What is boho style? and how to wear this celebrity-loved trend

Bohemian style dates back hundreds of years and was originally a term used to refer to an ‘exotic’ sense of style. In the modern sense of the word however, when you ask what is boho style? The look draws strongly on the 1960s and 1970s hippy movement.

A trend that has been revisited by many design houses over the decades, for spring/summer 2025 expect a resurgence of ruffles, frills and floral prints that A-listers such as Sienna Miller and Kate Moss have been sporting for decades. And it is celebrities that have been pivotal in keeping this look in public consciousness.

While boho style never truly falls out of fashion, it has had peaks and troughs. In the Noughties, A-listers reinvigorated the movement, with maxi skirts, low-slung belts, crocheted dresses and gladiator sandals, and it is the revisit of Noughties trends that has helped to revive the look for the current season.

What is boho style?

Defining 'boho style' almost goes against its free-spirited nature. Often identified by a love of artisanal detailing, use of colour and relaxed, flowy shapes, it is a look that can be worn all year but is most associated with the warmer months.

Celebrity stylist, Natalie Robinson believes that regardless of trends, boho will always be popular in warmer weather, owing much of its seasonal popularity to shoppers looking for festival and holiday clothing.

“The boho look is fun, effortless, yet somewhat innocently reckless and, for such reasons, synonymous with festival season. Boho styles like floral maxi dresses are making a comeback along with the classic white shirt, mini-skirt, and shorts coupled with a fedora hat, complementing the carefree nature of festivals and social gatherings,” she says.

Although Sienna Miller was largely thought of as the queen of boho style back in the 00s, modern boho icons include Cat Deeley and Kate Moss.

Best Boho Dresses

Floaty ruffled dresses are the mainstay of any boho look, alongside florals and bold prints. Although maxi length is most synonymous with the boho trend, this can, for some, be an impractical and overwhelming amount of fabric. If that sounds like you, then make friends with your tailor and get dresses shortened to your preferred hem height, wear with wedges, or opt for a midaxi length that is partway between midi and maxi. Most importantly, choose long, floaty dresses with embellishments such as embroidery or tassels.

Best Boho Skirts and Trousers

Along with many other Y2K styles that are popular right now, long skirts are having a moment. Perfect for the boho look, they’re great if you want to keep cool in the warmer months and save your legs from midday sun. Other popular boho bottoms include flared jeans, cut-off denim shorts, embroidered miniskirts and more recently barrel leg jeans, thanks to their relaxed aesthetic.

Best Boho Tops and Jackets

Loose silhouettes, crochet elements, vintage prints and embellishments are the way to go when you’re looking for a boho-style top. Fuller sleeves and pretty collars can also help to up the bohemian elements of your outfit, while suede and denim jackets or waistcoats - both with and without fringing help to make a boho ensemble feel complete. For a holiday-ready aesthetic, try a printed and/or embellished kaftan, a universally flattering silhouette that offers a breezy finish.

Best Boho Shoes and Boots

Clogs and gladiator sandals are a popular option for the boho trend, but if you want something that will work through spring and autumn, then turn to suede and embellished cowboy boots - both ankle and full-length. This is a boot style that will stand the test of time, particularly because the more well-loved a leather cowboy boot looks, the chicer they are.

Best Boho Bags

There are no small bags allowed here. Just as with the relaxed nature of the clothes, bags should be slouchy, slung across the body and preferably big enough to carry everything you need with you. Fringes, embroidery, crochet, and patchwork all enhance the hippy vibe. Try natural colors, such as tan or cream, or go full on mismatch and choose a bright print or floral patterns.

How to wear boho style – whatever your body shape

A boho capsule wardrobe is easy to put together and perfect for long, summer days – whether you’re chilling in the garden, attending a special event, or catching up with the latest bands at a festival. A versatile look, boho style is also universally flattering, suiting all body types says TV and celebrity fashion expert and founder of the Feel Good Fashion Coach, Miranda Holder.

“The very essence of boho is floaty and diaphanous, with loose layers that skim any body shape and be nipped in at the perfect point with an artfully placed accessory. Talking of accessories, the fashion rules from above state that more is definitely more here, so whether you want to balance out larger hips (or want a stylish dress to hide a tummy), you have a full repertoire of wardrobe weapons at your disposal,” she says.

While boho outfits look carefree and laidback, they do require some planning to look perfectly uncoordinated (rather than you’ve just rolled out of bed), so it’s good to have a variety of essentials at your disposal.

For Natalie, this includes a range of accessories, which can give a boho feel to any outfit.

“Think a fedora or trilby hat, the biggest sunglasses trends, and a cross-over bag that shapes the identity of bohemian style,” she says.

Festivals were made for boho, especially as you can incorporate layers for any unpredictable weather. Throw a fringed kaftan over a t-shirt and denim cut-offs – team with cowboy boots and you’ve got all weather angles stylishly covered.

While you may need a more formal approach when it comes to occasion dresses, you can still create the essence of boho style by choosing floaty designs, accompanied by jackets that have pretty tassels, embroidery, or embellishments.

A must-have boho item that will take you from brunch to the beach is a kaftan. Throw it over jeans for everyday, or over swimwear on vacation.

If creating a full-on boho look feels out of your comfort zone, accessories are your friend says Miranda.

“Cowboy boots are always a great place to start, and the more beaten up and embellished they are, the better,” she recommends,

She continues: “Don’t forget to layer up your jewellery too - why have one necklace when you can have three?! This is your chance to create a truly personalised look that really reflects who you are!”

Handcrafted items and materials such as leather and wood will create an authentic boho look - the more individual and unique your accessories are, the better.

The best places to shop boho style

As this style is now commonplace, come summertime, many brands stock the boho essentials from maxi skirts to floaty blouses. Some of the best dresses for this trend can be found at Free People, and Boden.

One of the best British clothing brands for picking up stylish boho pieces is Monsoon – they have everything covered from embroidered dresses to hippy maxi skirts. If you’re looking for more directional bohemian pieces, try high street hero, Zara. They have a gorgeous selection of embellished pieces that are perfect for summer occasions of all kinds.