11 pieces you need to achieve the Bohemian Look

In modern times, the Bohemian style has evolved into what is now often called Boho Chic. Which is kind of an oxymoron when you consider Bohemian is the French word for gypsy and chic means elegant and stylish. In this post, I’m not going to focus on the history of the style, but instead how you can make the Bohemian style your iconic look.

Whether you’re asking yourself, “What’s boho style exactly?” or if you’re looking for a way to define bohemian style with your own unique spin, you’re in the right place. Grab your kimono and let’s dive in!

What is Boho style?

Boho is short for Bohemian, a style with a very long history that is most recently linked to the hippie movement of the 1970s. In the 70s the, bohemian life was more than just the clothes that you wore but an entire bohemian lifestyle that centered around artistic expression and unconventional lifestyles. The word bohemian itself is the French word for Gypsie. 

Today’s Bohemian style trends are easily described as a more luxurious modern hippie style. In a nutshell, the boho fashion style features free and loose, voluminous clothing, often with gathers, made with natural fibers, crochet details and flared pants.

Why are the Bohemian essentials important?

The Bohemian Style is an eclectic look in a way. This woman has a certain knack for mixing prints, colors, and textures in a way that looks cohesive instead of hodge-podge. These 11 effortless essentials can be mixed with many other items that don’t have an inherent Bohemian look all on their own and the entire look will become Boho, just by being paired with these pieces. They are the building blocks and foundation of the Bohemian wardrobe.

What are the Effortless Eleven Essentials for the Bohemian?

• Suede Look Trench coat
• Platform Wedges
• Wood Block Heeled Boots
• ‘70s-style Bell-bottoms
• Peasant Skirt
• Lace-up V-neck camisole
• Peasant Top
• Tunic
• Kimono
• Chunky Cardigan
• Crochet Hobo Bag

Belted Suede Look Trench Coat

This belted suede look trench coat is perfect for the Bohemian girl. This style embraces softness. There is a softness in the design with a lack of structure in the cut of the coat and a softness in the suede-like fabric. The variation in color of this coat also gives is a lived-in feel.

An alternative would be this soft, oversized corduroy jacket which has a younger feel.

Platform Wedges

These platform wedges are both colorful and neutral at the same time which I think is fabulous. A lower wedge option is also worth a look.

Wood Block Heeled Boots

These boots would be great peeking out beneath a peasant skirt or bell-bottoms. Or try the woven look of these boots to build your iconic wardrobe.

‘70s-style Bell-bottoms

No, when scouring the market for your bell-bottoms, check out these mid-rise with snap details on the legs. While bell-bottoms with rips, tears, fraying hems and hip-hugger waists are also in style and congruent with the bohemian look, they may look dated in a few years and have less style stability than ones with only slight fading and mid-rise at the waist. The more drastic a style or cut, the more likely it will be out of style in a few years. With an iconic look, you want to go with timeless.

Peasant Skirt

A peasant skirt is your go-to for an effortless and comfortable look. There are so many different options. You don’t have to stick with a neutral or solid color for your effortless 11 because bohemians can wear so many different colors together in varying prints. However, if you do prefer a solid, neutral color, go for one that is reversible with a print on the other side like this one.

Lace-up V-neck Camisole

When looking for a lace-up V-neck Camisole, remember to get one in cotton. It will have a breathable and airy feel. Alternatively, you can also look for a camisole with crochet or eyelet details. White of off-white is the best option for this piece.

Peasant Top

The peasant top is the most iconic item for the Bohemian style. If someone asks, “What is Boho style?”, the peasant top sums it up in one word. A floral pattern or another organic print like paisley are good choices for this piece. 

Tunic

 Your tunic can be an item that can be either dressed up with a skirt and belted for shape or dressed down with jeans. It can even double as a swimsuit coverup.

Kimono

While the kimono is a rather trendy item at the moment, it fits well with the timeless boho chic style. Tribal looking prints like Aztec for example which have strong angular lines are a nice juxtaposition with the otherwise soft look of this type.

Chunky Cardigan

Another great way to add more interest to this look is through varying textures. A chunky cardigan is a great piece have on hand. Throw it over anything and you look instantly cozy, but effortlessly put together at the same time. 

Crochet Hobo bag

Last, but not least. Top it all off with a crochet hobo bag. This is another item with great texture. It has a very natural look and feel which is important to the Boho look.

Common styling skills every Bohemian girl needs to have

How to style a kimono

A kimono is like an open front cardigan except it’s a lightweight silk-like material. Usually, it doesn’t have a closure, but it may come with a matching sash. 

They usually are rather loose-fitting and have a lot of volume. In order to maintain balance in your outfit, you should do one of two things:

1. Either pair it with something of low volume like jean shorts or skinny jeans or
2. Belt or tie it at the smallest part of your torso. This is most likely your natural waist, but it could also be the empire waistline as well.

But, no matter which one you choose, it is most important to pay attention to proportion.

A kimono is great as a layer over your lace-up v-neck camisole.

How to wear boots with skirts

First of all, to pull off that boots with skirt look, your sock should be no-show. If your skirt is a maxi, look for boots with a pointier toe, almost like, if not exactly like cowboy boots. Shorter skirt styles give you more leeway. Again, look to the rule of thirds to choose a good skirt length, boot height combination.

How to layer jewelry

The trick to layering jewelry is to group items that are similar in some way. Maybe they are of similar color or texture or just have a certain quality about them. Vary the length or visual weight. They should read as a cohesive unit. You’ll know you’ve achieved this when the eye moves seamlessly from one piece to the next without too much focus on any one of them. 

Versatile ways to wear a fur vest

Now for the fur vest, let’s think outside the box. Sure you can wear it over a number of things, but have you ever thought about wearing it under your parka? It warms it up more for colder temperatures and gives it the look of a plush lining.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about the Bohemian Effortless Eleven Essentials

The Boho style enjoys many different textures and a richness of color and prints. Don’t be afraid to use color or prints in your effortless eleven essentials. But, do get a few (maybe close to half) of the pieces in neutral colors.

Tag @Effortlessstyleservices on Facebook with your Boho style, especially your kimonos, boots with skirts, jewelry layering, and your fur vest. Show the Facebook Community how you rock the Boho look!

Get the effortless eleven essentials checklist and start checking off the items that you already own. You’ll have this Bohemian style mastered in no time!

If the Bohemian look doesn’t fit your fashion preferences, take the Iconic Style Quiz to find the look that suits you best.