Boho as a style has been coming and going in fashion for a while now, and it looks like this summer Boho is in again. Except this time it looks cooler than ever, it’s sophisticated yet perfect for every day. So if you like the bohemian esthetic, but aren’t quite sure how to pull it off, and want to look like a chic 2020 boho girl, and not like an 80s hippie – here are a couple of tips on what’s in trend and how to wear it right.
1. Fabrics
When constructing boho-chic looks, choosing the right fabrics is important. Boho as a style started out in the 60 and has evolved over the years. But it always focused on light breathable fabrics, something like cotton, linen, lace. Boho also always had an undercurrent of ethical clothing that’s environmentally friendly, so take that into account when choosing pieces for your boho look.
2. Patterns
When it comes to patterns your best choices are paisley print that’s always been a classic with boho lovers, embroidered designs on simple light dresses and shirts, and of course, lacy elements on summer dressers are a good choice too. But don’t go overboard. You don’t need to layer every single boho print in one outfit. Choose one statement piece with a pattern and keep the rest simple – that’s the key to looking boho-chic.
3. Cuts
This is where everything could go wrong if you don’t pay attention. You can have the right fabric and pattern but if you don’t get the right cut and silhouette you can easily start looking like you’re a bad flashback from Coachella 2004. While in the past boho was all about flowing silhouettes and rather shapeless maxi skirts and weird long floral kimonos with lacy edges – it’s not what boho looks like now. You still want an outfit that doesn’t feel constricted and you can move freely in, so it’ll be loose, but now it’s much more minimal and a bit more structure to show off your figure. Think modern midi dresses, if it’s a maxi skirt – pick one with a slit, 70’s bell sleeve dress, but just in on color. Everything in moderation.
4. Details
These days it’s all about details. An all-over lace dress is very boho, but a white summer dress with small embroidery details or just a bit of lace details on the sleeve will look way more chic. Paisley print can look gaudy if there’s too much of it or if your dress is super long and doesn’t have much shape. So make sure to wear clothes that you’re not drowning in, and make sure to keep the whole look neutral and simple enough so that the little details can really shine and add something special instead of being lost in a sea of statement prints and accessories.
5. Accessories
People definitely went overboard with accessories when dressing in boho in the past. The result just looked very busy, confusing, and honestly, kind of like you’re trying to wear everything at once. For a chic boho look, the accessories have to be chosen wisely. If you get a fringed or embroidered bag, you don’t have to match it with the same kind of shoes, just the bag is enough of a statement, keep the rest simple. If you want to wear a statement boho necklace, then forget about the rest of jewelry. If your shoes are very boho-style then make them the focal point of your outfit and keep the rest simple.
6. Jewelry
Stray away from wearing multiple rings on every finger and massive colorful earrings and necklaces if you want to look chic. You can layer necklaces but make it two or three minimalistic ones, not 30 massive statement chains. Big hoop earrings or just statement gold or silver earrings are fine but then don’t wear a necklace. And here’s a thing to remember, jewelry is meant to add something to the look, so if you’re going with a simple one-colour outfit it will become a nice touch, but wearing jewelry when you already put on a bunch of patterns is pointless, it’ll just get lost in the overall look.
7. Cultural Appropriation
For the love of everything that is good, please stray away from appropriating other cultures. Instead, dig into your own culture, look back at the history, find pieces of folk stories in your national dresses and embroidery patterns, or the silhouettes that were popular back in the day specific to your culture and bring them back and wear them with pride if you want to. Look at photographs of your grandma and what she wore and maybe find small things that you can incorporate into your outfits. It’ll be way more unique and boho chic that way.