Boho chic dresses are a modern womenswear staple
While the term bohémien historically referred to groups of Central European refugees and travelers, often female-led (also called “gypsies”), modern interpretations of “bohemian style” are more universal, crossing demographic and geographic boundaries. For decades, boho-chic has been synonymous with female empowerment, anti-establishment, and punk fashion.
Today, the style is defined by pop-culture icons like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Nicole Ritchie, along with music festivals like Coachella and even high-profile designers like Alessandro Michele, who has led the creative direction at Gucci since 2015. Our own Style Icon Vanessa Zoppas loves the boho chic dresses from classic Italian names like Etro.
Dresses (as a garment category) may be the easiest way to express the bohemian style, since they can touch on many of its hallmarks: long, flowing skirts, fanciful prints, detailing like ruffles and pleats, lace, beading, and fringe.
Boho Chic Dresses
Our top boho chic dresses come from Etro and Zimmermann, though plenty of other designers dabble in the style too: Isabel Marant, Dsquared2, See by Chloé, and Alberta Ferretti.
To nail this look, go for dresses with handkerchief hems, bright, colorful prints, 3/4 length sleeves, plunging necklines, and an overall swishy movement.
Bohemian Accessories
To complete the bohemian aesthetic, look to niche labels like Jerome Dreyfuss and Cult Gaia for accessories with flair and a touch of the wild and organic: a bamboo cage “Ark” handbag, a silk-lamé turban, or a statement necklace made with goose feathers.
If you’re not leaving the house, then bare feet are the best boho chic choice. Otherwise, reach for a classic, summery espadrille made of rope and canvas. They come in many varieties, from wedge to slip-on flat to open-back mule…
Our favorites of the season come from Fendi and Dior.
For bohemian-inspired footwear that’s a bit sturdier, check out Aquazzura’s python-print leather sandals embellished with beads, tassels, and charms, or go full-out SS20 trendy with a raffia flat sandal from Red Valentino, tied at the ankle with a golden rope.
While we all watch and wait to see how things evolve in the world over the next weeks and months, it’s hard to focus on fashion. But it can also be a much-needed escape too, giving us reason to be positive, optimistic, and look forward to better, healthier times ahead.
Boho chic dresses will always be in style, no matter the climate, and they may be the best choice right now, to get dressed up and feel glamorous, even just to pop down to the market.
Shop italist for up to 30% off on over 200,000 up-to-the-minute luxury fashions for women, men, and kids from leading brands like Golden Goose, Fendi, Gucci, Miu Miu, and many more—direct from Italy’s finest boutiques to your door.
About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.