The history of boho trend. Boho is short for bohemian, a term derived from the French bohémien, which originally referred to the nomadic people believed to have come from Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). In practice, bohemian soon came to refer to all nomadic peoples, including the Romani, and eventually evolved to include free-spirited artistic populations. This particularly applied to those living in Paris' Latin Quarter during the mid to late 1800s, a community immortalized in Henri Murger's Scenes of Bohemian Life, which inspired Giacomo Puccini's opera La Bohème and, more recently, Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking musical RENT.
The boho-chic trend is back now, and its carefree, free-flowing silhouette is soon to be a favorite dress style for the cooler months. Patterned styles in gemstone shades nestle perfectly within the autumn fashion aesthetic, where they can be paired with ankle boots, sneakers, and jean jackets. Plus, all the layering options make boho dresses a fun piece to have in rotation. Where bohemian dresses were once meant to be laid-back earthy silhouettes in midi lengths, now the style has evolved into stunning minis and maxis. Below, the defining characteristics of boho fashion, so you can indulge in the trend that keeps coming back.
NO.1 Airy Boho Silhouettes
When I think of boho fashion, my mind goes directly to relaxed, easy-to-wear silhouettes. Embodying the free-spirited mindset, designs take the form of the wearer, embracing an unconventional yet feminine approach to style. Soft, comfortable pieces that can be worn loose or can be rendered form-fitting with a belt or with tie-back detailing. Bohemian fashion tends not to be tight all-over (or at all), and more frequently cascades down one's body—a quality that's perfect for staying cool in the heat.
NO.2 Classic Boho Patterns
An ample use of bold florals and natural prints are reminiscent of the boho aesthetic, motifs that are inspired by the earth around us. This includes florals, leaf prints, and paisley, often printed over and over on the fabric itself or even embroidered onto it. Boho fashion can also incorporate patchwork-style patterns—a quality that nods to the trend's starving artist and hippie heritage.
NO.3 Subtle Boho Details
As with all fashion, the bohemian is truly in the details. If you're not ready to commit to paisley, tie-dye, or elephant print, consider the subtler, more universally wearable aspects of the trend. Boho fashion is typically accented by light ruffling, fringe, and rope details, noting that "breezy silhouettes are brought to life by handcrafted details and punchy pops of color.
NO.4 Unique Boho Accessories
The boho trend can be worn all year round, but many of its elements—especially its accessories—shine brightest in the summer. Boho fashion is "best accessorized with wide brim hats, straw totes, luxe leather belts, and stacks of beaded bracelets." These accessories can also be worn with other styles and trends, and are therefore excellent investment pieces that deserve a permanent spot in your capsule wardrobe.
NO.5 Styling Boho Fashion
Loving boho fashion doesn't necessarily involve dressing like you're headed to Woodstock. Boho pieces lend themselves to a variety of different styling options, noting that the bohemianism "represents a style that is unique to one’s personality—uninfluenced by traditional industry trends." In other words, the best way to be bohemian is simply to be yourself. When styling your boho clothes, dress them up with your favorite sneakers, or opt for a lace-up heel for a more elevated moment. You can also offset flowy silhouettes with more structured, boxy shapes, and colorful floral patterns with darker, solid shades.
Nothing signals carefree style quite like one of the best boho dresses. Beloved for its fluid silhouette and earthy color palette, this frolicsome staple has transcended the trend category to become a perennial favorite. Silhouettes range from free-flowing maxis to puff-sleeve peasant dresses and a sea of pretty paisley prints, micro florals, and tie-dye dominate the best options, as do design details like embroidery and crochet. Just look at the fashion icons known for wearing them—Stevie Nicks, Anita Pallenberg, Bianca Jagger—all women who’ve set the bar high for expressive, timeless style. And while boho dresses are available all year round, designers have introduced noteworthy riffs on this classic for the summer season.
Of course, with ever-changing fashion trends, it can be hard to keep up with what’s “in” and “out.” A recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults finds many are predicting future fashion trends to focus on boho! These designs becoming popular among young people during the ’60s and ’70s. This is just one example of the staying power of the bohemian style appeal. Boho staples like flowing florals and chunky knits, has a nostalgia attached to it that keeps it appealing for generations. From runways to street style, to say boho is having a comeback would only imply it never left.
Post time: Jan-18-2024
