6 Basic Rules to Pull off a Classic Boho Chic Outfit

The Boho style can be traced back to the pre-Raphaelite era and the mid-to-late 19th-century women. It was all the rage in the late 60s and had an on-and-off relationship with runways ever since. Once a few years it is breathtakingly revived, and we have to thank icons like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller or Mary-Kate Olsen for bringing the style back in the 90s and keeping it around.

Today the Boho chic style is extremely popular, and ladies are doing their best to look as gorgeous as Brigitte Bardot or other emblematic celebrities. But the Boho chic style has a few underlying rules (even if it can be displayed in many ways). Today we will take a look at such rules, as summer is THE season to pull off a gorgeous Boho chic outfit for all those hot parties you plan to attend!

1. Natural Earthy Colours and Tones

Callie S

The Boho style is founded on the idea that neon colors should be absent. With heavy influences from the bohemian and hippie era, the Boho chic style uses an amazing palette of white, ivory, cream, champagne, warm browns, olive and dark green, many shades of earthy red, blue and oranges, warm yellows and so on.

2. Natural Fabrics

Mollie Moon

One of the most amazing things about the Boho chic style is that it encompasses femininity, subtlety, sophistication, a sense of freedom and a highly developed sense of style through the mere use of fabrics. A Boho chic outfit should include velvet, silk, cotton, linen, suede, chiffon, mohair, natural wool, leather or faux fur, and lace. Every piece of Boho clothing should be smooth, soft, “floating”, slouchy and laidback, flared, and light as a breeze, no matter if we talk about sheer summer Boho Bardot dresses or knitted cardigans and sweaters for the winter.

3. Layers and Multi-Layered Textures

Wioletta M

The Boho style is a staple when it comes to layering fabrics and textures. As you probably seen already, there is a subtle elegance and a mind-blowing originality in those outfits combining silk maxi dresses with layered see-through organza blouses and knitted wool cardigans. For summer, the more fabrics and textures you layer, the closer you get to the real Boho fashion. Look for thin textiles and make sure you texture them with crocheted, leather or velvet accessories.

4. Prints and Patterns, Patterns and Prints

Inês Costa

Nothing says “Boho” better than prints and patterns. While floral patterns are probably the most popular, there are others looking just as striking. For a full-Boho effect, try jacquard deign prints, ethnic and tribal inspired prints, checks, avant-garde style accents, eclectic prints, geometric ones and nature-inspired ones. A Boho chic style cannot overlook the latest trends in prints and should always focus on timeless ones like tie-dye, stripes, abstract flower prints, and brushstroke prints, graphic marble prints and so on.

5. Comfort is the Key

Liza LaBoheme

We should have probably started with this mandatory rule for an authentic Boho chic outfit: everything is slouchy, floating, large, comfortable and laidback. A true Boho girl wears maxi dresses and skirts, slouchy distressed ankle boots, fringe suede style ankle booties, gladiator comfortable sandals, long and large knitted cardigans and sweaters, oversized crocheted capes, silk head scarves, floppy wide-brim summer hats, slouchy tunics and blouses, feather-light off shoulder Bardot dresses and even oversized sunglasses.

6. Big, Chunky, Earthy Jewellery and Accessories

Francesca Felix

Wearing flowers in your hair is still a “do” nowadays, together with wearing all sorts of flowery hair bands and head wraps. But when it comes to accessories, big, massive pieces in natural hues and materials are still the way to go. Boho chic usually translated into “lavish amounts of jewellery and accessories” and everything is allowed. Boho gals can wear wood, metal, textile, beads, rhinestones, zirconia, pearls and everything in between and look fashionably hot without much effort. If you know how to correctly stack bracelets and necklaces, the world is all yours. You can wear any type of jewellery and also temporary hand tattoos, ankle chains, silk turbans and gypsy earrings, oversized shades, belts, cross-body purses and more.

Gracie Finch

Have you ever considered trying the Boho chic look? Is it close to your personal style or do you prefer the urban chic style more?