With a new year comes a new cycle of styles, and this year boho chic is on the rise.
What is boho chic?
Boho chic is a style reminiscent of the hippie era of the 60s and 70s, with hints of 90s grunge. This style consists of loosely fitted shirts, tank tops, and dresses. The materials used are typically transparent, lightweight, and flowy.
There is a certain “messiness” to the style that takes inspiration from the 90s grunge era.
Boho chic origins
Boho chic originates from the bohemian styles of 1920s France. The style “bohemian” is very similar to boho chic. This style involves layering, laces, and loosely fitted clothing.
Artists and free spirited people in France decided to wear loose clothing as opposed to corsets and form fitting silhouettes. Women who decided to dress this way were thought of as individualists; people who did not care for society’s status quo. Thus, the term bohemian was used to describe these kinds of women.
The driving force that led to the popularity of the bohemian style is the French Revolution in the 19th century. Many people were living in poverty and could therefore no longer afford form-fitting clothes. The clothes worn by people during this time were loose and a little ragged.
Hippie revolution
During the 60s and 70s, American fashion had a transformation. This transformation is known as the hippie revolution. The hippie revolution was an alteration of what female and male fashion was in America. This new style featured looser silhouettes, light and airy fabrics, floral prints, and a more relaxed look.
This reflects the political state of America, as young Americans were fighting racism, homophobia, and violence. This was also in the same timeframe as the Vietnam War, which caused the hippie movement to become popular, as many young Americans did not support America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
90s grunge
The 90s grunge era was heavily inspired by the 90s rock scene, which featured a surge in underground grunge bands changing the music scene. Due to such a change in the music scene, the fashion scene in the 90s also made a change. There were two sides to 90s fashion: one was grunge fashion, and the other was minimalism.
Grunge fashion is similar to the bohemian style in terms of the way the clothes fit loosely on the body, and the messiness of the clothes. The difference between grunge and bohemian is that grunge features mainly dark colors, with ripped denim, studs, safety pins, and ragged clothes. With the bohemian style, the clothes are lighter and fun with brighter colors.
In the 90s, there was a recession, which caused the tone of American fashion to become darker and less about conforming to societal norms. The grunge music scene started from this idea of not conforming to society’s standards, which is then reflected in 90s fashion.
Boho chic
During the early to mid 2000s, boho chic was born. This style was a combination of the 90s grunge era and the 60s hippie revolution. Flowy, see-through tops were typically paired with ripped denim short shorts. Dresses were loosely fitted and short. This style is revealing, yet at the same time comfortable, which appeals to a lot of young women.
This style really took off with style icons Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Alexa Chung, and Kate Moss. These ladies carried the boho chic style effortlessly, which created more popularity around the look.
The icons
This is Alexa Chung, style icon of the mid 2000s. She is one of the pioneers of boho chic. Alexa is an inspiration to young women because she embraces messiness while looking chic and celebrating her femininity. She is unapologetically herself, while building her own career in the fashion industry.
Another great icon of the 2000s and 90s, Kate Moss. Her style is very boho chic, and so is her personality. She is a free-spirited woman who does not care what the public thinks of her. Kate Moss is known for being on the rebellious side, and her style reflects this.
Finally, we have the Olsen twins. They both left the acting industry to pursue careers in the fashion industry and keep out of the spotlight. This drastic change in careers is admirable, as they do not care about pleasing the adults around them anymore and decide to do something that they actually enjoy.
In 2008, there was a great stock market crash, which only made the boho chic style increasingly popular. When there is unrest and growing poverty in a nation, it reflects in the nation’s fashion. People tend to dress more freely and loosely when there is a downturn in their country. This is because it eases the mind and is easier to dress comfortably while still looking cute.
Why is this style important to young women?
Boho chic is a style that represents rebellion against limiting beliefs that society places on women and other marginalized groups. This style shows women that we can dress in a way that makes us feel comfortable and feminine at the same time.
Since the beginning of fashion, women’s bodies have been subject to scrutiny and criticism. When women wear certain items of clothing, they are seen as either worthy of respect from society or not. Men are not scrutinized in the same way as women when it comes to clothing.
With boho chic, women can put together an outfit that highlights their best features effortlessly. This is giving women the confidence to feel cool and beautiful, while ignoring the restrictions that are placed upon us.
Boho chic teaches women how to feel comfortable in their bodies, which is important for young women.
America’s political state
As of recent, the political state in America has only worsened. Grocery prices rise, gun violence increases, and ICE is on the rampage under the guise of our current president. Many people can barely afford what was once affordable to the majority of our population.
Due to the rapid chain of events taking place in America, our style is changing. Women are beginning to wear looser clothing while still showing skin. People are also beginning to wear more activewear, which is comfortable clothing. People want to feel comfortable in their own clothes now, because of how unsettling the American political state is currently in.
Best boho chic inspirations
New boho chic iterations from different brands have been created in recent years. From designer brands to mainstream chain brands, let’s take a look at some of the best boho chic brands for this year.
This is the Chloé collection from 2025, which brought a new look to the brand. It is very reminiscent of the boho chic and bohemian styles. The combination of fur, chiffon, and velvet is perfect for achieving the boho chic style.
Another great boho chic brand is Isabel Marant. Isabel Marant uses a lot of fringe, leather, and loose silhouettes. Isabel Marant is a more grunge take on boho chic with a lot of leather, studs, and furs. However, Isabel Marant combines this with the loose proportions that are essential to the boho chic style.
Last but not least, we have Free People, which is a more affordable brand that is mainstream. Free People is known for their bohemian look and caters to young women. Their brand is perfect for achieving the boho chic look.
Free People is a great combination of Chloé and Isabel Marant, as the brand uses fringes, leather, denim, and loose silhouettes with sheer fabric.
My personal take
Boho chic is a rebellion against America’s political state, similar to the hippie revolution in the 60s, and the grunge era in the 90s. People want peace and to be able to feel safe in their country. Since this is currently an issue, people turn to fashion in order to feel safe, which is why boho chic is on the rise.
I personally really love the boho chic style. It is a way to look presentable and beautiful in an effortless manner. I would say that my personal style takes inspiration from boho chic. It is important to feel beautiful and feminine, while also being comfortable in my body.
The rise in boho chic is very similar and reminiscent of the hippie revolution, especially in the current events taking place not only in America but around the world. Wars are breaking out, riots, and revolutions all over the globe.
People around the world, not only in America, are tired and outraged with the corruption and violence coming from world leaders. Fashion always changes with political states, and this rise in boho chic is no different to the hippie revolution in the 60s.
