I’ve noticed that as the weather warms up, my clients with an otherwise un-bohemian style, are more than happy to add a boho integrity to their look. There is something about the vibe that lends itself well to Summer dressing. It’s all fabulous: Unstructured comfort, cotton, silk, rayon and linen-rich fabrications, fun colours and patterns, earth tones, flounces, tassels, flowing and tiered silhouettes, florals, paisleys, embroderies, ruffles, peplums, crochet, distressed brown leather, kaftans, beading, wooden jewellery, smocking, bell sleeves, flutter sleeves, midi and maxi skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, babydoll blouses, straw hats, kimono toppers, tie-dye, soft wide pants, wooden heels, clogs, plaited belts, beachy waves, soft feathered hair, mega curly hair, headbands, turquoise jewellery, fringe, empire cuts, batwings, tunics, yoked tops, and frayed cut-off denim shorts.
The high longevity factor and versatility of bohemian style is appealing. It’s seldom on-trend, yet it’s always there and looks right every season. Think of how the Johnny Was look is so timeless, especially when you live in a warm climate like Southern California.
Anyone can rock boho items. Dress them up or down, and remix them with other vibes. Keep boho looks earthy and neutral, or throw in the brights, jewel tones and pastels. Keep it simple, or wear everything but the kitchen sink. Personalize the boho vibe and wear it YOUR way.
Some of my clients add a lot of boho to their style in Summer, and others keep it boho-lite. Kaftans come in handy for the beach and pool. Breezy boho blouses and knitted tops are a step up from basic tees and look great with jeans, shorts and cropped pants. Roomy boho dresses and skirts are very comfortable and excellent in the heat. And cut-off denim shorts have become iconic.
Here are two examples of outfits that aren’t exactly boho, but exude the same vibe. The first is very casual, and the second a good bit dressier. They are relaxed, roomy and Summery in that quintessential boho way.
Years ago, I used to say that my style was as boho as Karl Lagerfeld. I had to eat my words, because in the Summer, I will absolutely wear boho-lite blouses, skirts and dresses. I’m drawn to them because they’re soft, pretty, romantic, flouncy and flowing. But I’ll wear them in a crisp, polished, and dressier way to make them feel authentic to my style.
Over to you. Do you incorporate boho into your style in the Summertime?
