Would you like to learn more about the hippie chic style? Are you interested in dressing according to the bohemian trend? What are the essential clothing items and accessories to embrace the boho-chic style?
You’re in the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast and wedding planning professional, the bohemian chic trend is a constant presence in my life! The wave of freedom it brings is truly a source of inspiration for me.
Today, I’m sharing everything I know about this style so that you too can uncover the secrets of bohemian and hippie chic fashion!
This style, inspired by the clothing of American hippies from the sixties and the bohemian lifestyles of 19th-century French artists, is characterized by loose and relaxed cuts, floral prints, as well as natural fabrics and hues. You can freely wear: long flowing dresses, tunics with an Eastern influence, wide and comfortable pants, long skirts, blouses, and embellished or customized denim pieces… To complete your look, don’t hesitate to enhance your outfit with various accessories such as bags, jewelry, and hairstyles (headbands, flower crowns, etc.).
Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:
- The origins of the bohemian trend and its connection to hippie culture
- All the key features of the chic hippie style: patterns, materials, clothing…
- How to choose your accessories in this style
- Ideas for embracing a bohemian decor that aligns with your style and values
Where Does Bohemian Fashion Come From?
Very trendy and highly regarded for its natural and elegant vibe, the Hippie Chic style – another name for the bohemian trend – draws inspiration from various social and artistic movements. In the following lines, I’ll explore its origins to help you understand if it resonates with you.
What does the word “Bohemian” mean?
The term “Bohemian” is not a recent invention! It first appeared in the French language in the 17th century to describe people who were characterized by their freedom of thought and their way of living outside of traditional habits and values.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the term “bohemian lifestyle” truly emerged: it was used to describe the way of life of artists living in the Latin Quarter of Paris, on the fringes of society, dedicating their lives to the development of art and poetry, away from material concerns.
They were also recognized by their attire, which was considered eccentric. At a time when refinement was the norm, they stood out because of the simplicity of their clothing and the lack of sophistication in their style.
At this time, Paris became the capital of bohemian culture, with certain locations becoming iconic for this movement: the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre, and the Quai aux Fleurs on the Île de la Cité…
A Style Inspired by Hippie Culture
Another era that greatly inspired and transformed bohemian culture is the Hippie movement, which gave rise to the term “Hippie chic.” It was in the 1960s, in the United States, that the first hippies emerged. Initially, these were young people who gathered in communities and opposed the mobilization of troops to fight in Vietnam.
They share common values: peace, tolerance, as well as freedom, openness to other cultures, and different ways of thinking. They come together at festivals and music concerts, such as Woodstock in 1969, which remains iconic to this day.
Like the bohemian Parisians of the 19th century, hippies are known for their distinct style. Inspired by the psychedelic art they created, as well as by nature, they wear loose and lightweight clothing with a relaxed fit, which stands in stark contrast to the more formal attire of the time.
Some key elements of hippie fashion include:
- The jeans 👖, originally work pants, now customized with beads and embroidery,
- Natural materials such as linen, leather, etc.
- Clothing and accessories like headbands, a flower crown, and tunics inspired by Eastern styles…
- Long hair, worn down
- Distinctive patterns: prints, tie-dye, floral designs that evoke a connection to nature…
As the name suggests, the Hippie Chic style is directly inspired by the hippies of the 1960s and reinterprets their fashion in a modern way.
What is Hippie Chic Style and How to Embrace It?
Now that you know the origins of the boho chic style, it’s time to explore what truly defines it and get inspired to find a look that reflects your personality and tastes!
Say Goodbye to Tight and Restrictive Clothing!
Choose comfortable and loose-fitting clothing, such as:
- tunics
- wide pants, either denim or in bright colors
- long dresses
- long skirts
- baggy shirts
These clothes come with numerous benefits! They enhance your figure without being tight and allow for easy movement. Comfortable to wear, they protect you from the sun and heat, making them particularly suitable for summer and vacations!
Light Fabrics and Prints: The Secret to Hippie-Chic Style!
When it comes to patterns, this trend embraces prints that should ideally be chosen in natural hues: ochre, deep red, off-white, brown…
These colors are easy to wear for various occasions, including work or events.
🌼 Reminiscent of the “Flower Power” spirit, floral patterns are a staple of the Hippie-chic style. They reflect your love for nature and add a touch of romance!
You can also wear solid pieces in these shades, which will highlight your prints or emphasize certain patterns, such as English embroidery, for example.
🛑 Bright color tones such as vibrant blue, fuchsia pink, and apple green don’t really fit the Hippie Chic style. However, they can appear in very small accents on floral prints or arabesque patterns, for instance, to add some energy to your outfit!
Invest in Natural Materials
The role of nature is essential in the bohemian lifestyle, which advocates for a deep connection with it.
It makes sense that your outfits are primarily made of natural materials such as: linen, cotton, leather, straw…
There are also synthetic materials like viscose or polyester that closely mimic natural fabrics and are budget-friendly.
👉 Does wearing leather bother you? With the rise of alternative lifestyles like veganism, you’ll now find many well-made leather substitutes.
Don’t Forget the Accessories!
Whether it’s hairstyles, jewelry, or bags, don’t hesitate to enhance your outfits—especially if they’re solid-colored—with beautifully selected accessories. They contribute to the “chic” aspect of this style, adding elegance to your look.
👉 Would you like to learn how to style a headband in your hair like the hippies? Be sure to check out this blog article that reveals all the secrets of this hairstyle!
Are you more of a flower crown person? I invite you to check out our Hippie-chic synthetic flower crowns, which will add the perfect finishing touch to your party outfits or everyday style! Feel free to visit our online shop now to find the crown that suits you!
The Iconic Piece of This Style: The Chic Bohemian Hippie Dress
Do you want to dress in a boho-chic style for everyday wear or a special event? A long dress is perfect for you! It flatters most body types, whether you are petite, tall, slim, or curvy, and it’s very elegant.
You can choose it with patterns or solid colors, depending on your preferences! Loose and lightweight, it won’t keep you warm and will be easy to wear, even at work or during a heatwave.
You can pair it with:
- Canvas shoes or sandals
- A bohemian chic hairstyle: headband, flower crown…
- Ethnic jewelry
- A belt to accentuate your waist and give you a very feminine look
- A crossbody bag made of leather or fabric
- A loose jacket for when it’s a bit chilly
Hippie Chic: More Than a Style, It’s a Way of Life!
You love the bohemian-chic style and feel it truly represents who you are? It’s time to incorporate it into your everyday life so that it reflects your values and your love for freedom!
Here are some ideas for adopting a hippie-chic decor that truly reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable at home:
➡️ Decorate your walls with tapestries or wall hangings featuring ethnic patterns,
➡️ Layer rugs, cushions, and throws to enhance the cozy atmosphere and turn your home into a true sanctuary.
➡️ Just like with clothing, opt for natural materials: wood, wicker, rope… For example, you can take inspiration from this blog post to make your own macramé plant hangers, which will blend perfectly with your decor!
➡️ Choose simple furniture that evokes relaxation: sofa, armchair, coffee table…
➡️ Embrace a variety of houseplants to bring nature into your home!
➡️ Draw inspiration from bohemian themes for your decor: travel, nature, flowers, music, art…
Now you’re ready to embrace the boho-chic style and enjoy a free-spirited life filled with surprises and new connections!
Are you inspired by boho chic fashion? Visit our partner Vie de Bohème to discover bohemian clothing and accessories.