chain belt, brown leather watch, multiple bangles on one wrist, multiple rings, and/or a scarf belt.  Wear natural makeup.
2. A quick and comfortable outdoor ensemble:  a maxi skirt + a v-neck tee + a floppy sun hat.
3. For fairs, outdoor concerts, picnics, and more:  A sundress + a straw hat.  Add sandals + big sunglasses. (For more ideas, see “How to Wow at Outdoor Summer Events” HERE.)
4. Date night:  A printed maxi dress + chunky jewelry + wedge sandals.
5. Evening:  A romantic top + silk, printed long gown. Add leather boots + large statement earrings.

Boho Chic Outfits Based on a Dress or Skirt

• A dress or skirt + ankle boots.  Go for more fitted shoes when wearing maxi skirts, but the shorter the skirt, the clunkier you can make your shoes!

Dresses:

1. A little black dress + any of the following:  sunglasses, funky boots, a fringed shoulder bag, Birkenstock sandals, patterned tights, giant earrings, a long patterned scarf from India.
2. Top a ruffled dress with a fringed kimono. Add necklaces, a ring, a bracelet and maybe a statement headband.
3. A maxi dress with statement or puff sleeves + mid-calf heeled boots. Add a few necklaces & bracelets.
4. Top a dress with a distressed sweater.  Add ankle boots.
5. Toss a duster over a midi tank dress.

   

6. A floral wrap dress + winter boots or summer sandals.
7. A full and flowing printed maxi dress + platform sandals.  Add chunky wood bangles.
8. A lacy-knit cardigan + a short floral dress.  Add a belt over the cardi + an oversize scarf + knee-high boots + opaque tights + legwarmers or knee-high socks.

   

9. Unbutton a maxi shirt dress to wear as a duster over a camisole & jeans. Then add statement earrings and gold platform sandals.
10. Top a black maxi dress with a black printed or embroidered duster. Add black boots + tights + a cozy scarf + turquoise rings. You might also like to wear a beanie.

Skirts:

1. Coordinate a white flare skirt with a white, long-sleeve off-the-shoulder top. Add a chunky pair of gold earrings + a pair of chunky shoes.
2. A tank top + maxi skirt + jean jacket or a loose, semi-sheer coverup.
3. Top a maxi skirt with a button-down flannel or chambray top. Add canvas sneakers.
4. A loose-knit sweater + a maxi skirt.  Add a pashmina + ankle boots + a head-wrap.
5. A hi-lo skirt + any top + fringed suede ankle boots.  Add a statement necklace.
6. A chambray shirt + a multi-colored pencil skirt.  Add gladiator sandals.
7. Add a duster over a camisole or tank top and a long skirt or sarong. Add wedge sandals.

Boho Chic Outfits With Jeans

1. A fitted v-neck + boyfriend jeans.  Add a huge scarf + ballet flats.
2. Wear a patterned top with jeans. Add a fedora & ankle boots.
3. A geometric jacket or cardi + jeans.  Add ankle boots + a hat.
4. A tunic top + flared jeans.  Add platform sandals + earthy jewelry.
5. A long peasant blouse + flared jeans.

   

6. Black lace cami + blue jeans + sheer black kimono. Add black heeled platform sandals.
7. A crocheted sweater + flared jeans + a big, colorful scarf. Add a huge pair of sunglasses + high-heeled clogs, platform sandals, gladiator sandals, or pumps.
8. Ankle boots + skinny jeans + a loose-knit sweater.  You may want to add a hippie headpiece, such as a head-wrap or an embellished headband.
9. A very short tunic-length dress + skinny jeans.  Add platform sandals + a cross-body bag.
10. A patterned top + jeans. Add a fedora + ankle boots.
11. A vintage graphic t-shirt or band tee + flared jeans + ankle boots. Or, wear your tee with trousers or skinny jeans.

Boho Chic Outfits Using Other Types of Pants

1. A tank top + an oversize crocheted sweater + bell bottoms or flares.  Add a high-heeled pair of clogs. Add a cross-body bag + wide headband around your head.
2. A top with statement sleeves + high-waisted flares. Add heeled booties + chunky gold hoop earrings.
3. Top a chambray button-down with a cardigan or sweater + corduroys or skinny cargo pants.  Add ankle boots.
4. A tunic + leggings.  Add a scarf + knee high boots.
5. A white t-shirt + any skinnies + a pair of casual canvas sneakers will look instantly cool with an oversize scarf.  Add earthy statement jewelry and a hobo bag.
6. A romantic top + wide-leg printed pants, such as palazzos.
7. Wear a black printed kimono with black printed harem pants & a shell top in a color to match any in the outfit. Black is just a suggestion; use whatever colors you have in this outfit combination. (For more ideas on how to wear harem pants, see “How to Enjoy the Ease of Harem Pants” HERE.)
8. A black tank top tucked into black jogger pants topped by an ikat kimono (or other printed kimono.) Add a pendant.

Boho Chic Outfits Using a Vest

1. A vest + a plain t-shirt + any bottoms. For example, a crocheted vest + a t-shirt + jeans.
2. Add a vest over a tunic t-shirt & skinny jeans.
3. A fringed vest + jeans + a tee.
4. Add a fringed vest over a little black dress.
5. Add any vest, including a crocheted one, over a floral dress.
6. A vest, denim or not + a maxi dress, printed or not.
7. A denim vest + a plain v-neck t-shirt + a maxi skirt.  Add sandals + a headpiece.
8. Combine a simple maxi skirt with a graphic t-shirt and a vest. Add gladiator sandals.
9. A peasant blouse + a faux fur vest. Add a medallion + bracelets + rings.

Update:  Ways to Wear a Hip Scarf

This section is an update to supplement this article. I hope you enjoy adding a hip scarf to your accessories and try wearing it in the following ways. This sash is a great accessory to adorn an outdoor festival outfit.

1. You can try wearing a hip scarf as a necklace. After placing it around your neck, you might be able to simply bring the ends in front.
2. Try wearing a hip scarf as a head wrap.
3. Belt harem pants or wrap pants with a hip scarf.
4. Add a hip scarf to a dress, short or long. For example, tie it over the waist of a black bell-sleeve dress and wear boots.

   

5. Wrap a hip scarf around the waist of a skirt such as a tiered skirt, a peasant skirt or a maxi skirt with a blouse.
6. With a hip scarf and tiered skirt, wear a fitted top or billowy blouse.
7. A fitted top + palazzo pants, matching or not. Then match a hip scarf to the top, bottom or both.
8. Add a hip scarf over a black tunic and black leggings. Add ankle boots.

This article was partially adapted from collegefashion.net. See? Age doesn’t matter!  😉

Let’s Connect!

Do you like boho chic style?  What are your favorite ways to wear it?  Please leave a reply below to let us know your thoughts!

  Like this post? You might also like to read related posts:

• “How to Add a Touch of Romance With Lace & Crochet”
• “The Fundamentals of How to Look Terrific in Flares”
• “How to Get That Free-Spirited Gypsy Style”
• “100+ Remarkable Ways to Look Terrific in a Faux Fur Vest”
• “How to Be Bold and Creative With Print Mixing”

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