Every so often, there is a runway show that completely changes the fashion landscape as we know it. And most recently, that shift is due in part to Chemena Kamali’s creative director at Chloé. Since presenting her debut collection during Paris Fashion Week in February 2024, the industry has now witnessed the ripple effect of her revitalization of the boho chic aesthetic.
You might recall the nostalgic style from the early aughts. Think Kate Moss and Sienna Miller at Glastonbury, the Olsen twins on any red carpet before 2010, and iconic celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Like any recurring trend over time, it’s back, but with a modern update. Signature bohemian elements like lace, ruffles, crochet, suede, and fringe are still intrinsic to its DNA. The up-to-date version, however, does not include clashing mismatched prints, oversized oval sunglasses, or flower crowns. Instead, the once maximalist style, all about evoking a relaxed, effortless, and carefree aura, is actually quite polished and chic with muted earthy tones and textures.
Designers like Isabel Marant and Stella McCartney, as well as contemporary brands like Free People, have been trying to further this point for some time. Now, the fashion industry—more fluid than ever—seems to finally be ready for the boho resurgence. Which brings me to my next question: Are you?
Below are 10 easy ways to adopt the updated boho-chic approach this spring and beyond.
A Flowy Skirt
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A key component to achieving the boho-chic look is making sure that whatever you’re wearing has a lot of movement and fluidity. That’s why an accordion-style midi skirt is at the top of my list. You can wear it while incorporating other textures like a cashmere or wool sweater and a leather bomber jacket. The latter will balance out a more feminine outfit with a rugged edge. Accessorizing with Western-style elements like a chunky cowboy belt and boots goes hand in hand.
Ruffled Maxi Dress
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With an effortless flow and an extra dose of femininity, a ruffled maxi dress is the epitome of boho. Opt for one made with a sheer delicate fabric, like the one pictured above, for added lightness. Any colorway would work, but this bright purple version can do no wrong. To finish the look, grab a leather hobo bag and over-the-knee boot—two items that are germane to the boho ethos.
Double Belt
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One easy hack when it comes to boho dressing is stacking vintage-inspired belts. You’ll want to find a belt made from natural materials like leather or suede, it can be beaded or studded with embellishments, and can even have funky patterns. Mixing and matching two different types of belts over an all-black outfit is a simple way to inject some boho into your look. Go even further by wearing a fringe skirt and suede knee-high boots.
Ruffled Peasant Blouse
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Similar to the aforementioned ruffled maxi dress, a sheer ruffled peasant blouse gives off the same type of effortless, feminine energy. One with a high neck and wide bell sleeves will complement a pair of wide-leg denim nicely. In the spirit of layered ruffles, why not also layer your jewelry over your blouse for even more emphasis on the trend?
Suede Fringe Jacket
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A suede fringe jacket, while it can fit in with the Western aesthetic, is in fact also considered boho. The reason? Its natural, vintage-looking material along with its free-flowing fringe embellishments are a recipe for a bohemian-inspired look. Pair your jacket with a black pencil skirt, kitten heels, a bandana, and vintage-inspired earrings to go full force.
Lace Maxi Skirt
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In addition to ruffles, another classic characteristic of boho is anything made of lace. Due to its delicateness and handmade-like craftsmanship, lace is another fabric that feels natural, and ethereal, and can be easily layered. Pair a light lace maxi skirt with a dark brown bralette and suede jacket for a romantic, but practical look.
Striped Long Cardigan
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A striped long cardigan like this brushed mohair and alpaca blend by Zankov is another relaxed and flowy style that fits right into the boho theme. Since the earthy tones in this kind of sweater do most of the styling, you’ll want to take a page out of Eva Chen’s book and pair it with a simple pair of jeans and a white top.
Wide Leg Trousers
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You can always count on content creator Pernille Teisbaek to put her It-girl spin on any trend. And this time’s no different. During Paris Fashion Week, she wore a pair of boho flared-denim with a corduroy blazer and striped top underneath. Teisbaek not only nailed the boho aesthetic because of her pants but also because of how she mixed in different textures and patterns in a cohesive and not overpowering way.
Crochet Gown
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The next time you have a fancier occasion on your calendar, don’t forget that a crochet evening gown could be the perfect boho option. Similar to lace, crochet is reminiscent of a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece that evokes a certain delicateness. Pair a pale-colored dress with something that is the complete opposite, like a cropped leather jacket, to level things out.
Wooden Platforms
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One of the most viral boho items of this renaissance is Chloé’s wooden platforms. But you don’t need the exact pair to pull off the look. Style any pair of jeans with platform booties, mules, or sandals for a boho renaissance look.
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