How To Dress Boho Style And Not Look Too Hippie

If you think of yourself as a bit of a gypsy, then Boho fashion is the perfect way to express your earthy, artsy personality.

Boho chic was all the rage in the ’60s and early ’70s and is back once again. Many women are embracing this natural style and adding their own touch of glitz and glam for a more hippie-luxe look.

No question, boho is fun to wear, but how do you style it without looking like you’re stuck in the ’70s? Here’s how to dress boho style without looking like an old hippie.

1. Choose Free and Flowy Fabrics 

Comfortable, loose-fitting, flowy fabrics are part of boho clothing, so an easy way to get the look is to wear a flowy scarf top.

You’ll look more boho-chic than old hippie if you focus on two things: quality and size. The chicest scarf tops are made from high-quality, luxurious fabrics. Chose one that is silky smooth, or chiffon-like, or made of relaxed linen, and that is well finished at the edges. If your top is too rough, too flimsy, or too sheer, it will look cheap.

Also, loose is good, but when a scarf top is too voluminous or extra-long, it can look like you are wearing a tablecloth.

This scarf top is an excellent example of a beautiful boho-chic scarf top. It’s on the elegant side, and the  V-neckline is very flattering for a couple of reasons: 1) showing some skin is youthful, and 2) the V-neck draws your eye downward through along the center of the body, making you look long and lean. I also think this scarf top is beautiful because of the asymmetrical cut. It’s longer at the back and sides giving the top a more artsy look.

The scarf top is just one carefree style. Here are some more Bohemian tops. Also, check out my favorite type – the peasant-style top. 

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2. Wear Flared Jeans

A  pair of flared jeans especially with a raw hemline is very west coast, very boho clothing. They look super chic with a crochet top or a silky, flowy, front tie top,  breezy scarf top, or any kind of boho peasant top.

Long flares are always popular but cropped Flares are the most fashion forward way to go. The bonus of a flare? Flares are great when you want to balance out wide hips.

What about Straight Leg or Skinny?

If flares are boho, does this mean you can’t wear straight jeans or skinny jeans? Not all all. Straight leg are trending. Try light wash straight leg jeans with the raw edge hem worn with a pretty, crafty crochet top that embodies that carefree Boho spirit. They’re a modern take on a 70’s favorite.

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3. Have Fun with Funky Prints

A Boho outfit is all about artistic expression and involves lots of funky prints that are wild, colorful, and free-flowing.

When you want to embrace your boho side, look for pieces that showcase eye-catching prints in multiple colors. Farm Rio from Brazil is a brand that has done a fantastic of making Boho look modern and exciting.  For example, this sophisticated jumpsuit that I have styled with a fringe clutch and funky sandals.

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4. Try a Maxi Dress 

There’s no better way to look boho than with a pretty maxi. This mixed print dress with the ruffle hem is a classic boho chic style. The off-the-shoulder neckline, bell sleeves, and suede block heel pumps move us into the present by aligning with current trends. A chic white bag with a structured shape gives this outfit more of an Haute-hippie rather than a hippie-dippie feel.

5. Mix Prints

The best way to express your inner gypsy (I know you’re in there somewhere ) is to mix two prints. Small florals are sweet, feminine, and super boho fashion. They look beautiful combined with a geometric print within the fabric ( see maxi dress above). You can also mix prints in the same outfit. For example, mix a floral top with a paisley print skirt.

6. Layer Your Clothes

Do you watch the Netflix series Grace and Frankie? I do, and I find I am often fascinated by the way Lily Tomlin’s character, Frankie, dresses on the show. Her style personality is definitely boho and funky. It always involves a lot of layering.

A natural-looking, textured jacket, vest, or long cardigan is worn over something like a wide-leg halter jumpsuit, is an excellent way to look more boho. Strappy sandals or multiple necklaces and bracelets can also add layers.

One caution here: Too many layers or wearing too much “stuff” can make you look disheveled. This is a risk you run with the boho outfit, so don’t overlayer. Keep things clean and classy with just a nod to boho layering.

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7. Embrace Earth Tones

Natural colors are also a key element of the boho-chic style. If you don’t care for loud colors, then you’ll love the quiet greens, gold, browns, tan, rust, taupes, and blues that are synonymous with this earthy style of dressing. Natural colored leather accessories are the perfect complement to these shades. High-quality leather in soft shapes like a slouchy leather bag is boho.

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8.  Add a Touch of Fringe

Fringe is fun, fringe is flirty, and fringe is a big part of the boho look. A fringe cardigan, a cute bag with a touch of fringe, or some statement sandals with fringe accents, or even fringe earrings are a great way to add a little boho to your look. To keep it classy, not trashy, and very now, stick to less fringe than more.

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9. Have Fun with Palazzo Pants

Wide, flowy palazzo pants that swish as you walk are so Haute-hippie! You can wear them the ‘traditional way – with a white tank and jean jacket for an easy summer look – or you can ‘funk them up with something like this split linen asymmetrical tunic I’m showing above.

One of the things I like about this loose-over-loose look is that it is comfy and forgiving when hiding your tummy is important to you. And let’s face it, when you’re over 40, it’s important to a lot of us! LOL!

I do recommend that you give your outfit some structure to keep it from veering into sloppy territory, and you can do that easily with shoes and a bag that has a little structure. A circle bag is perfect. In a natural straw weave, it’s it bag for spring and looks right at home with this relaxed outfit.

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10. Express Yourself with Artsy Details & Accessories

Large standout pieces of handmade jewelry in natural materials like leather, turquoise, beads, and precious stones bring this look to life. Hoop earrings and long funky pendants are classic boho fashion: the more unique the piece, the better. Don’t be shy about size or mixing and matching styles and colors. Boho chic style is eclectic.

Crocheted, tie-dyed, and handcrafted items or accessories with an ethnic vibe are right on too!  A floppy felt hat is the ultimate accessory when it comes to boho attire.

Are you a boho babe, or would you like to try it out? Have you seen the way I added a Boho touch to a pair of classic shorts? Check out my Boho-lite summer outfit!