Festival season is here, signalling the start of great music, warm weather and of course fashion! Festivals have long been a place to express individuality through what you wear, and taking inspiration from events past and present is the perfect way to curate a stylish Boho look.
There is no set dress code at a festival, and anything goes; some people will choose outfits based on current trends, while others opt for a more timeless aesthetic such as the Boho style.
Boho style has never gone out of fashion, remaining a constant feature at festivals worldwide. So let’s delve into this popular trend and how to style Boho festival outfits for the season.
Where Did The Boho Style Come From?
The Boho style originated in the mid-1800s in France by artists, writers and creatives who wore old and used clothes due to poverty. By the middle of the 1900s, an artistic movement known as The Romantics and The French Bohemians began to veer away from the mainstream fashion of that time, choosing to wear flowing distressed, garments with accessories inspired by the Roma community.
In the late 1960s, the Hippie Movement adopted this style and became associated with free-spiritedness and individuality. In the Summer of 1969, a music festival held on a farm in Bethel, New York, called Woodstock would change festival fashion forever, and its legacy still lives on.
The crowd of nearly half a million at Woodstock, mostly Hippies, caused quite a stir with their eclectic attire, including kaftans, bell-bottom jeans, crochet crop tops, headbands, tie-dyed shirts, bare feet and nudity, leaving a lasting impact.
When Did Boho Style Become Popular?
Woodstock was a significant moment for festival fashion and remains a source of inspiration over fifty years later. Hippie chic continued into the 1970s, and Boho style icons of that era include Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Jane Birkin and what they wore greatly influenced the fashion of that era.
Boho style eventually made way for punk culture in the 70s, followed by shoulder pads, perms and leg warmers of the 80s, and grunge and ripped jeans in the 90s, until the start of the millennium saw the return of Boho fashion.
The Birth Of Boho Chic
In the early Noughties, the Boho trend was reignited by various celebrities rocking Boho-inspired outfits, curating a new festival look known as ‘Boho chic.’
The term “Boho chic” was coined in 2002 to describe the “electric gipsy aesthetic”, which at that time was all the rage by Australian journalist Laura Demasi and is still an influential aesthetic at festivals.
Style icons Kate Moss and Sienna Miller caused a sensation with their Glastonbury outfits of this era. Sienna Miller’s iconic 2004 look consisting of a black mini dress, metallic encrusted belt, and rolled-down Ugg’s had women everywhere rushing to recreate the look.
Boho chic gripped the fashion world, and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Rachel Zoe, and Mischa Barton were influential ‘It girls’ of this time, inspiring Boho Festival Outfits worldwide.
What Is The Difference Between Boho And Boho Chic?
Boho fashion is about expressing individuality and typically consists of loose-fitting garments made of natural fabrics, such as linen and wool, with accessories like headbands, flower crowns and jewellery.
Boho chic is a more polished and curated look that mixes current trends with hippie elements and Boho for a contemporary feel. Boho chic incorporates more fitted garments for a sophisticated and elegant look contrasted with the carefree elements of Boho style.
Boho Chic Fashion Staples Include:
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Rah-Rah Skirts
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Studded Belts
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Ruffles
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Flowy Fabrics
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Layered Necklaces
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Flower Crowns
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Fringe
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Sequins
Festivals are the ultimate runways for festival style, and fashion magazines flock to photograph the array of outfits. Actress Vanessa Hudgens has been crowned “the Queen of Coachella” due to her iconic outfits and is well known for her Boho looks.
On the other side of the pond at Glastonbury, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Alexa Chung constantly deliver memorable Boho festival outfits to take inspiration from.
How To Style Boho Festival Outfits
When creating your Boho festival wardrobe, embrace your free spirit and wear whatever you want. Your Boho festival outfits don’t need to match, as there is a lot of creative freedom with this trend. You can source inspiration from the past by wearing authentic vintage pieces or opt for a Boho chic look for a more contemporary feel.
Second-hand shops are fantastic places to buy vintage and Boho-inspired pieces. If you live in London or are planning a visit, check out our guide to the best second-hand designer shops and charity shops (thrift stores) to find some gems. Let’s get into how to style Boho festival outfits to rock this season.
Festival Dresses
A long flowy maxi dress is the perfect Boho staple, and you can opt for a simple cotton or one with different patterns in a nod to the style of the 1970s. If you want a more modern look, opt for a long-sleeve ruffled mini-dress or a long crochet dress to channel flower power.
Festival Footwear
Cowboy boots have become festival staples, and the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Combat boots have also become a fixture of festival wear that adds an edge to an outfit while keeping your feet dry. Trainers, sandals, or ankle boots are good options if good weather is guaranteed.
Which footwear will depend on the expected weather conditions, and festivals such as Glastonbury have seen their fair share of rain, making an unexpected fashion icon of the Wellington boot. In these cases, it is always helpful to pack some durable footwear as a backup to avoid wet feet.
Festival Tops
Layering is an integral feature of Boho style, and crochet crop tops and bikinis are essential items to style Boho festival outfits and wear under kimonos, jackets, or sheer dresses.
Vintage and graphic tees are a good look with jeans or denim shorts, and you can also cut the sleeves off them for a more modern look. Loose floaty tops, off-the-shoulder or peasant tops are Boho must-haves to style with a maxi skirt or wide-legged trousers.
Festival Trousers
Let’s face it, jeans are the most hardworking item in our wardrobe as they work for many occasions, including festivals. If you want to take your inspiration from the 70s, choose some wide-leg jeans paired with a cute crop top or classic Levis 501s with vintage tees and cowboy boots.
Other options include flared trousers, statement trousers such as sequin or sheer lace or cargo pants for Y2K vibes.
Festival Shorts
A pair of denim shorts is a versatile item worn at festivals for years. For a truly Boho look, wear them underneath a flowy dress or kimono with boots or a floaty peasant top for a more simple outfit.
Festival Accessories
When it comes to what bag to wear for a festival, choose a stylish, practical, and compact one. Avoid bags that sit on your shoulders as they could get uncomfortable; instead, opt for a cross-body or bum bag, and select a fringed or embroidered one for a Boho festival vibe.
Layering is a key feature of Boho festival outfits, so feel free to stack long necklaces, bracelets, rings and wear a pair of statement earrings to complete your look. You can source authentic Boho jewellery in second-hand shops or on vintage websites.
Festivals can get hot, so a hat is a good idea; wide-brimmed fedoras and floppy-brim hats are popular Boho choices, and cowboy hats have become popular at festivals.
Boho festival hair styles includes braids, loose waves, messy buns, and adding accessories such as headbands and flower crowns. Soft, natural make-up is a popular Boho choice, and you can elevate the look by adding some face jewels or glitter.
The Ultimate Checklist For Boho Festival Outfits For 2024
If you are heading to a festival this year, the Style Cadet has curated the Ultimate Checklist For Boho Festival Outfits to take inspiration from (don’t forget to screenshot.)
How to Style Boho Festival Outfits
Distinctly Deco Devore Kimono Joe Browns | Khaki Satin Maxi Dress-F&F
Payton Embroidered Bib Dress Blue- Monsoon | Darina Sequin Tunic Dress- Monsoon
Ivory Floral Maxi Skirt- Lipsy | Shiny Metallic Straight Trousers-Michelle Keegan x Very
South Beach Bikini Top-John Lewis | Black Crochet Vest –F&F | Grey Leather Fringed & Suede Waistcoat-TK Maxx | Red Cotton Embroidered Floral Puff Sleeve Top-New Look | Blue Mid-Rise Ripped Denim Shorts- River Island | Cowboy Boots-TK Maxx Black Leather Studded Cross-Body Bag-River Island
Orange Twist Bow Fedora-Oliver Bonas | Belt-TK Maxx | Azure Bead Cluster & Cz Drop Huggie Earrings-Oliver Bonas | Faro Charms Multi Row Layered Necklace-Oliver Bonas
Creating Boho festival outfits is easy as there is a lot of freedom with this style. You can wear vintage pieces from the 60s and 70s for an authentic look or choose a Boho chic outfit for a more contemporary feel. The most important aspect is you find an outfit you feel amazing wearing this festival season.
