The Boho Chic trend of the mid 2000s saw a revival of 1960s and 70s styles. Sienna Miller, Mary Kate Olsen (“bobo chic”), Kate Moss (“boho rock”) and Mischa Barton and Nicole Richie (Californian boho) were icons of the look at the time. Inspiration was drawn from (amongst other sources) some of Yves Saint Laurent’s and Karl Lagerfeld’s most iconic designs.
Sienna stood out because her attention to detail in styling was so unique. She and stylist Rachel Zoe for Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton really lead the way.
The 2000s iteration of boho was distinct because of the celebrity mania culture of the time. Without wealthy celebrities mixing hippie multicultural style with bourgeois fashion-forward luxury items, there would have been no “chic” element. The look wasn’t complete without a designer bag.
The Sunday Times coined the term ‘festival chic’ ahead of Glastonbury 2004 which was attended by Sienna, Kate and others leading the fashion pack. The boho look became cemented as a prominent festival style, calling back to Woodstock '69. It has continued to the present day, with Coachella transitioning from a more indie/alternative style to a globally recognized, bohemian-inspired aesthetic.
Key elements of the style included:
Bottoms:
Flowing (often white or patterned) skirts.
Low rise flared or cuffed jeans, sometimes worn under dresses and skirts. They could be distressed.
Tops:
Cropped bolero jackets or cardigans.
Long oversized cardigans.
Lace camisoles or tank tops.
Embroidered tunics and peasant blouses.
Vests and gilets.
Accessories:
Low slung concho belts.
Layered jewellery including long beaded necklaces, chunky bangles and chandelier earrings.
Scarves worn on the head or waist.
Oversized sunglasses.
Shoes:
Slouchy fringe suede boots and cowboy boots.
Toe ring sandals.
Bags:
Slouchy hobo bags.
2005 Fendi spy bag.
2000 Balenciaga motorcycle bag.
2005 Chloe paddington bag.
As Vogue said “The magic was made in the mix, not via a single piece or specific brand”.
Sienna miller was done with the look by early 2006. She told Vogue she didn’t want to wear anything floaty ever again. This marked the beginning of the end of the trend.
Boho has made a big comeback in the past year. Nowhere has the resurgence been more apparent than at the Chloe runway, where flowing layers, billowing sleeves, and ruffled hems have taken centre stage again. The look is now a softer, more polished version of the 2000s iteration, with the term “Luxe Bohemian” being used. Even Sienna has re-embraced it, wearing Chloe to Cannes last year and a distinctly boho look to Wimbledon this year.
Check out our Boho Chic collection of mostly 2000s clothing from the OG era if you want to re-embrace this trend in a sustainable way.
Boho Chic Collection
