How to Choose Boho Dresses for Women?

20 Feb How to Choose Boho Dresses for Women?

Boho chic, also known as bohemian style, has become one of the most popular fashion trends in recent years. Characterized by flowy silhouettes, intricate patterns, and earthy tones, boho dresses allow you to channel your free-spirited and artistic side. But with so many boho styles and prints, finding the perfect bohemian dress for your taste and body type can be tricky. This article will teach you to select the best boho dresses for women to suit your style.

What is Boho Style?

Bohemian communities’ relaxed and artistic look in the 1960s and 1970s inspires the Boho style. At its core, the boho or bohemian aesthetic embraces freedom of expression through fashion.

Some key elements that define boho style include:

• Flowy, loose-fitting silhouettes – Long, maxi, or midi-length dresses and skirts are familiar. Billowy tops, sleeves, and ruffled details add to the laidback vibe.
• Natural fabrics – Boho outfits use breathable materials like cotton, linen, and rayon. You’ll also see crocheted pieces.
• Vintage patterns – Floral prints, paisley, embroidered accents, and mosaic or tile motifs are popular boho patterns.
• Earthy, muted color palette – Boho style favors neutral or dusty shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange, and green. White and black are also staples.
• Ethnic inspiration – Global influences from Indian, Native American, Middle Eastern, and South American styles often inspire boho designs.
• Layering – Mixing multiple loose layers of tops, dresses, kimonos, and ponchos is integral to achieving the boho look.
• Accessories – Boho looks aren’t complete without the finishing touches, like headbands, fedoras, fringe bags, and statement jewelry.

So, in summary, the boho style embraces freedom of expression through laidback and global-inspired elements. A boho chic dress allows you to channel your personality’s relaxed and artistic side.

Different Types of Boho Dresses For Women

Many types of boho dresses suit different body types and styles. Here are some of the most famous bohemian dress silhouettes:

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are ankle or floor-length boho dresses that cinch at the waist and flow into a long skirt. Look for styles with fun prints, ruffled hems, embroidery, or macramé accents. Maxi dresses suit all body types and are easy to dress up or down.

midi Dresses

Midi dresses end below or at the knee for a modest boho look. They are similar to maxi dresses but show a bit more leg. Pair with boots or sandals.

Shift & Trapeze Dresses

Shift and trapeze boho dresses have straight silhouettes that skim the figure. They usually have short sleeves or smocking at the shoulders. Pair with a waist belt to give yourself some shape.

Babydoll Dresses

As the name suggests, these boho dresses have an empire waist and floaty skirt, creating a babydoll silhouette. Look for ruffled, tiered, or lace-trimmed styles. Pair with ankle boots or sandals.

Kimono & Kaftan Dresses

Kimono and kaftan shapes create billowy, robe-like bohemian dresses. These styles often feature kimono sleeves and vibrant global prints. They are great as beach coverups, too.

Wrap & Faux Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses cinch at the waist to show off your curves in a very boho way. Faux wrap dresses imitate this look with side ties, buttons, or ruching at the waist.

Off-the-Shoulder Dresses

Boho off-the-shoulder dresses show flirty skin at the shoulders and neckline. Look for puff sleeve, cold shoulder, or bardot neckline variations of this trendy silhouette.

Slip Dresses

While minimal, slip dresses in satin or slinky fabrics have a bohemian vibe when styled with the right accessories. Opt for V-neck, spaghetti strap, or lace-trimmed versions.

How to Choose a Flattering Boho Dress for Your Body Type

Choosing the fitting silhouette and details for your body shape is the key to looking and feeling your best in a boho dress.

Here are some tips on the most flattering boho dress styles for women’s different body types:

Boho Dresses for Pear-Shaped Bodies

If you have a wider hip and narrower shoulder silhouette, balance out your shape with the following:

• Empire waist dresses enhance the bust and highlight the narrowest part of your waist
• A-line maxi dresses to flow gracefully over the hips and legs
• Avoid extra volume or ruffles around the hips
• Add shape with belts
• Look for fun prints or details at the top, like flutter sleeves

Boho Dresses for Rectangle Body Shapes

If you have a straight up and down figure, create the illusion of curves with:

• Wrap dress silhouettes to cinch the waist
• Dresses with tiered or ruffled skirts
• Look for cinched waist details, like smocking or elastic at the waist
• Scoop, v-neck, and off-the-shoulder necklines to enhance the bust
• Draw attention upwards with unique necklines and shoulder details like fluttery sleeves

Boho Dresses for Hourglass Figures

Lucky you – almost any boho dress silhouette will look amazing on an hourglass frame. Focus on:

• Wraps dresses or fitted waistline styles to show off your shapely middle
• A-line midi and maxi dresses
• Sweetheart, square, and boat necklines to complement your proportions
• Cinched waist dresses with flared skirts
• Show off those curves, girl! Just avoid boxy dresses.

Boho Dresses for Athletic Body Types

If you have broad shoulders and a muscular build, balance your shape with:

• Halter, v-neck, and wrap dress necklines
• Dresses with flirty details around the neckline and shoulders like ruffles
• Empire waist styles highlight the narrowest part of your waist
• A-line and babydoll silhouettes add shape

Boho Dresses for Plus-Size Women

Here are some tips for plus-size boho goddess fashion:

• Look for boho dresses made from stretchy, structured fabrics to shape your curves
• Fitted wrap dress styles are super flattering
• Cinch under the bust to draw attention to your middle
• Maxi dresses with high slits or flowy asymmetrical hems show off legs
• Pair flowy boho dresses with wide belts
• Go for v-necklines and shoulder-baring shapes to elongate the neckline

So, in summary, look for boho dresses that highlight your best assets and balance out your proportions. The right bohemian dress should make you feel gorgeous and confident.

Perfect Boho Dresses for Different Seasons

Boho style transcends the seasons, making it easy to rock bohemian dresses year-round. Here are some tips for dressing boho throughout the seasons:

Boho Dresses for Spring

• Stick to lighter fabrics like cotton, chambray, or linen
• Pastels, florals, and prints transition perfectly into spring
• Look for short sleeve boho dresses and rompers as the weather warms
• Add a denim or leather jacket for cooler temps
• Accessorize with floppy sun hats, shoulder bags, and fringed sandals

Boho Dresses for Summer

• Breezy maxi dresses and kimonos are perfect for keeping cool
• Cotton, rayon, and modal fabrics feel great in the heat
• Strappy sundresses show some skin
• Look for lightweight crochet and lace details
• Bright colors and bold prints fit the summer season
• Go for strappy flat sandals or wedges to complete the summer boho look

Boho Dresses for Fall

As the temperatures drop, layer up your boho dress:

• Pair with leather or denim jackets and broad belts
• Look for long sleeve boho dresses in jewel tones
• Velvet and lace add texture to fall
• Pair with booties or ankle boots
• Finish the look with beanies and blanket scarves

Boho Dresses for Winter

• Look for cozy textures like velvet, corduroy, and sweater knits
• Rich fall hues like burgundy, hunter green, and mustard
• Long sleeve boho dresses worn with tights and leggings
• Add warmth with dusters, cardigans, and shawls
• Faux fur and wool coats
• Complete the winter boho style with over-the-knee boots and beanies

So embrace boho dresses as a year-round staple. Just switch up your fabrics, colors, and styling as the seasons change!

Boho Dress Styling Tips

The details make or break a bohemian dress outfit. Use these styling tips to perfect your boho dress look:

Layer It Up

Layering luxe textures like velvet, lace, and crochet over your boho dress creates dimension. Top your favorite slip dress with an oversized duster cardigan or kimono for an effortless layered look.

Cinch Your Waist

Define your waistline with belts in materials like leather, suede, or macramé. Pair wide belts with billowy to reign in the silhouette.

Finish with Footwear

Ground your bohemian dress with the right shoes. Ankle boots, strappy sandals, and cowboy boots pair perfectly with boho dresses.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Big statement accessories complete a bohemian dress. Opt for wood bangles, chandelier earrings, Panama hats, and fringe crossbody bags.

Keep Hair Natural

Let your hair flow naturally or create soft waves. Skip the harsh ponytails and embrace loose braids, claw clips, or floral headbands.

Makeup

A minimal, natural makeup look complements the boho style. Stick to earth tones, subtle highlights, soft pink, or peachy lip colors. Strategic pops of metallic eyeshadow also work for a night out.

Where to Shop for Boho Dresses

Here are some of my favorite places to buy bohemian dresses both online and in stores:

Online Stores

• Free People: My #1 stop for feminine  and separates in dreamy prints
• Anthropologie: From vintage-inspired to contemporary boho dresses, their collection masters the aesthetic
• Lucky Brand: Boho dresses in signature prints, peasant tops and great denim
• Nordstrom: A mix of casual jersey and dressier particular occasion styles
• ASOS: Affordable indie and name-brand  in all the latest trends
• Etsy: Shop tiny and find unique vintage-inspired  from independent sellers

Department Stores

• Urban Outfitters: Budget-friendly boho dresses and basics from their in-house brands
• Madewell: Cool contemporary take on ’70s-inspired boho dresses and denim.
• Anthropologie: This boho brand also has physical stores where you can try their dresses.
• Free People: Find their latest festival-ready dresses and separates in store.

5 Stylish Boho Dress Outfit Examples

For outfit inspiration, here are five examples of stylish boho dress looks and exactly how to recreate them:

Boho Maxi Dress for a Casual Day

Channel laidback boho vibes in a printed maxi dress paired with sandals and sunnies.

• Floral print cotton maxi dress with thin straps
• Wooden bead and tassel pendant necklace
• Straw fedora
• Flat leather sandals
• Canvas tote bag

Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress for Date Night

Show off a flirty sliver of skin in an off-shoulder midi boho dress with heels for date night.

• Off-the-shoulder midi dress in black or red
• Statement chandelier earrings
• Black lace-up heels
• Velvet choker
• Evening clutch

Boho Kimono Dress for a Summery Look

Stay cool in a breezy kimono-sleeved boho dress and casual slides.

• Short kimono dress in a bright print
• Flat studded leather slides
• Circle crossbody bag
• Stacked bead bracelets
• Hair down in natural waves

Winter Boho Dress with Layers

Layer for winter with tights, boots, and a cozy duster over your boho dress.

• Sleeve boho dress in velvet or lace
• Oversized duster cardigan or jacket on top
• Opaque black tights
• Ankle boots or booties
• Beret or beanie
• Fringed saddle bag

Boho Cocktail Dress for Special Occasions

Make a style statement in a unique printed cocktail boho dress with heels.

• Short boho cocktail dress with a bold print
• Strappy heels
• Statement cocktail ring
• Structured box clutch
• Chandelier earrings
• Pin hair back on one side for an elegant finish

So embrace the bohemian lifestyle and channel your inner flower child in gorgeous . Just be creative and have fun with your styling. The options are endless!

FAQs

What fabrics are best for boho dresses?

Lightweight, natural fabrics like cotton, rayon, linen, and modal work well for flowy boho silhouettes. You’ll also see a lot of lace, crochet, and velvet.

Can you wear boho dresses to formal events?

Absolutely! Boho-inspired cocktail dresses and gowns in luxe materials like satin and chiffon are perfect for formal and wedding attire. Just skip the casual accessories.

How do you style boho dresses for winter?

Layer your boho dress with thermal tights, chunky knits, boots, booties, and cozy jackets. Look for long-sleeved  in warmer materials like sweater knits and velvet.

Are maxi dresses boho style?

Maxi dresses are a wardrobe staple for any boho fashionista. The ankle-grazing length and flowy skirt embody the laidback bohemian vibe.

What shoes do you wear with boho dresses?

Boho dresses pair perfectly with sandals, flats, ankle boots, cowboy boots and booties. Mix in embellished slides or mules for dressier occasions.

Conclusion

With so many boho dresses for women to choose from, use these tips to pick styles that enhance your body type and express your style. Discover the art of embracing Grandma clothes by elevating your style with timeless pieces; look for details like off-shoulder silhouettes, fluttery sleeves, global prints, and crochet accents that effortlessly channel the bohemian vibe into your wardrobe. And most importantly, have fun getting creative and layering up your accessories. Boho fashion is all about emphasizing your individuality. So embrace your inner boho goddess!