Summer is in full swing and we’re swinging around in boho fashion. Yes, that’s right. We’ve been breathing a collective sigh of relief as we sport the free-spirited bohemian look made popular by that curious phenomenom called ‘Festival Fashion’. It’s that vortex where the 60s meet the 70s and linen is the new polyester, and the clothes are more important than the music. But don’t rush out for a pair of cutoff short-shorts and a flower crown just yet. If you haven’t already, you can still revisit this old trend with a few updated pieces without looking like you’re on your way to a costume party. Plus, you can carry over the best accessories straight into fall.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GO BOHO
The Colours: Keeping it simple and earthy is key. Think warm and rich bases like browns, olive greens and creams with vibrant purples, pinks and blues as the add-on. Don’t forget the metals! Gold, silver and bronze are a perfect match to any outfit; and don’t be afraid to mix!
The Fit: Hide your skinny jeans at the back of the closet and grab your comfy soft denim flares or even a pair of linen print jogger pants. Dresses and kaftans have almost zero structure and are a relief in light, airy fabrics. Skirts are long or short, with subtle prints or full-on tribal. Add a solid print top or bag for a clean look.
Insider Tip: As free-loving as this trend is, you still need to be aware of your body type. If you’re curvy, add some structure with some fitted high-waisted flare jeans under a loose tunic. If you’re petite, wear a heel so don’t get swallowed up by prints and oversized pieces. You want to make the trend work for you and not like it threw up on you.
The Shoes: Tootsies rejoice! The comfy aspect of this trend trickles down to your feet. No more squeezing into pointy stilettos. Instead, slip into your wedges, gladiator, sandals or clogs, and go.
The Accessories: This is where you can have your fun. If you’re really not into reliving flower-power, add some boho-chic to your outfit in a minimalistic but eye-catching way with feathers, fringe, soft leather, crochet and beading. Grab a scarf with an ethnic print or a soft leather bag with fringe detail. Beaded drop earrings and a stack of mix-metal bangles turn any outfit subtly boho.
Have fun with this fashion throwback and remember: Make love, not war, k? Summer’s too short to do anything else.
Dresses: White tribal print boho maxi dress, Choies, $40-Nan print off the shoulder maxi dress, Walid, $750-Printed Crepe Boho dress, Peter Pilotto, $1,200-Boho lace dress, ModCloth, $40-Jigsaw mosaic black/white kaftan, John Lewis, $89 Bottoms: Flare Jeans, Dittos, $99–Patch print joggers, TopShop, $60–Suede Fringe Mini Skirt, Saint Laurent, $1,120–Pink tribal print flare skirt, SheIn, $15–High Waist Tribal Pattern Asymmetric Midi Skirt, Choies, $45
Tops: Cold shoulder printed top, Band of Gypsies for TopShop, $60–Long sleeve boho blouse, Antlk Batlk, $320–Cream tunic with belt, $45–Tie-dye blue tribal tank, $40–Red/white tribal print tank, $40 Shoes: Bead embroidered suede sandals, Etro, $705–black cutout western buckle boot, $40–Suede vintage clog, $268-Beige platform wedge sandals, Stuart Weitzman, $200-Beaded ballet flats, Steve Madden, $60-Leather studded fringe sandals, Aperlai, $400
Accessories: Satin leather with mixed fringe cross body, Jimmy Choo, $725–Wooden round sunglasses, Prada, $450–Vamos amiga black boho hat, BillaBong, $40–Dapper Paisley print scarf, Tory Burch, $195-Stones and feathers necklace, Zara, $15-Mesh dream catcher chandelier earrings, DVF, $128–beaded lagoon bracelet, $95