The bohemian style, or "boho," is one of the most influential trends in fashion. It offers a unique, free-spirited aesthetic embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds.
The boho style combines natural, earthy tones, flowing fabrics, and intricate details that lend themselves to various creative combinations.
One essential element of boho fashion is footwear, which can define and elevate your look. This guide will show you the best boho shoes to pair with different outfits, whether you're heading to a beach party, a wedding, or a casual day out.
Let’s get straight to the point
This guide explores the best shoes to pair with boho dresses, helping you create a perfect bohemian look for any occasion. Essential footwear includes ankle boots, embroidered sandals, fringe shoes, and heeled sandals to complement the relaxed, earthy boho vibe.
Lace and pastel shoes offer a romantic touch, while combat boots and neutral-toned flats are versatile across seasons. For standout looks, consider bold patterns, sparkles, or Eurotrash-inspired glam with high boots and jewellery details.
The right boho shoes, subtle or statement-making, let you express your unique style easily and confidently.
Choosing the Right Footwear
Choosing the right shoes to complement your boho dress is crucial. You want to enhance the look while maintaining bohemian fashion's relaxed, carefree vibe. Here are some top choices to consider:
- Ankle Boots are perfect for adding a bit of edge to your outfit. They work well with boho dresses for both daytime and evening looks.
- Flat Embroidered Sandals: These can bring out the playful side of boho style with intricate designs and colours.
- Fringed Shoes: Fringe adds movement and texture, making it an excellent choice for a bohemian feel.
- Heeled Sandals: Ideal for more formal boho looks, especially for a night out or an event.
Whether you're a fan of bold, unique footwear or prefer subtle, earthy styles, there’s a boho shoe option for every occasion.
Embracing the Romantic Look: Lace Shoes for Boho Dresses
Lace is essential in bohemian fashion and is often found in dresses and footwear. Here’s how to make lace shoes work seamlessly with your outfit:
- Lace-up heels are perfect for a more formal look. Choose white or ivory to complement your dress and ensure the colours don’t clash.
- Delicate Lace Flats: If you're attending an event where comfort is a priority, delicate lace flats provide a refined look without the discomfort of high heels.
Tip: When wearing lace-up shoes, choose neutral shades like ivory or soft brown for an understated look that allows your boho dress to shine.
Gypsy-Inspired Looks: Pairing Boho Dresses With Boots
Gypsy-inspired boho skirts and dresses often look best when paired with boots. Here’s how to wear them without overpowering your outfit:
- Barefoot Boots: Barefoot boots are a fantastic option for casual events. They provide comfort and an earthy feel to your look.
- Flat or Ankle Boots: Flat boots or ankle boots are versatile and pair well with most boho outfits, from flowing skirts to short dresses.
- High-Heeled Boots: High-heeled boots work wonders for a more dramatic look, especially for those who want a bit of height.
Accessories should be kept simple when aiming for a gypsy-inspired look, as the outfit often has a lot of character.
Adding a Modern Twist: Lace-Up Block Heels
Lace-up block heels are a trendy choice that pairs well with boho "type" wedding attire, blending classic and modern elements.
- High Heels and Thick Laces: A higher heel with thick tie-up laces can add sophistication to a boho dress without overpowering it.
- Block Heels in Neutral Shades provide stability and comfort, making them suitable for long events like weddings or parties.
Tip: Experiment with combining modern lace-up styles with vintage-inspired boho dresses for a balanced, one-of-a-kind look.
Grunge Boho: Combat Boots and Surplus-Inspired Footwear
Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to give up on boho style. Embrace the "Canadian boho" look by incorporating combat boots or army surplus styles for a warmer, winter-friendly vibe.
- Combat Boots: Combat boots go well with boho dresses and add a grunge twist to your look for an edgy touch.
- Flat Leather Boots: Leather boots, especially in shades like brown or burgundy, are ideal for colder weather while maintaining bohemian charm.
Adding these sturdy styles to your boho wardrobe will help you transition smoothly between seasons without sacrificing style.
Make It Fun: Unique Boho Shoes for Special Occasions
Bohemian fashion celebrates individuality and creativity; your footwear is an excellent opportunity to showcase this spirit.
- Boho Wedding Shoes: If you're planning a boho wedding, consider shoes that reflect your traditional or unconventional personality.
- Fun Patterns and Colors: To make a statement, don’t hesitate to incorporate bold colors or patterns, like floral prints or pastels.
The key is finding shoes that feel true to your personality, whether pastel pumps, embroidered flats, or striking patterned heels.
Soft and Subtle: Pastel and Light Blue Shoes
Pastel shoes complement boho dresses, especially for events like weddings, where soft tones are popular.
- Pastel Sandals are a beautiful choice for boho-inspired weddings and casual events. They add a hint of colour without stealing the spotlight.
- Light Blue Shoes for “Something Blue”: If you’re a traditionalist, a pair of light blue shoes can serve as your “something blue” at a wedding.
Pastels are a staple in boho style, bringing a serene and dreamy vibe to any outfit.
Neutral Tones: Earthy Shoes That Blend Perfectly
Boho fashion often relies on earth tones, which create a grounded, natural look.
- Earth-Toned Flats and Sandals: Neutral-colored flats in materials like suede or leather are ideal for everyday wear.
- Patchwork or Denim Shoes: These options complement the "earth mother" look, often featuring natural, recycled materials.
Neutral tones allow the rest of your outfit to shine without creating visual competition.
Adding a Bit of Shine: Sparkly Shoes for Boho Dresses
While boho dresses typically shy away from flashy embellishments, some sparkle in your footwear can enhance your look.
- Shoes With Rhinestones: Simple rhinestone details on flats or sandals can add glamour to your outfit.
- Subtle Metallics: Soft metallic tones like rose gold or silver can work well, especially for evening events.
The key is to add sparkle that complements rather than overshadows your boho ensemble.
Casual and Comfortable: Flats and Sandals
When wearing a floor-length boho dress, flats or sandals are practical and chic choices that fit the relaxed bohemian vibe.
- Comfortable Sandals: Choose durable yet stylish sandals that last beyond a single event.
- Barefoot Sandals: Barefoot-inspired sandals are minimalist and ideal for beach settings and outdoor gatherings.
Flats and sandals are perfect for summer or beach weddings, bringing effortless charm to your look.
Stand Out With Bold Patterns and Designs
Boho fashion is about self-expression, so why not choose shoes that make a statement?
- Patterned Heels or Flats: Floral patterns or geometric shoe designs can add character to a simple boho dress.
- Bold Colors: Experiment with bright colors or unique textures to give your boho outfit a modern twist.
Whether you prefer vibrant colours or intricate patterns, let your personality shine through your footwear.
Eurotrash Boho: Adding Glamour With High Boots
For a high-fashion, "Eurotrash" boho look, consider pairing your boho attire with glamorous high boots or booties adorned with embellishments.
- High Boots With Jewelry Details: Boots with jewellery or crystal details bring a touch of luxury and drama to your look.
- Luxurious Fabrics: Velvet or metallic materials can make your boots stand out, enhancing the wealthy side of boho style.
The Eurotrash look blends boho with a lavish, statement-making style that will turn heads.
Conclusion
The bohemian style has a universal appeal, capturing the spirit of freedom, creativity, and individuality. Whether you're dressing up for a beach day, a wedding, or a night out, the right pair of shoes can transform your look from simple to striking.
From earthy tones and soft pastels to bold patterns and unique designs, there’s a world of options to explore within boho footwear. With these tips, you’ll find the perfect shoes to complement your boho dress, allowing you to express your unique style confidently.
FAQs About Boho Style
Boho wedding gowns are a kind of bohemian wedding dress that draws inspiration from the hippie era and the 1960s. Dresses of this type are typically made of floaty, form-flattering fabrics like lace or silk organza.
Put comfort over fashion if you know for sure no one will be able to see your shoes. Yet, it doesn't imply you can get away with wearing your regular pair of exercise shoes.
This could be the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to that dream pair of shoes you've had your eye on for years. You should get a pair of shoes that you love and can imagine yourself wearing for the rest of your life; the fact that they may be misinterpreted as "bridal" shoes is of no consequence. Considering how rarely seen they are, many brides opt to wear something other than traditional shoes on their wedding day. A pair of shoes is ideal for a wedding if the bride loves them, wears them often, and can envision herself in them in the future.
The colour white or ivory is not required for wedding footwear. Nowadays, many brides like to choose vibrant, one-of-a-kind shoes that will complement their personal style beyond the wedding.
Yes, if you want to, you can and should wear black shoes with your wedding dress. Although white wedding attire is customary in Western society, there is no rule that states you must wear white on your wedding day. If you're looking for a classic and understated pair of wedding shoes, black is a great choice with a wide variety of styles that will let your individuality shine through.