Get ready to see the latest trends in boho maxi dresses appearing this spring and summer. After all, festival times approach, so this is when boho maxis are at their most visible!
Bohemian roots- the dress style that’s always on trend
The bohemian look has long been fashionable, particularly amongst counterculture fashion trends. Flowing skirts, peasant blouses, eastern-inspired prints, and delicate embroidery are just some of the features you’ll see as part of the boho look, and they always add a soft and feminine flair to the outfit of anyone who is sporting it. In the 1970s and ‘80s, the boho look became very popular, particularly in the rock and roll scene, where artists like Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush rocked long and flowy dresses and skirts that swirled around as they moved onstage and in music videos. In the 1990s, there was a revival of the boho look, with fashionistas like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller choosing boho as their statement style. And the look has never really gone away. Recent pics from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK show that the boho maxi dress is as popular as ever, if not, having a bit of a revival.
Why we love the maxi boho dress
The boho maxi dresses are loved in Australia, probably because they are loose and comfortable to wear, but also looks ultra feminine. Plus, with all the details contained in the dress, there’s little need for accessories. Simple earrings or a low-hanging pendant necklace are enough when it comes to jewellery, although you don’t even need that much. Then the dress can work with boots, sandals, strappy heels or with sneakers, depending on the occasion you’re heading to.
Boho dress fabrics
This dress style can come in an array of different types of fabrics, but the fabric you’ll most commonly see is viscose. Viscose has a soft cotton feel, but is a little more lightweight and stretchy. It works really well for a maxi dress, as it is light and floaty, and your dress doesn’t look weighed down.
Popular styles of boho maxi dresses
Generally speaking, there’s not a big difference between the different boho maxi dresses out there in terms of overall style. They tend to mostly draw in below the bust, with a long flowing skirt on the dress. The differences are more in the intricate features of each dress, or in how the wearer chooses to style them. Here are some classic features you’ll come across on the latest boho dresses:
Prints: Popular boho dress prints include paisley, florals, small polka dots, or folk prints.
Collars: Some boho dresses feature an elasticated collar, so that you can choose to wear the sleeves of the dress off the shoulders. Others will offer either a V-neck collar, and various details around the collar like embroidery, buttons, drawstrings, beading and tassels. It really depends on the dress.
Waist: Some maxi dresses have a drawstring at the waist, others have an elasticated waist, and some feature both! The waist on a maxi dress tends to be higher than your actual waist, and draws in closer to the base of the bust.
Sleeves: Some boho maxi dresses feature elasticated sleeve cuffs while others might have ¾ tie up sleeves. Some have billowy peasant sleeves, and some have no sleeves at all.
Skirt: Boho dresses may feature a tiered skirt, a ruffle skirt, or pleats. Some dresses may also feature a sheer outer layer that adds to an overall ethereal look.
Unveiling the Charm: How to Style Boho Maxi Dresses
Wondering how to best style a boho maxi dress? Well luckily for you, there’s little styling required with a maxi. This is a dress style that includes so much detail that it already does most of the work. If you do pretty much nothing styling wise, you’ll still look great! But in case you want to add a little something, here are some pointers.
- A classic look is the boho dress worn with a hat. Wide-brimmed fedoras, floppy straw hats, wide-brimmed felted wool hats, and even the classic Australian Akubra match perfectly with long and billowy dresses. And for the cooler months, a maxi dress with a bandana can look super chic.
- Whilst the boho maxi dress is most popular in spring and summer, it can be worn year round. When the weather cools, just consider wearing your maxi with ankle or knee-high boots! Add a waist-length, button-up velvet blazer for a classic boho combo.
- Wearing a contrasting jacket with your dress can be a great way to balance out all the flowy and feminine elements of the boho dress. A cropped denim jacket or biker style faux leather jacket can add the edge you need.
- If your boho maxi dress feels like it’s swamping you, or you just want to change it up a little, try tying it on one side. It just adds a little detail and can change the shape of the skirt entirely.
- Try adding a belt to your maxi. Even if it already has a drawstring at the waist, a wide leather or braided belt can really help accentuate your waist, and can draw your entire outfit together, particularly if the hue of your belt matches your shoes or your bag.
- Don't shy away from experimenting with bold handbags to make your entire outfit pop and let your unique style shine.
- Also, whilst the dress can look great when styled minimally, there’s no rules that say you can’t go over the top—especially if you’re heading out to a party! (Look to artists like Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush for inspiration.) Classic additions include copious long beads and satin chokers; crocheted vests, cardigans or ponchos; oversized faux fur jackets; platform boots; hairstyles adorned with flowers, beads and feathers; and bandannas and top hats. In short, have a bit of fun with it!
- Go punk! We’ve forgotten to mention that the boho maxi dress has been used in punk fashion, particularly by designers like Vivienne Westwood, who enjoyed mixing punk and bohemian elements together. If you sway this way, consider wearing your boho dress with a distressed graphic t-shirt, a crop jacket in tartan, Doc Marten boots, or with a studded waist belt!
How to care for your boho maxi dress
This mainly depends on the fabric it’s made from. Every type of fabric will have its own care instructions. But given that many popular maxi dresses are made of viscose, we’ll cover that here.
Soaking: Avoid soaking your viscose dress for more than half an hour. Longer exposure to water can degrade the fabric.
Washing: Viscose is prone to shrinking, so ensure you hand wash it in cold water using a gentle detergent. Avoid using the washing machine, as if the fabric twists in the wash, it will degrade. Also, don’t twist or wring out your dress after handwashing, as this may also damage the fabric. A gentle squeeze should be applied instead.
Be gentle: Consider that many boho dresses have detailing on the outside, such as beading, lace, drawstrings and so on, that may require a gentle touch. Be extra gentle when handling your dress, and consider turning it inside out before handwashing.
Drying: A tumble dryer may shrink your viscose dress. Air-dry it instead. Also, avoid drying it in direct sunlight.
When it is slightly dried, gently pull the dress into its original form so that it doesn’t develop creases. (Note that viscose may feel stiff when wet, but it will soften again when it dries out.)
In Summary…
The boho maxi dress encapsulates a timeless trend that's set to dazzle during the approaching spring and summer seasons. Rock stars, fashion designers and models have long enjoyed its appeal, and this dress has become a beloved choice among everyday Australian women.
As you explore styling options, from layering to adding jackets and experimenting with accessories, remember that each maxi dress is more than just an outfit—it's a reflection of your individuality and the spirit of bohemian culture!
