Boho clothing, the romantic bohemian style, is probably the most common among my everyday looks. Unlike other styles, boho clothing is always soft, comfy, super flattering. With just a tiny bit of planning and experimenting, you too can incorporate this easy yet accessible style into your everyday wear.
Even if you consider yourself a “boho lite” or just a slightly whimsical dresser, this list will help you get all the essential pieces you need to maximise your wardrobe’s versatility. So, let’s jump right in!
A SIMPLE MAXI SKIRT:
A great maxi skirt will be a piece that you turn to, over and over again, when crafting cool bohemian outfits, as they are very versatile in building many outfits. The best ones are simple, solid-coloured and not too puffy.
Style tip:
Wear a simple maxi skirt with a graphic t-shirt or a versatile tank and finish the look with a pair of cool gladiator sandals or sneakers. If you have a high-waisted skirt, you can always knot up your tank to give it that crop top look.
NEUTRAL – COLOURED ANKLE BOOTS:
Slouchy, distressed booties are a boho girl’s staple. I prefer styles that are loose around the ankles, so they’re perfect for wearing with both shorter skirts and its easy tucking in your skinny jeans. It’s totally up to you if you want a heel or not, but make sure the heel isn’t too high or thin so your boots will always stay comfortable.
Style Tip:
Ankle boots look awesome with dresses and skirts. Go for more fitted shoes while wearing maxi skirts. However, the shorter the skirt, the chunkier you can make your shoes!
CHIC HEADWRAPS AND HAIRBANDS:
I love the idea of wearing headwraps during the summer and monsoon months. It’s a cute way to cover a bad hair day, it protects your hair from the sun and humidity, and they’re an easy way to get ready when you just don’t have the time to style your hair. Hairbands are the perfect accessory; they come in cute designs that work really well with your boho chic look.
Style Tip:
Thin, elastic hippie headbands look great across your forehead, but I prefer to wear them back an inch or two past my hairline, almost like a halo. This is also a good way to wear a head wrap.
A PRINTED MAXI DRESS:
All Boho wardrobes start with (at least one) maxi dress. Look for geometric or nature-inspired prints for extra bonus points. Maxi dresses are easy to style and perfect for those hot summer months. I love throwing a loose fitted crop top over my maxi’s for a layering effect. You can also accessorise your maxi outfit with a broad belt in a complimentary color.
Style Tip:
Try a denim Jacket or vest with a printed maxi to make it a bit more casual.
GLADIATOR SANDALS:
Gladiator sandals are truly a godsend. They’re the perfect answer to the flip-flop dilemma. They are summery and light, yet they still look polished and fashionable.
Style Tips:
– I prefer my gladiators to stop right before the ankle, but knee high gladiators are bold and look perfect for an outdoor concert or festival.
– Look for styles that are easy to slip on and off for maximum versatility. There’s nothing more annoying than a pair of shoes that take 5 minutes to get on and off.
GEOMETRIC, EYE CATCHING PRINTS:
To help add a free spirited, worldly edge to your wardrobe, nothing can replace the rich look of a bold, geometric printed item. Personally I love printed leggings and crop tops.
Style Tips:
– Multi-coloured fitted leggings and skirts are back with a vengeance, I love the ones with cool Aztec and parallelograms on them. Tuck a chambray shirt into one and wear it with gladiators or ankle boots.
CHUNKY, EARTHY JEWELLERY:
When it comes to bohemian jewellery, the more unique the better. Look for original finds at flea markets or even make some of your own. They key is to find pieces made from natural elements like wood, coral, turquoise, feathers or suede.
Style Tips:
– A statement necklace is another great layering piece that easily adds style to an otherwise bland outfit. Look for intricately beaded styles or ones made from metal and oxidized silver or gold.
– Wood and metal bangles always look fabulous and will always be in style. Look for cool cuffs that rest on your forearm, or even your bicep.
A HIPPIE CHIC PURSE:
Whether you prefer distressed leather, cloth, fringe or suede; a tiny cross-body bag or an oversized hobo bag; having a reliable and fantastic bohemian purse is key to tying your outfit all together.
Style Tips:
– Cross body bags are awesome because they keep your hands free. This is especially useful at concerts or music festivals. A cute, fringy, small-to-medium-sized bag would be perfect for this.
– Another huge trend with the boho crowd is the oversized, floppy purse. Look for a style with handles and a shoulder strap for maximum versatility.
For all the girls living in India, you can find cool cross body bags and many other items I’ve described above at high street brands at your local mall or online. However, if you don’t want to splurge on high street brands, it’s well worth checking out street shopping meccas in India that we’ve covered for you in earlier posts – Hill Road, Mumbai as well as Sarojini Nagar and Paharganj Markets, Delhi.
It’s always fun and exciting to experiment with your look. Next time you’re going shopping, keep an eye out for those statement pieces that will get you started on your very own bohemian look.
Send us your bohemian looks or if you have any cool tips to give us, leave us a comment or send us your pictures using #BandraRoad or @BandraRoad on social media and follow us @BandraRoad on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.