Bohemian, or "boho," style has significantly increased popularity, especially at parties and weddings. This unique fashion choice emphasises freedom, comfort, and a connection to nature.
Whether invited to a glamorous or vintage boho-themed event, knowing how to dress in this distinctive style is key to enjoying the occasion and fitting right in. Let’s explore bohemian fashion and how you can achieve the perfect boho look for a party.
Let’s get straight to the point
Bohemian, or "boho," style emphasises freedom, comfort, and individuality through flowing silhouettes, natural fabrics, and unique accessories. The key to boho parties or weddings is to embrace a relaxed yet stylish look, often layering tunics, maxi skirts, and vintage finds.
Accessories like headbands, wide-brimmed hats, and handmade jewellery complete the look, adding an earthy, artistic flair. When dressing for a boho wedding, opt for floral prints, lace, and subtle accessories to reflect the laid-back elegance of the event.
What is Bohemian Style?
The bohemian style is rooted in the hippie movements of the 1960s and 1970s. It features loose, flowing silhouettes, bold prints, earthy tones, and unique accessories. It celebrates individuality and freedom from conventional fashion rules. Key elements of bohemian fashion include headbands, oversized sunglasses, vintage jewellery, and comfortable fabrics like cotton and linen.
Celebrities like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller helped bring bohemian chic into the spotlight. Their carefree, effortlessly stylish appearances on red carpets have inspired many to embrace this look. Boho style is also a staple at music festivals like Coachella, where the relaxed, artistic vibe is high.
Key Elements of Bohemian Style
- Layering is Essential
Bohemian fashion thrives on layering. Whether it’s a tunic over a bralette or a maxi skirt paired with an oversized shirt, layering adds depth and texture to the overall look. The goal is to create a relaxed, carefree appearance by mixing and matching pieces from your wardrobe. - Flowy Silhouettes
Bohemian fashion avoids tight, form-fitting clothes. Instead, think long dresses, loose skirts, and peasant blouses. The idea is to create a comfortable, chic appearance that allows freedom of movement. Maxi skirts and flowing dresses are staples of the boho wardrobe. - Sustainable and Vintage Finds
True bohemian style is about more than appearance; it’s also about embracing sustainability. Vintage shopping and supporting small, independent designers are core elements of the boho lifestyle. Shopping at flea markets for unique, vintage pieces can help you find authentic bohemian fashion while reducing environmental impact. - Natural Materials
Bohemian fashion focuses on natural materials like cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which are harmful to the environment. Instead, opt for organic, eco-friendly options. Natural tones like cream, brown, and green often dominate boho fashion, but bold prints and colours are also a welcome addition.
Bohemian Fashion Tips:
- Tunics and Maxi Skirts: Long, flowing garments like maxi skirts and tunics are central to the boho aesthetic. Pair them with oversized shirts or loose-fitting tops for a balanced look.
- Belts: Cinch your waist with a wide belt to add structure to your loose-fitting outfits. Leather, crochet, and beaded belts are all great options.
- Jewellery: Bohemian jewellery is often bold and unique. Look for chunky necklaces, feather earrings, and statement rings. Handmade jewellery from natural materials like wood, shells, or terracotta adds an authentic touch.
- Accessories: Scarves, headbands, and hats are essential for achieving a boho look. Wide-brimmed hats, floppy hats, or fedoras can elevate your outfit and add a free-spirited vibe.
Dressing for a Boho Party
When invited to a boho party, your outfit should reflect the relaxed, artistic spirit of the event. You don’t need to worry about being too formal, but your attire should show you've embraced the carefree boho vibe. Below are some suggestions for wearing to a boho party as a guest.
1. Bohemian Dresses
Bohemian dresses are often the go-to choice for boho events. These dresses are characterised by their free-flowing nature, floral patterns, and soft, comfortable fabrics. Here are some examples of boho-style dresses that would be perfect for a party:
- Electric Muse Mini Dress: This lace and embroidered mini dress with adjustable straps and a scalloped hem is perfect for a whimsical look at a boho party.
- Florentia White Crochet Lace Skater Dress: This girly crochet lace dress is fun and elegant with its flouncy skirt and fitted bodice.
- Heart of Marigold Wrap Maxi Dress: Made of lightweight fabric with floral prints, this maxi dress combines comfort with elegance, making it ideal for any boho celebration.
- Mandala Daydream Blue Print Maxi Dress: Featuring a deep V-neck and a high slit, this maxi dress brings a touch of sensuality to the boho style.
2. Boho Accessories
Accessories are key to completing your boho look. The right bag, jewellery, and shoes can pull your outfit together and make it stand out.
- Jewellery: Choose handmade jewellery from natural wood, feathers, or beads. Dream-catcher earrings or a thick statement necklace can add the perfect finishing touch.
- Bags: A fringed cross-body bag or a large floppy purse can help you achieve that laid-back bohemian vibe. Look for bags made from leather, canvas, or woven materials.
- Hats and Headbands: A wide-brimmed hat, floppy or fedora style, can add instant boho flair to your outfit. For extra impact, adorn it with a headband featuring tassels, beads, or charms.
3. Footwear
Comfort is crucial when it comes to boho footwear. Avoid high heels and choose shoes that let you move freely and dance the night away.
- Boho Boots: Suede ankle boots, clogs, or gladiator sandals are perfect for bohemian events. Choose neutral tones to keep the focus on your outfit and accessories.
- Sandals: Gladiator sandals or open-toed shoes with fringes or beads are great options for a casual boho party. They add style while maintaining comfort.
Dressing for a Bohemian Wedding
If you're attending a bohemian wedding, your attire should reflect the relaxed yet elegant nature of the event. You can take inspiration from nature and incorporate elements like floral prints, lace, and soft, flowing fabrics into your outfit.
1. Bohemian Wedding Guest Dresses
When choosing a dress for a boho wedding, look for pieces that embody the spirit of bohemian fashion while also being suitable for a formal occasion. Some great options include:
- Every Rose Mini Dress: This floral mini dress is playful and sophisticated with a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette and puff sleeves.
- Seasons in the Sea Midi Dress: This free-spirited dress from the Beach collection features a scoop neck, exaggerated sleeves, and a soft fabric for a comfortable yet stylish look.
- Sign of the Times Maxi Dress: A white and navy blue leaf print dress with kimono sleeves and a sash belt, perfect for a chic boho wedding.
2. Accessorising for a Boho Wedding
For a bohemian wedding, accessories should be elegant but reflect the boho aesthetic. Choose delicate jewellery made from natural materials, and opt for subtle yet beautiful pieces that complement your outfit.
- Jewellery: Handmade pieces with feathers, crystals, or pearls work wonderfully with boho wedding outfits. You can also opt for thin layered necklaces or dainty bracelets.
- Shoes: Strappy sandals or low-heeled ankle boots in neutral tones are perfect for completing a boho wedding look.
Conclusion
Boho parties and weddings are about expressing individuality through clothing and accessories. Bohemian fashion focuses on natural materials, flowing silhouettes, and unique, handmade items that tell a story. Whether you’re attending a casual boho party or a formal bohemian wedding, the key is to embrace the free-spirited, artistic nature of the style.
When choosing your outfit, consider layering, sustainability, and personal expression. By incorporating natural fabrics, vintage finds, and bold accessories into your look, you'll fit right in with the bohemian vibe. These tips allow you to dress your best and enjoy your next boho-themed event!
Frequently Asked Questions
Fitted dresses, mini-skirts, and structured silhouettes do not lend well to the style statement. You should aim to look cool and casual in long, flowy silhouettes… think maxi skirts and peasant dresses. Oversized shirts and unstructured tunics are also a good bet.
Bohemian style is a fashion style strongly related to hippie fashion, in which natural fabrics, retro patterns, neutrals and warm shades merge with 70s style accents and a flair for statement accessories.
Cool boho colors include amethyst, turquoise and jade. You don't have to choose between warm and cool; combine them so your space exudes exuberance and energy. Stick with more neutral tones for large pieces and upholstered furniture for longevity.
Boho style is characterized by long flowing or tiered skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, ethnic touches like tunics or wood jewelry, embroidery or embellishment with beading, fringed handbags, and jeweled or embellished flat sandals (or flat ankle boots). The look is often layered and colorful.
Boho style is a free-spirited aesthetic that mixes different cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic style with an emphasis on organic elements and nature. When putting together your boho style space, mixing patterns, metals, woods, materials, animal hides and trinkets from your travels is highly encouraged.