What Is Boho Style? The Ultimate Formalwear Guide

While planning your wedding or a large event, you may have heard the phrase Bohemian style, but what does it mean? When considering styles, many people think of a more earthy, carefree look as opposed to the formality of a stiff gown. This style’s core is confidence, comfort, and individuality, while still looking classy. It’s especially crucial to understand this style when you’re the bride and wanting something easier to move around in, or a guest who wants something other than the typical formal cocktail dresses.

What Is Boho Style? Defining the Free-Spirited Aesthetic

To understand the bohemian style better, it is essential to appreciate the spirit of the look. The term bohemian originated from the social outcast of the class who was above them and chose non-conformity and made a beautiful world in a more unconventional way. So, in a black tie situation, instead of going for a dress that is very structured and formal with sharp lines and a lot of decoration, you can opt for a less constricting dress such as a boho style that is more flowing and allows for a lot more movement. It is the difference between a dress that holds you back and one that gives you the freedom to wander through a field, walk in a garden, or spin under the stars.

Since the 1800s, bohemian style has been changing. Now it calls for modern vintage and sophistication. Instead of vintage 1970s drape dresses, bohemian style modern dresses supply high quality and elaborate technique detail. With this change, you can express yourself while looking clean and put together. Modern bohemian dresses include and look effortless with layers and intricately bohemian lace patterns.

Essential Fabrics and Textures for Bohemian Formalwear

The inviting and touchable quality of bohemian gowns sets it apart. That is what separates the average satin gown from a bohemian gown. While traditional satin and polyester gowns slide and slip, earthy materials such as lace and chiffon are made with feelings that urge touch. Chiffon is a favorite because it creates a lightweight feel, and flows with the wind to capture stunning moments during outdoor photos as it has that ideal light feel.

When considering bohemian gowns, think of details like fringe or glove stitching and touches of crochet. They provide movement to your look that a fitted sheath gown cannot. While heavy, embellished gowns may feel fancy, a boho-style gown can achieve visual interest with light fringe or glove stitching without adding weight. This style features breathable materials which is perfect for forest or beach weddings. You want a gown that feels as light as the air around you.

Stylist Tip

When choosing lace, large organic floral patterns will feel more relaxed and ‘wild’, while small geometrical designs may feel overly fussy and vintage.

Boho Silhouettes: Comfort Meets High Fashion

When it comes to formal wear, you often have to sacrifice comfort, and instead, focus on the structure of the outfit. For example, an extreme structured outfit might be a mermaid style gown or one featuring a fully boned corset. These styles can be very difficult to sit and breathe in during long dinners. With that said, there are boho dresses that are a bit more free flowing. These boho styles may include an empire waist which is more flowing and allows you to move much more freely. These types of styles are great for every body size. Whether you’re a size 0 or 30, these styles are great for skimming your body instead of compressing it. Not to mention, these boho styles are great for providing you comfort, which is very essential for dancing the night away after the wedding ceremony.

You can still embrace a more romantic style with some drama to the fit by adding some bell sleeves or an off the shoulder style. A fun tiered skirt look tends to be lighter than those traditional ballgowns. Azazie also offers made-to-order tailoring, so these styles can be made to your exact measurements! It is also common for people to mistaken the meaning of ‘relaxed’ thinking this means ‘baggy’ which is incorrect. A fitted boho gown is designed to define your waist and hold your shoulders in place to create a great structured look while maintaining all that comfort!

The Earthy Palette: Choosing Your Bohemian Colors

When planning a bohemian-themed event, consider warm, natural color palettes inspired by nature. This earthy tones color palette differs from the bright, primary or jewel tones typically seen at winter ballroom events. Terracotta, rustic brown, or cabernet color palettes provide a relaxing atmosphere and invite earthy tones to complement a variety of skin tones, particularly natural tones of the skin, desert hues, or autumn leaves. The earthy tones connect to the ground, embodying the essence of bohemian style.

For a cooler palette, consider botanical sage and emerald greens for a garden-inspired look. Dusty rose and champagne neutrals give a soft, vintage, and romantic vibe. The most exciting aspect of these colors is how well they mix. Rather than using multiple colors to achieve a bohemian vibe for a wedding, earthy tones are the way to create a cohesive look.

Boho Style for Bridesmaids and Wedding Guests

To achieve a bohemian look, mix and match boho bridesmaid dresses throughout the bridal party. Instead of all bridesmaids wearing sage, let each bridesmaid choose a unique style. Some may prefer a flowy sleeve while others might choose a plain spaghetti strap. This allows the bridal party to be cohesive while feeling good and comfortable in their dresses.

Wedding guests can also style this look by wearing a dress with a floral print or a fun, silly design. You can do a more flowy look with a boho style design and a form-fitting dress. You can achieve this look with formal wedding guest dresses for a formal wedding. You could also explore the Home Try-On program to see how you can achieve this look in boho style. You can order up to six dresses for a week to see how the print and colors work.

Accessorizing the Boho-Chic Look

The last piece to finalize any boho style look is the accessories. Here is where you can really get creative and decide where the line is between statement and simple. For example, a bohemian bride may wear a crown of dried flowers or a delicate hair piece instead of a tiara like a traditional bride. For more of an earthy look, you can layer casual gold necklaces, or wear raw gemstone necklaces. Jewelry can give a modern touch to an earthy bohemian look. The outfit should look like a mix of pieces put together like you have collected them over time instead of an outfit from a matching set bought in a store.

Shoes can be example where comfort and style come together. Instead of thin stilettos, block heels, or embellished flats, opt for something that won’t sink into the grass for the garden and beach places. As for your hair, it can be simple and soft waves. A natural and glowing makeup and along with simple styling should do. With styling being simple, the dress details can stand out The aim of the whole look should be to feel comfortable.

Do you want the perfect boho dress? Use our Home Try-On program and browse Azazie’s romantic, boho wedding dresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to wear boho style to a black-tie wedding?

Yes! Go for a flowy full lace or chiffon gown that gives you a full range of motion to dance. If you want to add a dressier touch, choose darker shades like cabernet or emerald, and add a formal sophisticated look to the dress with a dressier touch.

How do I determine the size for a loose boho dress?

When considering a loose or relaxed fit, your waist and bust are the most important measurements. Azazie goes up to size 30, and for the most accurate fitting, choose made-to-order because the dress should skim your silhouette and not be oversized.

How can I achieve a stylistically consistent bohemian look for my bridesmaids?

Using a single color palette across all your bridesmaids’ dresses makes achieving a unified look really easy. For instance, all earth tones or neutral tones, with different textures for each dress, can create a really beautiful effect. Different styles of bodices create variation, and will help your group look coordinated in a large, beautiful wedding photos.

How can I create a cohesive look for a bohemian group of bridesmaids?

The easiest way to do this is to use the same color palette. For example, earthy or neutral tones, and varying textures for the dresses. With differing styles of bodices, this can help the group look coordinated and will produce stunning wedding photography.