This is a look from my boho era circa 2016
As spring unfolds, many women over 50 find themselves at a crossroads between embracing the free-spirited allure of boho chic and maintaining the timeless elegance of classic style. The resurgence of bohemian influences in recent fashion trends offers an opportunity to blend these aesthetics, creating a wardrobe that feels both fresh and authentically you. This guide will explore how to harmoniously integrate boho elements into a classic wardrobe, ensuring you stay true to your personal style while embracing the season’s trends.
When I embraced my “elegant era” a few years ago, we were lucky to be in a classic trend cycle. When I noticed that the Boho look was making a comeback this spring, I have to admit, my heart sank a bit. I know that many women look amazing in Boho, but I always felt that Boho sort of overwhelmed my slender body–think stick like–through the years, I have struggled with anything oversized or with too much fabric. I wondered, as I perused the various offerings, could I blend a few boho pieces I like into my classic style? Would I be able to maintain my new found elegance? How would I go about pulling a blend of classic and boho together?
Understanding Boho Chic and Classic Style
Boho Chic is characterized by its eclectic, free-spirited essence, drawing inspiration from various cultures and eras. It features flowing fabrics, earthy tones, intricate patterns, and artisanal details like delicate embroidery and fringe. This style embodies a relaxed yet artistic vibe, often incorporating natural materials and vintage-inspired pieces. Think maxi dresses, delicate lace, sheer fabrics and peasant blouses. For personal inspiration, think Stella McCartney, and Jane Birkin.
Classic Style, on the other hand, is defined by timeless pieces that exude elegance and simplicity. It focuses on tailored silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and high-quality fabrics, emphasizing enduring fashion over fleeting trends. Key pieces include tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, pencil skirts, and well-fitted trousers.
Blending Boho Chic with Classic Style
Integrating boho elements into a classic wardrobe can add a contemporary twist without compromising your style identity. Naturally, there are endless ways to incorporate, flowy dresses, leather jackets and the boho look together to create effortless elegance. Spring and summer are the perfect time to add these elements into our classic outfits, and embrace the boho trend. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:
1. Embrace Earthy Tones
Incorporate earthy tones such as terracotta, olive green, mustard, and rich browns into your outfits. These colors resonate with the boho palette and can seamlessly blend with classic neutrals like beige, navy, and white. For instance, pair a classic white blouse with a rust-colored maxi skirt for a harmonious look.
2. Introduce Key Boho Pieces
Select a few boho-inspired items to complement your classic staples. Consider adding a peasant blouse with delicate embroidery, a flowy maxi dress, or wide-leg pants in a soft, natural fabric. These pieces can be mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe to create versatile ensembles. I love finding beautiful tops in particular to go with my neutral staples–this is one of the key ways I update and expand my wardrobe, while saving money–I don’t have to purchase a whole new wardrobe, rather I work within my existing color palette, and look for prints and pieces that nicely work in.
3. Opt for Flowy Silhouettes
Boho style often features flowy silhouettes that provide comfort and movement. Incorporate a maxi dress or a skirt with intricate patterns into your collection. Balance the relaxed fit with structured accessories or layering pieces to maintain a polished appearance. This is an area where mature women need to take care, as relaxed fit can give a dowdy look, so make sure that the garment actually fits at the shoulders, bust, and hips, and that it is a good length for your body. This will help prevent looking like a “table cloth” as some say.
4. Focus on Artisanal Details
Look for garments with artisanal details such as delicate embroidery, crochet accents, or fringe. A classic tailored blazer over a blouse with subtle embroidery can add a bohemian touch without overwhelming your look. My daughter and I have been enjoying adding artisanal touches to our wardrobes–both of us are modern classic dressers, but will add embroidery or another detail to our clothing to give it a unique look. I will often embellish an old pair of jeans, or an old blouse to bring it back to life–and this is the perfect way to add boho touches without spending any money.
5. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories are a subtle way to infuse boho elements into your classic style. Consider adding statement earrings, a floppy hat, or a scarf with intricate patterns. These additions can elevate a simple outfit and reflect a bohemian flair. I love using the accessory category to showcase trends–it’s often less expensive to add a piece of costume jewelry, a scarf or a handbag to a look rather than purchasing expensive foundational pieces in trendy styles. If you love a print, the cut of a blouse or dress, and you believe you will love it five years from now, I say buy it, but if you think you will enjoy it for a season, find the piece at a less expensive price point.
People Also Ask
How can I wear boho chic without looking too youthful?
To embrace boho chic appropriately, focus on incorporating one or two boho elements into your outfit rather than adopting the style head-to-toe. Pairing a flowy bohemian skirt with a structured blazer or wearing a peasant blouse with tailored trousers can create a balanced, age-appropriate look. Frankly, I have never been one to do “head to toe” trends, I have always preferred to blend looks together–especially trends–regaardless of age.
Are there specific fabrics that work best for blending boho and classic styles?
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk work well when merging boho and classic aesthetics. These materials offer comfort and elegance, making them ideal for both structured and flowy garments. I like mixing something flowing with something a little more structured, especially as a mature woman. We are often encouraged to wear clothing without structure, however I have found that this created an aged and less aesthetically pleasing look. My rule: always mix something flowing with something structured.
Can I incorporate boho accessories into a professional wardrobe?
Yes, subtle boho accessories can add personality to a professional outfit. Opt for delicate jewelry with artisanal details, a scarf with a muted bohemian print, or a handbag with fringe accents to infuse boho charm into your work attire. You could pair a muted bohemian print blouse, dress or skirt with a tailored blazer and shoes to create just the perfect nod to the trend without compromising professionalism and style.
What footwear complements a boho-classic ensemble?
Footwear like ankle boots, espadrilles, or leather sandals can bridge the gap between boho and classic styles. Choose designs in neutral colors with minimal embellishments to maintain versatility. On my current wish list are a pair of espadrilles, as I find that heading into summer I will find many ways to wear this type of shoe even with my classic wardrobe.
How do I choose patterns that align with both styles?
Opt for timeless patterns such as florals, paisleys, or subtle geometric prints in muted tones. These designs can add visual interest without clashing with the simplicity of classic pieces.
Developing our own unique style often includes blending a variety of styles together–(If you are curious, check out my style word guide here.) I often find inspiration when thinking of sun-drenched afternoons, walks along the beach in flowy fabrics, or enjoying a meal outdoors and a natural earthy vibe. As I imagine myself in various settings, I think about pulling outfits together with pieces from my existing classic wardrobe, and bedding them with a few new pieces in natural colors or a flowing silhouette. I have found that adding just a hint or two –call it a nod, to current trends is all the I need to keep my wardrobe fresh and current. Plus it’s fun to switch things up, not just seasonally, but style wise as well.
Blending boho chic with classic style allows you to refresh your wardrobe while staying true to your personal aesthetic. By thoughtfully incorporating bohemian elements into your classic ensembles, you can create looks that are both modern and timeless. Remember, fashion is an expression of individuality—feel free to experiment and find the balance that resonates with you.
