It’s easy to associate ‘boho’ with summer fashion when warmer weather sees many of us reaching for long dresses – but, actually, the look can be just as readily achieved when the temperature drops.
The secret? Layering. Imagine the kind of long, flowy skirt that you might enjoy wearing in the summer, and change it up a little, perhaps choosing a deeper shade, such as aubergine, deep red, or mossy green.
Swap a summery tank top or t-shirt for a long-sleeved shirt, or a polo-neck jumper. Perhaps add a crochet waistcoat or faux-fur vest. You could try switching your straw hat for a felted one in a deeper colour, or a rich tan. Now add boots. And voilà: different season, same ‘look.’
In a sense, this seasonality has a lot to do with what boho is, because it stems from an era commonly referred to as ‘hippie,’ where the mentality was very much about appreciating nature and, by association, the seasons. There was a sense of enjoying the ever-changing beauty of the world we inhabit.
And let’s face it – the boho look never really goes out of fashion: it’s as timeless as a ‘little black dress.’ It’s iconic – like Stevie Nicks.
Here are some elements to consider, when creating your boho look…
- The rules are – there aren’t any! Boho chic is all about an unconventional, artistic look, so embrace your inner muse and channel your free spirit.
- Look for flowing, unstructured shapes and design details, such as ethnic prints, vibrant embroidery, crochet or lace inserts, and Western-inspired tasselling.
- Remember that fabrics such as faux fur, velvet, and wool add texture, as well as warmth.
- Go wild with accessories! The boho aesthetic often involves elements like tasselled or hoop earrings; natural stones such as turquoise; colourful scarves (try tying one to the strap of your slouchy bag); and woven belts. Feel free to layer up with necklaces and bracelets.
- Buy pre-loved! Unsurprisingly, boho pieces are commonly found in charity stores and at car boot sales, so keep your eyes peeled for unique, original items.
With this all said, and now that the cooler months are approaching, let’s take a look at some of the best boho pieces around this season.
1. Satin printed round neck maxi dress
Marks & Spencer, £59
You can always rely on Marks & Spencer to interpret fashions in a way that a mature woman will feel great in. This dress ticks all of the boxes, with its deep, warm colour and bold floral pattern. The lace inserts and billowing sleeves create that gorgeously vintage look too – while the length is perfect for wearing with tights and boots.
Available in sizes from 6-24, It’s made from an easy-care polyester satin, which gives it an elegant look without the worry or expense of dry cleaning.
2. Abstract hand-embroidered gilet
Toast, £345
No, it doesn’t come cheap but this is a statement piece – a work of art, in fact. Made by artisans in India, the colours are stunning – imagine wearing this over a simple shirt and jeans combination. It would elevate an everyday look to super-stylish levels: a true ‘forever’ piece.
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3. Petra Cord Midi Skirt
Boden, £90
This skirt is boho perfection! Made from corduroy – a true icon of the bohemian 1970s – it’s available in four lush colours, including rust and a bold pink ‘cherry jam.’
Falling to just below the knee and with a button-through, flared style, it will look fantastic with boots. Cord lends itself perfectly to pairing with other textures too – a chunky knit would look equally as good with this as a silky shirt or lightweight polo neck.
4. Moon glow coat
Free People, £448
What would an article on boho fashion be without an over-the-top, fur-trimmed coat? Now, we appreciate the price tag is on the high side, but savvy shoppers should be able to find similar pieces by scouring second-hand stores and sites: think of this as inspiration!
This coat is incredibly special, though. Not only do you have a broad range of colours to choose from, but you also have the choice of whether you want a matching or contrasting faux fur trim.
Available in sizes XS to XL, the velvet texture and ornate embroidery make this coat an absolute head-turner. Worn over anything from trousers to a dress, it’ll make winter dressing a joy.
5. Wide jeans
H&M, £29.99
Slouchy and relaxed, these jeans are available in three shades of denim, as well as a black. Our advice? Go for a blue to really capture that boho vibe.
Although they’ve been styled online to drag on the ground, a more mature fashionista may wish to pair these with a heeled boot, to elongate the whole silhouette and give this take on a flared jean the elegance they deserve.
Another suggestion would be to pair it with a tucked-in polo neck jumper and a faux fur coat.
6. Faux fur gilet
Next, £46
Love the feeling and warmth of faux fur, but aren’t a fan of feeling that your arms are restricted?
Then a gilet is your boho best friend – and, even better, if it’s made from a luxurious faux fur that channels that free-spirited, animal-friendly feeling. Gilets can be worn under a coat if you’re in really cold climes, but they can also be worn over shirts and jumpers to add warmth without feeling that your arms have too many layers weighing them down.
Available in black, leopard print, and camel, this version has five-star reviews and is relatively wallet-friendly. Our pick for the boho look would be camel, which would pair beautifully with warmer, autumnal shades.
7. Tennessee knee-high western boots
Dune, £225
Made from the softest suede, these boots are a much more subtle nod to the Western look that filters into the boho trend than an all-out cowboy boot.
The 4cm heel adds just the right amount of height without being spindly or, on the other hand, too chunky – and the boot length will look perfect whether worn over or under jeans or paired with a skirt or dress.
Taupe is also a perfect colour for wearing with rich cold-weather colours, but can also pull double duty with lighter shades in the warmer months.
Available in sizes 3-8, one reviewer calls these ‘the best boots ever’ – who could ask for a better recommendation than that?
8. Extraordinary embroidered cord trousers
Joe Browns, £55
Flared shape? Comfy, stretchy cord fabric? A rusty, autumnal hue? Gorgeous floral embroidery from the knees down? Five-star reviews?
It’s nothing but a ‘yes’ on these from us! Whether you wear these with a fitted or slouchy sweater, a stacked heel or a lower shoe, these trousers are guaranteed to be a go-to all season long.
It’s never too late for a straighter smile!
Start your journey to confidence today with the straighter smile specialists.
Book your free orthodontic consultation at one of Total Orthodontics’ practices, get a digital 3D scan of your teeth and discuss the treatment that’s right for you. With payment options to suit your budget, every treatment includes at-home whitening kits to ensure confidence like never before.
^Free consultations available at participating practices only.
9. Dahlia handbag
Mahiya, £149
An Australian husband and wife team are behind the Mahiya label, which has slowly but surely gained a cult following with its carefully crafted, travel-inspired collections.
The Dahlia bag is just one of the covetable handbags you’ll find on their website, and is made from soft, supple leather, with a hand-tooled rose design and fun fringing.
There’s no compromise on functionality, either: the Dahlia bag is not only roomy on the inside, but also features compartments and pockets, so that you can keep your belongings organised.
Not a fan of fringing? No problem – the range also has a dedicated ‘fringe free’ section for those who prefer a more streamlined look.
Whichever bag you choose, you can feel good about the fact that each one is made from ethically sourced leather, designed in Australia and lovingly made by respected, fairly-paid artisans in Bali.
10. Boho wool floppy hat
Debenhams, £35
Headwear can feel a little daunting at times – many people feel that they ‘don’t suit hats’ or that they would only wear one if a dress code required it, or if it was for protection from the sun.
Yet why should protection from the cold be any different? After all, we all know that the body’s extremities can be particularly sensitive to lower temperatures – and, additionally, a hat is a simple way to elevate an outfit.
When looking for a boho-style hat for autumn or winter, we suggest choosing a floppy brim, rather than a structured one, and a colour that complements your skin tone and eyes.
Tan or chocolate are safe bets for those who love neutrals, but we also love this navy version, which is made from 100% wool and has a plaited trim. It’s also a steal at its current 30% off price!
Final thoughts…
Boho chic never goes out of style and can be worn effortlessly by people of all ages. Thanks to its unstructured, free-spirited appeal, it can also be embraced by those of all shapes and sizes.
Despite its eclectic vibe, the boho look is still incredibly glamorous. It’s also perfectly suited to autumn and winter, thanks to the fact that all its elements lend themselves so well to layering.
Need more inspiration? Check out the Golden-Globe-nominated Daisy Jones and the Six, which is available on Amazon Prime. Starring Riley Keough (Elvis Presley’s granddaughter!) as the lead singer of a fictional 1970s rock band, its wardrobe and styling are second-to-none. The songs and storyline are great too!
Which is your favourite boho piece? Do you have any additional boho style tips to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.