STYLING

A DEEP DIVE INTO BOHO

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 30 September 2024

The latest comeback of the 2020s? Boho. Its origins are hazy, but often credited to the Romani people of France during the 19th century, with pioneering French designer Paul Poiret using their carefree clothing and culture as inspiration. Eventually, boho made it to Hollywood and became *the* look of the mid-00s It-girl, but it’s much more than that. Read on for the A-Z of the trend in recent history.

Left: Stevie Nicks wearing flared jeans in 1975. Right: Chaka Khan in a red fringed dress, 1984.

Left: Stevie Nicks, 1975. Right: Chaka Khan in Chicago, 1984

THE MID-LATE 20TH CENTURY

Boho looks were adopted in the 60s and 70s by people of the hippie movement. It wasn’t just a fleeting trend to be replaced, however, it was a lifestyle that reflected their physical environment – think lightweight linens, balloon sleeves and fringe details that all moved freely. This cultural shift translated into the music of the time, with artists like Stevie Nicks embodying boho, then drifting into the mainstream.

More colour was embraced in wardrobes – rich yellows, blues and purples were mixed with neutrals, and intricate prints and patterns were worn. Key pieces? Moccasins, ponchos, fringing and crystal jewellery.

Left: Sienna Miller wearing a white tank top in 2005. Upper right: Nicole Richie. Upper left: Mary-Kate Olsen

Left: Sienna Miller in London, 2004. Upper right: Nicole Richie in LA, 2005. Lower right: Mary-Kate Olsen in LA, 2005.

THE EARLY 2000s

Although Erykah Badu and fellow neo-soul artists *always* spoke the language of boho, A-listers like Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins brought it to worldwide audiences. With this elite clientele came a touch of luxury – cult-faves like the Chloé Paddington and the Balenciaga City bags became coveted boho accessories. An easy-‘fit formula of the time = studded leather bags, denim shorts, slouchy vests and touches of suede.

Left: Kate Moss in a white blouse. Upper right: Kendall Jenner in a crochet dress. Lower right: Vanessa Hudgens in denim shorts

Pictures: Getty

Left: Kate Moss, 2003. Upper right: Kendall Jenner, 2016. Lower right: Vanessa Hudgens, 2011.

THE 2010s

In the 2010s, boho officially became *nostalgic.* So, of course, the looks were all over Tumblr, pairing perfectly with OG Instagram filters, flower crowns and Born To Die-era Lana Del Rey.

This leads us to boho's biggest annual runway – festivals – where we saw the trend at its most saturated. Vanessa Hudgens was the first lady of everyone's favourite desert festival, usually in boho looks ft. lightweight crochets, cowboy boots and statement jewellery. With the festival craze came a kind of all-American version of boho – western touches like cowboy boots were key.

In the UK, we looked to Kate Moss for ‘fitspo during festival season. The British take on boho leans on wellies (because we don’t have Cali weather, sadly), with Kate swearing by distressed denim shorts, slouchy tees, sheer dresses and ruffles.

Pictures: ASOS

TODAY'S BOHO

Boho in 2024 is still subverting the norm – everyone's mixing gold + silver jewellery and wearing wedges again (2010 us would be proud). It's even been merged with the Y2K revival for a new-school meets old-school take.

So why do we love it? Boho is unconstrained – in a time when trends come and go and have rigid guidelines (lest a TikTok commenter tell you you’re not *truly* doing office siren correctly), it’s like a dreamy escape where… anything goes. The ASOS take on boho is more romantic – tap into ruffles, fluid dresses, suede accessories and more.