An Easy Guide to Boho-Chic Wardrobe Essentials
Last week, I mentioned a few helpful wardrobe essentials in my post on elevating your everyday style. The ‘essentials’ in those sorts of posts are always rather generic because our style recipes are so personal. Several readers mentioned that they love the bohemian style, so today, let’s chat about boho chic wardrobe essentials. I occasionally add touches of it to my classic style and fully embrace the look for warm weather holidays.
There are no strict rules for how to create the boho style, and that’s the whole point. Bohemian or boho chic style has an unconventional, artistic, and creative vibe that appears effortless. The essentials for this style vary greatly, so let’s look at some of the most common.
Fabrics
These tend to be flowy, soft, and not structured. Breathable, natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are preferred. Neutrals are popular, as are bright, vibrant patterns. Ethnic prints like tribal, paisley, ikat, or kilim are a fabulous look and very popular. Embroidery can be intricate or simple, colorful or subtle, and one of the most popular boho-chic wardrobe-essentials. Embroidery, crochet, lace, and fringe are common details.
Shape
The fit is often long, loose, and flowing. There’s nothing constricting or overly fitted here because the vibe is easy and comfortable. Loose layers are an important part of this bohemian style. Nothing is body conscious, so it often conceals the line of your silhouette. Oversized garments are common, and comfort is key.
Tiered and Maxi Dresses
Maxi and tiered dresses of all lengths embody the carefree, romantic esthetic that’s so prevalent in boho chic style. Uneven hemlines and billowy sleeves often go hand in hand with tiers, but not always.
This Tommy Bahama dress/cover-up I bought for my trip to Mexico has definite boho vibes. The tiers, tassel trim, and embroidery are all classic boho features.
Wide Leg Pants
Wide leg, flowy, and palazzo pants are often part of a boho wardrobe. The softer fabrics work best for these and are cool in the warm weather. Patterns are plentiful on these types of pants, which up the fun factor.
Accessories
Boho accessories are characterized by a free-spirited, eclectice aesthetic. You’ll often see layered necklaces and bracelets, woven belts, slouchy bags, colorful scarves, tasseled earrings, chunky turquoise jewelry, and wooden and natural stone jewelry.
Kimonos and Dusters
Loose and airy kimonos are an easy way for any woman to add a bohemian look to their wardrobe. They’re available at all price points, so there’s no need to break the bank. These are often in fun patterns and are one of the most easily recognizable boho-chic essentials.
I own just 2 kimonos and love the way they add a fun feel to simple jeans and a tee.
Best Places to Find Boho Fashion
Not surprisingly, you can find boho fashion just about anywhere.
- Anthropologie is the go-to place for lots of home decor, fashion, and accessories with a bohemian flair.
- Soft Surroundings often carry great separates for the boho dresser.
- Johnny Was has the most exquisite pieces that are investment pieces for the connoisseurs of boho style.
- Free People can skew young, but they do have some great pieces.
- Sundance carries has a lovely selection of boho inspired accessories and clothes.
- J. Jill is also a great place to look and especially helpful if you need petite or plus sizes.
- Resale, second-hand shops, and vintage fairs can be a treasure trove of delights for the gal who loves unique boho pieces.
Do you dabble in boho style? Where do you like to shop?
I just happened upon this article when I googled, “how to dress boho”. All my life I’ve been drawn to that style of clothing not knowing it had a name!! I’m the type of person who doesn’t know how to dress with style (I don’t have style, just a mixture of clothes that don’t even have a statement. I feel so…. BLAH) but I admire others who seem to look so fabulous with little effort. I just turned – OMG – 58 and I’m ready to start living for me this year. Taking better care of myself and working less than the 56-hours per week I’ve worked for over 25 years as a single mom is just the start. I’m so ready to find myself again. Thank you for this article and I’m glad I found you. I’m signing up for your newsletter right away.
Welcome, Michelle! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. I hope you find some inspiration here.
Like so many others this style overwhelms me at 5′. I always admire the style, but on shorter/petite size women the style overpowers our bodies. Perhaps if the designers made some dusters, other easily recognizable boho items trimmed down for the shorter body as other clothing styles do, the material wouldn’t hide us. The style has always attracted me and takes me back to my youth in the late 60s early 70s.
This right up my alley. I’ve loved ethnic/boho style since high school. It wasn’t popular in the 60’s until the East Indian influence hit. Seventeen magazine followed the ethnic trend.
I often designed , sewed, & embellished my own original clothes. Still love the Look. I think , as with every idea, some people overdo it and look costume-y. I like all the subtle but fun choices in your post today. I would buy every one. They just make me happy. Glad you featured this style!
I agree, it would be very easy to look costumey with boho
You are talking about me. I agree that Johnny Was is investment-worthy. The rich embroidery and beautiful fabrics do not come cheap, but as boho styling, they also don’t go out of style. I have a few JW pieces, mostly tops, and I always wear them when we go to Mexico. The consignment stores are good sources for less-pricey garments.
You look adorable in that Tommy Bahama white coverup. It was sold out but the time I tried to find it. So cute. The tiered maxi in the first picture is really cute too. At 5’1 1/2” I just can’t get into the long flowing garments. I love seeing them. They take me back to the 60s!
They do me too
I try to add a little boho vibe in my outfits but when you are small and petite it can be overwhelming. I would have to say my style is definitely more classic fashion. I really like the Audrey Hepburn look.
Yes! Thank you! As a Boho leaning gal, I often feel left out of such articles but you nailed it here and the examples you share are lovely, versatile and not over the top. Kimonos, scarves, necklaces are indeed third pieces I reach for regularly and comfort and flow are essential.
I’m so glad this resonated for you.
Wonderful ideas for summer and the beach!
I love this style, but at 5’2”, 115#, & no waist, I can’t pull off loose flowing fabric without the clothes wearing me, even JJill petite. With skinny jeans I could wear flowing tops without getting lost, but that’s out. Shorter boho dresses make me look too juvenile. Suggestion?
Accessories are a great way to add a boho touch. Try a few of these styles with a smaller scale and less volume. Slim column with flowing outer layer.
Where did you get the shoes in the picture of you sitting on the wall?
Those are old from Nordstrom
Can you please provide a link or information to purchase the sleeveless, striped maxi dress shown in the post?
I’m sorry it’s sold out. I bought it several years ago.
Great fun post! Did I miss it? Where o where did you get the adorable round woven purse sitting on the wall next to you?
That’s a vintage Kate Spade I bought when she was a young designer almost 30 years ago. Long sold out, I’m sorry.