Boho chic style: creative and individual boho outfits
Boho chic (also known as ‘boho’) is a casual style that thrives on details and combines different influences from the hippie movement and vintage fashion. Therefore, it exudes a laid-back, creative and dreamy aesthetic. The colours and materials used are inspired by nature but are often also an expression of artistic individuality. Our guide will show you how to style boho outfits for everyday life or special occasions.
What is boho chic?
The term ‘boho’ is an abbreviation for ‘bohemian’ and is an expression of an aesthetic and lifestyle characterised by independence, creativity and freedom. Boho chic combines natural materials, flowing silhouettes and playful elements with vintage charm. Boho outfits are often romantic and unconventional. This style often employs a layering technique which gives it a deliberate lack of structure.
Boho chic is an eclectic style. This means that it draws inspiration from many other (historical) fashion trends and combines a wide variety of fashion influences. The following fashion styles are particularly characteristic of boho chic or share characteristic features that you can explore:
Hippie style: both fashion styles are characterised by loose cuts, floral patterns and ethnic vibes. However, while a hippie style is more colourful and rebellious and is closely associated with the fashion revival of the ‘60s and ‘70s, boho chic is more playful and romantic.
Ethno style: inspiration from different cultures, natural materials and handmade details such as embroidery or crocheted clothing characterise both styles. Boho outfits mix ethnic elements with influences from western vintage fashion.
Vintage fashion: as the name suggests, vintage fashion draws its inspiration from the trends of past decades. However, those who want to dress in vintage style usually limit themselves to a specific era (e.g. the ‘50s or ‘70s) in order to explore the aesthetics of that time. Boho chic, on the other hand, combines the influences of different decades without any fixed rules.
Romantic style: flowing fabrics, delicate lace, pastel colours and feminine silhouettes are hallmarks of a romantic style. Boho outfits combine this playful aesthetic with more casual cuts, androgynous accessories and natural, earthy colours.
What are the colours, patterns & fabrics for boho chic fashion?
The boho style thrives on subtle, colours found in nature, playful patterns and natural materials. Depending on what you like, you can create boho outfits that are simple and monochromatic or colourful and playful. If you prefer a more subtle look, you can stick to a natural colour palette and add colourful accents with accessories. If you want a bolder interpretation of boho chic, you can opt for bold colours, a mix of patterns or materials or add statement pieces. The following elements are key to achieving this look:
Colours for a boho chic style: natural earthy tones such as cream, brown and khaki are ideal base colours and give your boho outfits a warm and balanced look. The boho look is complemented by soft pastel colours such as sage green or lavender, which provide a fresh and light note. You can also use bolder colours to contrast to the neutral base. Vibrant colours such as mustard yellow, turquoise and rusty red are used as accent colours in patterns and accessories.
Patterns for boho outfits: boho outfits are also marked by patterns and playful details. Ethnic, paisley or floral patterns are typical, but lace, embroidery or tassels are also popular and give an outfit more depth. Combining and layering different elements is the secret to creating a boho vibe that looks effortless and casual.
Fabrics for boho fashion: flowy, airy materials such as cotton, linen, (crochet) lace and soft suede accentuate the natural aesthetic of the boho look. Light, breathable fabrics are a particularly good choice in summer, while chunky knitwear and corduroy are ideal in winter.
Must-have pieces for the boho chic style
Flowing fabrics, playful details and natural materials are central if you want to create your own boho chic style. You may already have some boho-typical items of clothing in your closet. Styling and the right combinations with other key pieces play an important role. These must-haves form the perfect basis for an authentic boho look:
Boho chic outfits for women
Maxi dresses, embroidered blouses and jackets with tassels are great essentials for women’s boho outfits to get a feminine, romantic and casual look. The top must-haves for styling a boho look are:
Maxi dresses
Maxi skirts
Blouses
Ponchos
Oversized jumpers
Chunky knit cardigans
(Flared) jeans
Wide-leg trousers
Paisley, floral & ethnic patterns
Flat sandals, espadrilles, moccasins, ankle boots, cowboy boots
Wide belts, leather bags, straw or felt hats
(Crocheted) lace, embroidery, tassels
Boho chic outfits for men
Loose-fitting linen shirts, comfortable trousers and simple vintage details are ideal for casual and authentic boho outfits for men. The following pieces are typical of the boho look:
Linen shirts
Tunics
(Oversized) cardigans
Vintage waistcoats
Suede jackets
Used-look jeans
Wide-leg trousers or chinos
Leather sandals, canvas trainers, Chelsea boots, vintage lace-up boots
Scarves, leather bracelets, felt hats, leather belts
Boho chic fashion all year round
Boho outfits are characterised by their light and breezy aesthetic and often evoke a carefree feeling of being on holiday. However, that doesn't mean that boho chic is purely a summer trend. On the contrary, layered looks are a typical technique used in boho chic which makes this style suitable to wear all year round. To ensure that your boho outfit is suitable for winter, it is important to choose items of clothing that are not only stylish but also functional. You can also adjust your boho look to the seasons by opting for seasonal colours. Here's how:
Boho chic style in spring and summer
Go for light and airy fabrics and flowing silhouettes. Loose-fitting maxi dresses, crochet tops and tunics made of cotton or linen create an airy look and keep you pleasantly cool even in hot weather. Light, earthy tones, pastel colours and floral prints are perfect for the warmer seasons. Sandals or espadrilles paired with a straw hat and dainty jewellery will round off your outfit.
Boho chic fashion in autumn
Layering is key when preparing your boho look for cooler, rainy weather. Ponchos, chunky knit cardigans, felt hats and (faux) leather jackets not only look laid-back but also make your summer styles wearable during the transitional period. Warming materials such as wool or corduroy are great choices if you want to give your boho style a cosy touch. Autumnal colours such as mustard yellow, rusty red, brown, camel or olive green also go perfectly with the natural boho aesthetic.
Boho chic clothing in winter
In frosty temperatures, it's all about choosing cosy garments and giving them a boho twist. Oversized knitted jumpers in warm earthy tones, long coats and scarves with ethnic patterns not only keep you warm but also let you stay true to your style. Wool, cashmere, corduroy or velvet are perfect for winter boho looks. Lined leather boots, thick, chunky knit beanies and scarves will add the finishing touches to your outfit.
Boho chic styles for different occasions
Boho chic is a versatile look and can be styled for casual everyday outfits as well as for special occasions. This style is a particularly popular choice at festivals and summer parties. However, boho chic is also a popular dress code for weddings. With the right combinations, you can look stylish for any occasion:
Boho-style festival outfits are characterised by a laid-back, creative look. Garments with tassels, feathers and colourful patterns are particularly popular. An embroidered dress or a colourful tunic paired with cowboy boots create the perfect festival look.
Light, airy dresses, floral wreaths and romantic vintage accessories are perfect for boho weddings. Boho wedding dresses usually focus on playful details such as (crochet) lace, pearl trim or floral appliqué and are typically in tones of soft creamy white or vintage white. Wedding guests who want to dress accordingly should avoid long, white dresses.
Boho chic is also ideal for summer and beach parties because of its light and carefree nature. Embroidered tunics, crocheted beach dresses, caftans and flat sandals create a laid-back look.
Conclusion: discover the adventurous & unique boho chic style
Boho chic is a versatile, creative fashion style that thrives on flowing fabrics, natural colours and many combinations. Whether you want to style boho outfits for everyday life, a festival or a special occasion, with the right garments and accessories, you can style a boho look to suit any situation and creatively express your personality.