What is boho?

Boho style is all about the unconventional, the creative — it allows us to express ourselves freely. It can be used in completely casual outfits, but also in very formal ones — even something as significant as your own wedding! We invite you to read on and discover the meaning of the word “boho”, and to explore what the boho style truly is and how to navigate it.

Boho - what does it mean?

The word comes from the French phrase la bohème. Bohema refers to a free-spirited and creative artistic community. The roots of the word boho can also be traced to the Latin bohemus, meaning a native of Bohemia (Czech Republic). One theory about the origin of the boho style suggests it was initiated by the Romani people from the historical Czech region of Bohemia. Others point to 19th-century France and its artists at the time. After the French Revolution, many of them fell into social disfavor and, due to a lack of money, were forced to wear old clothing, which they tried to enhance on their own. This often resulted in extravagant and unique outfits. As we can see, the boho spirit has endured to this day and enjoys considerable popularity in modern times.

What is boho style? What does boho look like?

It may be associated with the hippie movement, but that connection doesn’t necessarily reflect reality. In truth, boho is the result of a counterculture that began more than two hundred years ago. At its core, it’s about freedom of expression.

Here’s our guide on how to dress for a boho-style wedding

That’s why it’s a great choice for weddings — even if you’re attending as the groom. Boho looks especially stunning at summer outdoor ceremonies and alongside rustic decorations. It’s also a great way for grooms to stand out from the crowd. Most grooms typically go for a navy or black suit and black shoes. But what if you went for a brown or grey suit paired with brown shoes? As for the pocket square, you can stick with the classic — a white linen pocket square — but a colorful silk accessory would also pair beautifully with the look. For more tips and inspiration, be sure to check out our previous articles on the boho theme. To read the articles, click on the titles below:

Boho-style wedding suit

Boho-style checked wedding suit

Boho-inspired Prince of Wales check wedding suit