The Roots of Boho Style in the 1970s
Boho style, or “bohemian chic,” first found its place in the 1970s, evolving as a fashion rebellion against the mainstream.
Rooted in the spirit of the free-spirited and artistic “bohemians” of earlier decades, the 70s boho look combined eclecticism, artistry, and a touch of counterculture ethos. People wore long, flowing skirts, dresses with ethnic and floral prints, and textures like suede and corduroy.
Fringe details, large floppy hats, leather belts, and natural tones brought in a rustic yet artistic flair that emphasized individuality and freedom.
The boho aesthetic of the 70s wasn’t just about how you dressed but expressed an entire lifestyle around natural beauty, a love for the arts, and a certain disregard for rigid fashion rules.
Today, while the style has modernized, it still maintains its soulful, creative essence, updated with a chic twist that makes it relevant to contemporary fashion.
Dated vs. On-Trend – Reimagining Boho for Today
The boho chic style of today draws inspiration from the 70s but with an updated, refined feel that avoids the “costume” look. Where 70s boho embraced oversized, loose shapes, today’s boho chic often incorporates streamlined silhouettes, making the look appear current and wearable without feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
One key to achieving a modern boho vibe is through selective styling. Rather than layering on multiple vintage pieces, try incorporating one statement item—such as a suede jacket or a floral dress—paired with contemporary elements like structured jeans or minimalist accessories.
For this A/W 2024 season, runways are showing boho elements with tailored coats, earth-toned leather skirts, and shearling jackets layered over sophisticated pieces.
Designers like Etro, for example, blend eclectic prints with polished fabrics, while brands like Isabel Marant and Zimmermann incorporate boho aesthetics through structured pants and updated, sleek textures.
The overall aim is to find that balance between vintage and modern, making your boho look effortlessly on-trend.
It’s All About Color
When it comes to boho chic, color is everything. For A/W 2024, colors like olive, mustard, burgundy, and rust are trending alongside earthy tones like taupe, beige, and terracotta. These colors capture the natural, earthy vibe of boho but with an updated palette. Rich jewel tones—like deep emerald, burnt sienna, and mustard yellow—add depth to the overall look while keeping it versatile.
To make color combining easier, here are three trendy color groupings for this season:
- Olive Green, Burgundy, and Cream: These shades create a cozy, autumnal look that’s boho-friendly without being overwhelming.
- Rust, Mustard, and Taupe: This combination has a warm, earthy vibe, perfect for adding vibrance without clashing.
- Navy Blue, Camel, and Olive: For a boho vibe with a bit of polish, these colors blend beautifully and work well for both daytime and evening looks.
How to Get the Look
The boho chic look involves thoughtfully curating pieces that speak to the relaxed, artsy side of fashion but still feel modern. Here’s a breakdown of key items that’ll help you nail the look this season:
Suede & Corduroy:
Suede and corduroy are quintessential fabrics in boho style. Suede jackets and skirts add texture, and corduroy trousers bring in that rustic charm. Both materials offer warmth, ideal for autumn, and pair beautifully with flowy tops or knits.
Texan Boots:
Texan boots are trending big this season and blend effortlessly with the boho aesthetic. Whether in classic brown or embellished with subtle detailing, they’re a great addition to skirts, dresses, or jeans.
Leather (Real and Faux):
Leather pieces, like trousers, vests, jackets, and coats, offer a chic and edgy update to boho. They create a beautiful contrast when paired with softer fabrics like knits or suede, adding sophistication to the look.
Long Skirts and Dresses:
Think maxi skirts in soft materials and flowing midi dresses. Long skirts and dresses offer a natural elegance to boho styling. Opt for florals, paisley, or simple solids, and pair them with leather boots or ankle booties for an updated twist.
Floral Prints:
Floral prints bring a feminine touch to boho, but the key is in the size of the print. Smaller, more modern floral designs look fresh and stylish, whereas oversized florals can sometimes feel outdated. Look for subtle floral patterns in earthy tones.
Wide-Leg Jeans and Corduroy Trousers:
Wide-leg pants in denim or corduroy fit perfectly into the boho wardrobe. They’re relaxed yet polished and pair well with fitted tops or flowy blouses for balance.
Maxi Scarves:
Oversized scarves are both practical and trendy this season. In boho chic, the bigger, the better. Think of scarves with fringe detailing or earthy tones to add volume and interest to any outfit.
Studded Bags and Accessories:
Studded accessories add a bit of edge to boho chic, especially with bags and belts. Look for pieces with subtle stud details to keep the look polished yet bold.
Biker Boots:
Biker boots bring an edgy twist to boho chic, especially when paired with maxi skirts or dresses. They also look fabulous with leather or denim bermuda shorts for a fresh take on styling.
Large, Studded Belts:
A wide, studded belt can transform a simple dress or tunic into a boho masterpiece, adding definition and a hint of rebellious charm.
Shirts with Rouches:
Rouched shirts add texture and volume, lending a romantic vibe to boho outfits. Look for them in neutral tones or subtle prints to pair with other boho staples.
Fringes Everywhere:
Fringe is an undeniable part of boho style. Whether on jackets, bags, or skirts, fringe adds movement and a playful edge, making your look more dynamic.
Bold, Statement Accessories:
Accessories like big necklaces, resin or wooden bangles, and oversized rings are essential for boho style. They bring in the individuality that is central to boho chic, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Boho Chic For Every Body Shape: Hints and Tricks for Curvy Girls
Boho chic is one of the most inclusive styles, adaptable to any body type. For curvy girls, the key is to create balance with structured pieces and flowy fabrics. Here are a few tips for rocking boho with confidence:
- Use Layers to Your Advantage:
A well-fitted blazer or a structured jacket over a flowy top creates a flattering shape and adds dimension.
- Opt for High-Waisted Bottoms:
High-waisted skirts and pants help elongate your silhouette and define your waist, balancing out loose tops or jackets.
- Avoid Oversized Prints:
Stick to medium or smaller prints, as they tend to be more flattering. For example, a floral skirt with a subtle print or a fitted top with a small paisley pattern.
- Maxi Dresses with a Cinched Waist:
A maxi dress with a defined waist can elongate your body while keeping the boho vibe intact. Look for pieces with elastic or tie waists for comfort and style.
- Statement Belts:
Use a wide, statement belt to add definition to your waist, especially over flowy dresses or tunics.
Seasonal Fabrics & Textures for Boho Chic
Autumn and winter call for cozy textures, and the boho chic style is all about embracing natural, earthy materials that work in these cooler months.
Suede and leather, for instance, not only capture that rustic boho vibe but also provide warmth and durability.
Suede jackets and leather trousers offer a timeless, rugged feel that brings depth to your outfit, while corduroy adds a unique vintage touch that’s still casual and comfortable.
For instance, pairing a suede vest with a soft, oversized knit brings out the texture without overwhelming the look.
Textures like wool and knits are also perfect for achieving an autumn-friendly boho vibe.
Soft, woven fabrics with visible textures, like chunky knits or layered scarves, add warmth and dimension.
Choose pieces with embroidered details or fringe to make these basics more aligned with the boho aesthetic.
Lastly, don’t shy away from layering multiple textures—such as a corduroy skirt with a silk or lace blouse—to add interest and depth to your outfit.
Mix-and-Match Outfit Ideas: Crafting Your Boho Wardrobe
Building a boho look is all about the creative mixing and matching of pieces.
A good outfit recipe begins with one statement item—say, a long floral print dress—and builds around it with complementary textures and tones.
You could layer a neutral suede jacket over this dress and finish with a wide-brimmed hat and stacked bangles for an effortlessly stylish look.
Another idea is to take wide-leg jeans and pair them with a fitted, ruffled blouse. Add an oversized scarf and leather belt, and you’ve got an easy boho-inspired outfit that still feels updated and chic.
For a more tailored look, try teaming leather trousers with a flowy blouse and top it with a studded belt for a bit of edge.
Balance it with softer textures, like a wool cardigan or a fringed shawl, to keep the outfit relaxed yet bohemian.
When mixing and matching, don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected colors, like pairing warm rust tones with softer pastels for a unique autumn palette.
By combining pieces in different silhouettes, you can create endless boho combinations that feel fresh and versatile.
How to Keep Boho Chic Modern: Do’s and Don’ts
One of the easiest ways to keep boho style modern is to avoid an overly vintage or costume-like appearance.
Start with a couple of boho-inspired pieces instead of creating a fully boho look, like pairing a floral maxi skirt with a contemporary leather jacket or a simple tee with a fringed vest.
This mix of classic and boho pieces gives a more current look that won’t feel dated.
Do’s:
Embrace bold accessories like studded bags, boots, or chunky jewelry to add a modern touch. Opt for high-quality materials that will age well, like leather and suede, and look for updated designs in classic boho items, such as fitted biker jackets over oversized ones.
Don’ts:
Avoid head-to-toe 1970s prints or colors that feel too “throwback.” Instead, go for muted tones like burgundy, olive green, and burnt orange, which add a contemporary edge. Another great tip is to steer clear of overly layered looks that might overwhelm your frame. Stick with clean lines and balanced proportions for a more flattering fit.
Embracing Boho Chic: Making it Your Own this Season
As we settle into autumn and winter, I truly believe that the boho chic style has something special to offer each of us.
It’s not just about recreating looks from decades past but about weaving this unique, free-spirited vibe into our everyday lives. Boho chic is more than fashion; it’s about expressing individuality and finding joy in mixing textures, colors, and silhouettes that resonate with your personality.
This season, let’s focus on making intentional choices. Whether it’s the warmth of a corduroy skirt, the statement of a leather jacket, or a bold, chunky necklace that tells its own story, each piece has the potential to reflect who we are and what we love.
I encourage you to experiment with combinations, have fun with layers, and discover which boho pieces fit into your personal style journey.
Remember, there’s no one right way to do boho chic—it’s all about expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic and, most importantly, comfortable.
So go ahead, embrace the suede, the prints, the textures, and make this season’s boho chic your own. Happy styling! 😊
XOXO
B&TG