The Boho Aesthetic Is Back (And Better) This Summer

If you’ve found yourself trading your structured trousers for free-flowing, ruffled sundresses this summer, you’re certainly in chic company. Bohemian style, an easygoing, eclectic aesthetic popularized in the free-spirited ’60s and ’70s, is back and ideal for a heat wave thanks to its draped fabrics and maximalist textures. The look is ramping up to be the standout style of this summer—and to predict the shape this trend will take in the coming months, we’re taking a peek into the past. Ahead, check out our deep dive into the recent boho-chic resurgence, including what makes this year’s look different from eras past and how to work the style into your wardrobe.

The History

No one’s reinventing the wheel: Bohemian style, romantic and offbeat in nature, is based on centuries of a laissez-faire approach to life and fashion. Many point toward bohemia’s roots in France (as well as the term, which was incorrectly attributed to describe Romani communities and folks with nomadic lifestyles). In the early 1800s, the concept picked up speed in France and soon became associated with creative trades and a particularly unstructured lifestyle (and, likewise, sense of style). 

In the United States, this nature-inspired aesthetic gained mainstream popularity in the late 1960s. Fresh off the mod design lines of the early to mid-’60s, a looser fashion started accompanying young Americans’ changing attitudes. Voluminous sleeves, peasant blouses, and floral babydoll dresses dominated the bohemian-inspired trend cycle of the 1970s. It took off impressively at emerging music festivals, such as Woodstock—a sartorial tradition that lives on in Coachella outfits and Stagecoach GRWMs to this day.

The Bohemian Style Trend in 2025

Just like how Miu Miu inspired a generation of sporty-sweet polos and socks paired with slingbacks, French design house Chloé is nearly exclusively leading the pack as the bohemian revival takes off. Under the creative direction of Chemena Kamali, the house has set its sights on maximalist ruffles, lace, and everything sheer. We can easily recall the day that Daisy Edgar Jones stepped out in a dynamic baby-blue skirt set in mid-2024, a moment that helped the bohemian wave to spread even further. 

Other legendary musicians and actors, including Doechii, have slipped into Chloé’s ethereal designs. Icelandic muse Laufey has also chosen this overall free-spirited route as of late, donning a delightful plethora of bedroom-inspired slips and ruffles (upon ruffles, upon ruffles). While the “Tough Luck” singer’s wardrobe has always favored traditional design lines over futuristic experimentation, her latest bohemian streak is poised to be right on trend. 

In contrast to early 2010s grittiness, the current application of bohemian details is decidedly dreamier and more polished. (Exhibit A: Dior’s resort 2021 collection, which explores prim-yet-lighthearted pieces.) Brands and style icons have traded ripped hosiery and loose peasant blouses for clean hems and neat, art deco-style ruching. On the everyday side, airy midi skirts and ruffled florals are practically non-negotiable.

Bohemian Style Essentials

These days, bohemian style champions tangible whimsy, rather than the messy sleaziness of Tumblr’s glory days. Boho chic is also fairly loose in its definition and aesthetic qualifiers: Pieces run the gamut from soft, American Gothic-inspired dresses to lace slips and resort-inspired knitwear. 

Overall, this style is notably offbeat and unique. In contrast to the choose-your-own-adventure approach of past decades, today’s iterations include a few quintessential pieces. Ruffled boho maxi skirts are right in line with this playful outlook, and textured knitwear is a similarly free-spirited staple. Indie-inspired threads made a comeback early last year, setting the stage for Gen Z’s nostalgia and sparking a hunger for something fresh and familiar. 

A cotton maxi skirt is a versatile yet dynamic base layer that seamlessly blends into nearly anyone’s existing wardrobe. (This piece rapidly picked up speed last summer, gaining traction alongside the similarly structured sheer lace slip skirts.) You may also consider embracing a coquette babydoll dress, ruffled sheer blouses, unexpected knit tops, and frilled bloomers.

How to Style

Above all, don’t overthink it. Bohemian style welcomes unconventional approaches, like clashing patterns, layer upon layer of textured pieces, and unexpected styling. When building an ensemble, we recommend avoiding pieces that are overly tailored or structured to maintain cohesion. 

As with many nostalgic trends, this one can approach costume-y territory with a head-to-toe look. To avoid this, we’d recommend gently incorporating pieces into your wardrobe in an organic way: Think soft, flowy blouses alongside your staple skirts, or a ruffled sundress for the summer’s hottest days. 

Accessory-wise, maximalism is the name of the game. Gold and organic-shaped gems play especially well (as modeled by Doechii at Chloé’s show), while knit beach totes and simple suede fit the bill for handbags.

Modern Bohemian Pieces to Shop

Ready to lean into your breeziest, coolest persona for the rest of the summer? Ahead are a few standout bohemian fashion pieces to consider for jumping on the trend.