How to Be Bohemian

Last Updated: January 8, 2023 References Approved

A bohemian person is someone who lives and acts by a different set of conventional rules and practices than the average person. If this sounds appealing and you're hoping to become more of an artistic free spirit, there are things you can do to make it happen. Embrace the bohemian attitude and style by thinking, acting, dressing, and decorating in a way that promotes creativity and originality.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dressing Bohemian

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Have a couple go-to maxi skirts. You can make a lot of different bohemian outfits with a simple, solid neutral-colored long skirt.^{[1]
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Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.} Make sure to get maxi skirts that are made of a flowy, stretchy material that isn't too thick or heavy.
- Try pairing your skirt with a graphic t-shirt and some gladiator sandals.^{[2]
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Put on a flowy printed dress. Bohemian clothes are often characterized by bright colors and fun patterns. Find a dress that's made of a loose, light material that moves gracefully in the wind that also has a cool print. Floral and aztec patterns are best.
- Pair your printed dress with a denim vest and some booties.^{[3]
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3
Wear neutral-colored suede booties. Throw on a pair of slouchy, distressed ankle boots to add a little bohemian flair to your outfit. Booties are versatile and can be an attractive addition to many different outfits.
- Try pairing your ankle boots with a vibrant high-low dress or tucking your jeans into them.^{[4]
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Have a variety of bold headbands and headwraps. Head pieces make the perfect bohemian accessories. Get a few thin and thick ones with varying colors and patterns so that you have a fun bohemian headband or headwrap for every outfit.
- Trade the headband for a flower crown if you're feeling bold.^{[5]
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5
Get a few pairs of gladiator sandals. This type of sandal is both comfortable and fashionable, and definitely gives off a bohemian vibe. Make sure to go with a sandal that's easy to slip on and off to ensure comfort and versatility.
- Change it up with a pair of knee-high or high heel gladiator sandals.^{[6]
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Wear round sunglasses. Head to the store and pick out a pair of sunglasses that have perfectly circular lenses. ^{[7]
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Research source}These give off an old school hippie vibe that's perfect for achieving a bohemian look. Take it up a notch with some shiny, bright-colored yellow or blue lenses.
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Show your midriff. Letting a little skin show is the bohemian way. Put on a pair of distressed denim high-waisted shorts with a crocheted bralette or crop top.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Thinking and Acting Bohemian

1
Create art. Bohemians hold the creation of art above all other pursuits. Many bohemians would quit their day job and move into a tiny studio apartment filled with paints if that's what it took to stay true to their artistic selves. Express yourself in whatever artistic form speaks to you, whether that's drawing, dancing, songwriting, sewing, or something else creative.^{[9]
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Reject materialism. To truly be bohemian, try not to focus so much on the “things” in your life, such as your car or your laptop. Historically, bohemians hardly owned anything privately or permanently at all, even homes. Prioritize your experiences, art, and relationships above your physical possessions.
3
Question the rules and popular opinions of society. Bohemians typically don't see the need to have or follow strict rules, and they don't believe in something just because others do. Ask yourself why you believe what you believe. Educate yourself on different political stances and religions in order to keep your mind open.^{[10]
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4
Stay true to yourself. Bohemians often refuse to conform to others' likes and expectations. Instead of spending your time doing what other people do out of habit or ease, really try to discover the things you love and invest in those things.
- Listen to the music, read the books, and wear the clothes that you like and enjoy.
5
Live for the moment. Bohemians don't get caught up in the future or the past. Do your best to be present in each moment, live without regrets, and make the most of each day.
- If something goes wrong or you find yourself worried, don't stress or panic. Try to gain some perspective and calmly try to solve the problem.
- Take time for yourself. Pick flowers, keep a journal, go for walks, or garden.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Having a Bohemian Home

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Decorate your home with multicultural items. Embellish your communal areas with exotic poufs, lanterns, rugs, and pillows. This will bring a worldly, bohemian feel to your home.^{[11]
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Prioritize comfort. Historically, bohemians were seen as carefree, relaxed, and even somewhat idle. Embrace the lounging mentality by getting furniture that's comfy.
- Consider purchasing a Moroccan-style day bed where you can lounge all day.^{[12]
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Incorporate a lot of textiles into your decor. Since you're going for a bohemian feel, there's really not a limit to how many colors and patterns you can incorporate into your home decor. Try to mix some ikat or kuba cloth into your decor.^{[13]
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Keep plants in your home. Try to keep plant life in every room of your home. This will give your guests a natural, earthy vibe that's consistent with the bohemian spirit.
- If you don't want to bother with taking care of plants, consider getting pillows, throw blankets, drapes, and other decorative items that have botanical prints.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I look more bohemian?

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.

Tannya Bernadette

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try sticking with neutral colors or earth tones so you give off a relaxed and casual vibe.
Question

What does boho style look like?

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.

Tannya Bernadette

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

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When I try to dress with a bohemian vibe, I look for clothes that have an easy vibe. The boho look is relaxed and casual, so I might go for ripped and loose-fitting jeans, linens, and billowy tops in neutral tones. I also like to accessorize with feathers and wooden necklaces to emphasize the earthiness of the look.
Question

What type of color combination should I wear?

Community Answer

You can wear any color combination you'd like, but the bohemian style is usually characterized by bright colors and light or brown neutrals. For example, you might wear a maxi skirt that has a red, blue, and orange tribal pattern with a solid orange v-neck shirt, a tan headband, and tan booties.