lauantai 15. helmikuuta 2025 | Luna Vraa | Fashion

How to dress: Bohemian Chic

Boho style has moved from an alternative fashion form to an integral part of high fashion. With roots in bohemian culture and the hippie movement, it has always been associated with freedom and creativity. In the 2000s, celebrities like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss revitalised the style, while fashion houses like Isabel Marant and Céline now give it a more modern and refined look. But what makes boho so timeless and why do we keep coming back to it?

The history of boho style

Boho style has deep roots in bohemian culture, which emerged in the 19th century as a lifestyle for artists, writers and intellectuals seeking freedom from conventional norms. Inspired by nomadic life and folklore, the boho aesthetic was associated with loose-fitting clothing, embroidery, natural materials and maximalist decoration. In the 1960s and 70s, boho became synonymous with the hippie movement, symbolising rebellion against mass production and materialism. Long hair, layered dresses, fringe and ethnic-inspired patterns became part of the visual expression especially known from the Woodstock Festival. As fashion changed, the boho style was reinterpreted and found its way into high fashion, where it took on a more polished look.

Boho style in the 21st century

The 2000s saw a renaissance of boho chic, with the style becoming synonymous with it-girls like Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Mary-Kate Olsen. Their approach to fashion - a combination of vintage finds, fluid silhouettes and raw accessories - made boho chic a global trend, fuelled by festival fashion and street style. Ironically, luxury brands began to further develop the style and mass-produced bohemian-inspired collections. Isabel Marant created a Parisian boho interpretation with a mix of western details, fringe and relaxed silhouettes, while Chloé gave boho a more feminine and sophisticated feel with youthful lines and a neutral colour palette. Today's boho chic has adopted the more luxurious and simple look, refining the characteristics of the style but maintaining the free and ethereal feel.

Romantic lace and ruffles

Lace and ruffles are an essential part of the boho style as they add a romantic and vintage-inspired look. They support the airy and free aesthetic that characterises the boho look, where clothes often have a feminine yet relaxed feel. Best styled in layered outfits, such as a ruffled blouse combined with a flowing maxi skirt or a lace top under an open kimono.

Knee-high leather boots

Knee-high leather boots give boho style a raw and vintage-inspired touch that balances soft and feminine. They became especially popular in festival fashion, where they are combined with boho elements such as fringe, flowing dresses and braided details. Pair with a maxi dress or loose tunic for a casual yet stylish look or with a short skirt and chunky knit for a cool boho winter style.

Maxi skirts and dresses

Maxi skirts and dresses are iconic in boho style as they emphasise the effortless and free look. The long, flowing silhouette creates a dreamy and romantic feel that is central to the boho wardrobe. Style with a fitted top or loose button-up, preferably combined with a belt to emphasise the waist, or with a chunky knit and boots for a more relaxed look.

Hip belts

Oversized belts and waist belts emphasise the silhouette and add a distinctive detail to the boho look. They support the vintage and ethnic-inspired aesthetic, often with larger metal detailing or embellishment that adds edge to the outfit. Style over a loose dress or tunic to emphasise the waist or as a cool detail over a maxi skirt with a light blouse, with the belt acting as a statement piece.