How to Dress Boho

Use the roots of boho to your advantage., Employ natural materials in your choice of clothing., Choose floaty fabrics that add an air of the ethereal., Connect your color palette with the earth., Layer your boho look., Balance your layers., Hunt for...

17 Steps 5 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Use the roots of boho to your advantage.

    Bohemian is a word that relates to the style of the Roma, a group also known as the name "gypsy" of central Europe.Clothing or outfits that match your image of this known style of performers, fortune tellers, and free spirited vagabonds will likely do well for your boho styles outfit., Naturalness is one of the major tenets of the boho style, which was greatly influenced by the hippy mentality that environmentally friendly clothing is preferred to synthetic fibers.This ideal is reflected in the bohemian style through the use of fabrics such as:
    Cotton Cheesecloth Linen Silk Hemp , Another influence of the hippy movement on boho style is its emphasis on freedom and openness.In boho style, this is represented by light and airy fabrics, like dusters, light weave scarves, and silk shawls., In line with the environmentally friendly ideology, boho makes use of many earth tones, like deep browns, tans, and autumnal reds.Think about offsetting these dependable earthy colors with light colored neutral shades, like taupe and cream., One of the most notable features of boho style is its use of various patters in less traditional combinations, layered in a way that expresses and highlights your character.

    Rather than drawing attention to a particular article of clothing, as you might normally, try to mesh the patterns you choose.For example, you might make an outfit:
    Floral themed Polka dotted Subtly pinstriped Gingham themed , When coordinating so many different styles and patterns, balance can be difficult.

    Try to keep any one part of your outfit from being too busy pattern-wise than the rest of it.

    In boho styles, the eye should be naturally drawn to the face as the central feature of the outfit., Many secondhand stores have a surplus of clothing from this period, and here you might find out peasant blouses and maxi skirts that you can use in your bohemian style.The heavy influence of hippy style on clothing from this time period makes it ideal for boho fashion.

    You might also visit garage/yard sales and estate auctions to find these articles of clothing.

    Modern versions of these creations can sometimes be found in specialty shops. , The origins of the bohemian people, the Roma, are theorized to be on the Indian subcontinent.Over the course of the Roma people's migration to central Europe, many bold patterns and styles, like those you might see worn in parts of Africa or India, were adopted.

    Pair these patterns with different patterns without giving too much weight to clash.

    If outfit cohesion is important to you, you might choose a theme, like floral patterns or simple geometric designs, like polka dots and stripes.

    Be sure you give contrasting colors and patterns a try.

    You never know when two seemingly opposing patterns will bring out the bohemian in you! , Too many dangling ends or busy patterns at the bottom of your outfit might draw attention away from your face; the bohemian style begins at the face and then travels to the rest of the body.Make use of layers to sweep around less flattering parts of your body, as you might by flaring bottom layers to offset square shoulders. , The base layer in boho style is often thin and relatively well fitting when compared to outer layers.

    Many wearers of boho style begin layering with a spaghetti top, bra top, a vest, or stretch t-shirt.These more fitted base layers will allow to add more layers on top without appearing swaddled.

    Over top, you might add:
    A knit cardigan A loose-fit tunic A kaftan A fitted vest, The simple garments often associated with central European peasantry have long been a staple in boho style.Rough spun garments can simulate this appearance, but you should also consider:
    Cheesecloth skirts Linen skirts Maxi skirts Leggings Flared jeans, Plainer boho dresses and fabrics can be brought to life with spangles and faux jewels.

    Large, chunky, earth toned jewelry can create a richer look for even the plainest seeming boho item.

    Some options include:
    Metal bangles Wooden wrist cuffs Glass bead necklace Long dangling earrings, Or, you might make use of modern accessories that are fashioned in vintage designs.

    Some examples of this might include turquoise bracelets, aged lockets, and ornate pendants.

    Combine these accessories in layers by using various lengths, like you might when wearing a long, medium length, and short length necklaces., The artistic and frequently hand-worked design of most artisan crafts can bring an air of Bohemia to even everyday outfits.

    Look for items that are nature themed, or crafted with natural products, like:
    Worked leather Natural metals (like copper) Glass beads Stones (like quartz and onyx) , While fur cuffed shoes might be a little outside your price range, boots adorned with faux fur can improve the natural appeal of your outfit.Leather and suede are in line with the naturalist philosophy of boho, so these are also options you should keep in mind.

    Other footwear to consider:
    Ankle boots Flat sandals Gladiator sandals, You might consider including an earth tone scarf in your bohemian braid.Another popular look uses a bandanna around the crown of your head to frame hair done in a simple updo.These looks will make you fit right in with the boho crowd.
  2. Step 2: Employ natural materials in your choice of clothing.

  3. Step 3: Choose floaty fabrics that add an air of the ethereal.

  4. Step 4: Connect your color palette with the earth.

  5. Step 5: Layer your boho look.

  6. Step 6: Balance your layers.

  7. Step 7: Hunt for vintage '70s clothing.

  8. Step 8: Look for bold patterns.

  9. Step 9: Take into account the entirety of your boho outfit.

  10. Step 10: Build your base layer.

  11. Step 11: Bring back the peasant appeal.

  12. Step 12: Embellish with beads

  13. Step 13: bangles and fringe.

  14. Step 14: Purchase vintage accessories.

  15. Step 15: Patronize artisan wares.

  16. Step 16: Wear natural looking shoes.

  17. Step 17: Incorporate a scarf in your outfit.

Detailed Guide

Bohemian is a word that relates to the style of the Roma, a group also known as the name "gypsy" of central Europe.Clothing or outfits that match your image of this known style of performers, fortune tellers, and free spirited vagabonds will likely do well for your boho styles outfit., Naturalness is one of the major tenets of the boho style, which was greatly influenced by the hippy mentality that environmentally friendly clothing is preferred to synthetic fibers.This ideal is reflected in the bohemian style through the use of fabrics such as:
Cotton Cheesecloth Linen Silk Hemp , Another influence of the hippy movement on boho style is its emphasis on freedom and openness.In boho style, this is represented by light and airy fabrics, like dusters, light weave scarves, and silk shawls., In line with the environmentally friendly ideology, boho makes use of many earth tones, like deep browns, tans, and autumnal reds.Think about offsetting these dependable earthy colors with light colored neutral shades, like taupe and cream., One of the most notable features of boho style is its use of various patters in less traditional combinations, layered in a way that expresses and highlights your character.

Rather than drawing attention to a particular article of clothing, as you might normally, try to mesh the patterns you choose.For example, you might make an outfit:
Floral themed Polka dotted Subtly pinstriped Gingham themed , When coordinating so many different styles and patterns, balance can be difficult.

Try to keep any one part of your outfit from being too busy pattern-wise than the rest of it.

In boho styles, the eye should be naturally drawn to the face as the central feature of the outfit., Many secondhand stores have a surplus of clothing from this period, and here you might find out peasant blouses and maxi skirts that you can use in your bohemian style.The heavy influence of hippy style on clothing from this time period makes it ideal for boho fashion.

You might also visit garage/yard sales and estate auctions to find these articles of clothing.

Modern versions of these creations can sometimes be found in specialty shops. , The origins of the bohemian people, the Roma, are theorized to be on the Indian subcontinent.Over the course of the Roma people's migration to central Europe, many bold patterns and styles, like those you might see worn in parts of Africa or India, were adopted.

Pair these patterns with different patterns without giving too much weight to clash.

If outfit cohesion is important to you, you might choose a theme, like floral patterns or simple geometric designs, like polka dots and stripes.

Be sure you give contrasting colors and patterns a try.

You never know when two seemingly opposing patterns will bring out the bohemian in you! , Too many dangling ends or busy patterns at the bottom of your outfit might draw attention away from your face; the bohemian style begins at the face and then travels to the rest of the body.Make use of layers to sweep around less flattering parts of your body, as you might by flaring bottom layers to offset square shoulders. , The base layer in boho style is often thin and relatively well fitting when compared to outer layers.

Many wearers of boho style begin layering with a spaghetti top, bra top, a vest, or stretch t-shirt.These more fitted base layers will allow to add more layers on top without appearing swaddled.

Over top, you might add:
A knit cardigan A loose-fit tunic A kaftan A fitted vest, The simple garments often associated with central European peasantry have long been a staple in boho style.Rough spun garments can simulate this appearance, but you should also consider:
Cheesecloth skirts Linen skirts Maxi skirts Leggings Flared jeans, Plainer boho dresses and fabrics can be brought to life with spangles and faux jewels.

Large, chunky, earth toned jewelry can create a richer look for even the plainest seeming boho item.

Some options include:
Metal bangles Wooden wrist cuffs Glass bead necklace Long dangling earrings, Or, you might make use of modern accessories that are fashioned in vintage designs.

Some examples of this might include turquoise bracelets, aged lockets, and ornate pendants.

Combine these accessories in layers by using various lengths, like you might when wearing a long, medium length, and short length necklaces., The artistic and frequently hand-worked design of most artisan crafts can bring an air of Bohemia to even everyday outfits.

Look for items that are nature themed, or crafted with natural products, like:
Worked leather Natural metals (like copper) Glass beads Stones (like quartz and onyx) , While fur cuffed shoes might be a little outside your price range, boots adorned with faux fur can improve the natural appeal of your outfit.Leather and suede are in line with the naturalist philosophy of boho, so these are also options you should keep in mind.

Other footwear to consider:
Ankle boots Flat sandals Gladiator sandals, You might consider including an earth tone scarf in your bohemian braid.Another popular look uses a bandanna around the crown of your head to frame hair done in a simple updo.These looks will make you fit right in with the boho crowd.

About the Author

J

Joseph Kelly

Creates helpful guides on home improvement to inspire and educate readers.

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