Boho is back: A luxe revival of the ‘70s aesthetic

This fall, bohemian style, or boho, is re-emerging, bringing with it the laid-back, eclectic vibes that once dominated wardrobes in the early 2000s. As opposed to most trends nowadays, this revival isn’t fueled by social media or fast-fashion influencers, rather, it’s the runway that’s breathing  new life into the free-spirited boho aesthetic of the ‘70s.

The reappearance of boho fashion isn’t simply a nostalgic nod to fringe bags, flowy dresses, and embroidered details. Today’s iteration includes a fresh take on layering, combining expensive fabrics like silk and tulle, tailored silhouettes, and earth tones with vintage-inspired accessories. Designer brands like Chloé and Isabel Marant are leading the charge, offering new pieces that balance the relaxed, carefree boho vibe with polished, contemporary elements.

“The runway has brought back the resurgence of boho. Isabel Marant and Chloé showed amazing collections filled with ruffles, fringe, and sheer dresses,” explained Kim Johnson Brannigan, a fashion content creator admired by 287K TikTok followers. “This trend is now trickling into more mainstream brands like Mango and H&M that are capturing the style of the designers, but at a price more attainable to everyone and therefore making it a mainstream trend that we will see all fall.”

Isabel Marant embraced the boho aesthetic for its Autumn/Winter 2024 Paris Fashion Week show, amplifying the brand’s casual and contemporary signature look with fringed skirts and tassel scarves. This take on boho felt elevated, combining relaxed, flowing shapes with more defined tailoring.

Known for its history of championing the bohemian look, Chloé reimagined boho with a sophisticated, minimalist direction showcasing earth tones, flowy fabrics, and hand-crafted details. This led to the brand seeing a 26.9% increase in annual sales from the previous fiscal year, or nearly $720 million, according to Vogue. Further, ECDB, an ecommerce analyzer, shows that in 2023, the brand saw 46.6 million in net ecommerce sales, which is projected to continue rising through 2025.

While boho’s characteristics in the early 2000s often featured peasant skirts, oversized scarves, and fringed boots, the 2024 version fueled by designers is more curated. The pieces gaining popularity this fall are new, refined takes on the original boho look — voluminous yet structured maxi dresses, muted florals, patchwork knits, and hand-beaded bags that blend individual taste and elegance. 

“So many of my followers want to learn how to style sheer dresses and tops for everyday,” Johnson Brannigan said. “They are also liking fringe suede jackets that have been popping up everywhere since this boho trend started.”

Glamor Magazine reports that LTK, — a shopping platform that connects brands and content creators with shoppable content —  searches for “boho outfits” have gone up by 5500% monthly. Further, Google web searches for “boho” steadily increased over the course of 2024, peaking from July 28 to Aug. 3 at 100% popularity, according to Google Trends. 

Consumers are increasingly drawn to styles that combine comfort with versatility, and there’s a growing push towards mindful consumption and sustainability in fashion. Boho, with its emphasis on natural fabrics, vintage designs, and timeless pieces, offers a way to build an ageless, sustainable wardrobe. Additionally, the trend’s focus on craftsmanship aligns with the broader movement to value the artistry behind well-made, authentic garments.

“I think [boho] was a natural pipeline after the whole thrifting trend that’s kind of become a permanent trend now,” Lindsay Kim, a Syracuse University senior studying fashion design, explained. “We’re trying to find the middle ground between maximalism and minimalism, which is why the micro skirt or top with a huge statement piece is trendy right now and boho happens to include really detailed statement pieces.”

To begin incorporating boho into a fall wardrobe, balance is key. Start with a statement piece — like a flowy maxi dress or an embroidered jacket paired with beaded, whimsical accessories. Chunky knits, earthy color palettes, and textured layers are also essential to pulling off the boho vibe without looking like you stepped into a time machine — think elevated Free People, rather than a flashback to Woodstock.

SU senior and fashion design major Zara Clott said, “Boho itself to me is like taking tradition and adding a touch of a more modern sense of style and combining the two into one particular style.” Clott names Chloé, Anthropologie, and Free People as brands she sees periodically incorporating boho into their looks. 

Boho may have its roots in counterculture and hippie styles from the ‘70s, but today offers a versatile look that effortlessly transitions from day to night, from errands to a nice dinner out. Whether through intricate beadwork, oversized pieces, or playful, lacy layering, this trend is about combining both nostalgia and luxury in boho.

As fashion continues to evolve, so does the way we revisit past trends. The return of boho fashion reflects individuality, comfort, and a returning appreciation for artistry. With designers now pushing the boundaries of what boho can be, this once-niche style is becoming a go-to look for those seeking something both innovative and rooted in tradition.