Ready for the most romantic comeback of the season? The boho dress is back – and proves that it can do much more than deliver a fab festival look.
Across the board, the fashion world agrees: the 1970s are here to stay. While flared trousers and platform heels continue their reign as summer wardrobe must-haves, the most dreamy garment of this decade is now having its moment in the spotlight for spring/summer 2026. We're living in the era of the boho dress, once again.
Seen on the catwalks from luxury brands like Chloé, Isabel Marant and Zimmermann, the essence of this loose, floaty piece is everything we want to be wearing this season. A feeling of freedom that's synonymous with summer is why boho dresses have persisted with their style impact, all these years later. Thanks to their airy materials and generous cuts, they are also the perfect choice for when temperatures finally start to rise again.
What makes a boho dress?
First things first: there is no such thing as the perfect boho dress. Instead, it's about capturing the relaxed, effortless vibe that the dress exudes – and one that feels personal to you. These styles are often ankle-length, have a wide, flowing cut and are made from airy fabrics such as chiffon, silk or lace. Details such as embroidery, ruffles or flounces often appear layered, emphasising the playfulness of the look. But there are also other options: in addition to those delicate, evening-friendly versions, there are also boho dresses that feel more durable and day-ready, including pieces made out crochet and cotton. In terms of colours, spring/summer 2026 will mainly see natural tones such as cream, white and beige, but also rich dark green or pastel shades like light pink, ice blue and – yes, once again – butter yellow.
How to style boho dresses for spring 2026? The best styling tips
If your instant association with boho dresses is festival looks or beach holidays, then think again. It's a trend that has far more to offer, going as far as becoming an inspiration for new takes on minimalism. With unexpected styling details and the right accessories, you can give the boho dress a completely new character.
Below are five styling tricks that prove just how versatile the boho dress really is.
This noughties styling moment has been recently re-established by fashion designer Chemena Kamali during her reign as the creative director of Chloé. The knee-high boots in black or brown suede create an exciting contrast to the delicate, flowing dress and instantly ground the look. The combo works best with boots that have a softer, rounder toe and a scrunched-up shaft. It's a total homage to the queen of boho, Sienna Miller.
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For several seasons now, ballet flats have been the undisputed shoe trend for the warmer season. With a boho dress, it's their playful side that comes out, with a pairing that offers a contemporary twist on two retro classics. Mesh ballerinas or models with Mary Jane straps work particularly well with chunkier crochet dresses thanks to their structured details. And as if all this wasn't enough, there's no shoe more comfortable when it comes to walking through the city on a hot summer day.
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A style mashup that always works is the mix between a romantic dress and a rough suede jacket. It's an exciting dynamic that celebrates the duality of boho style. Whether you opt for a suede oversized blazer or a retro biker jacket with a funnel neck, it's the mix of materials that immediately makes the look interesting and suitable for everyday wear.
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For that ultimate 1970s vibe, you'd better find yourself a pair of platform shoes. Not only do they visually elongate the legs, but they also round off the retro vibe effortlessly. Looking for a street style favourite? Consider clogs and chunky mules with wooden heels in shades of brown. Their thick soles are the perfect counterpart to the wafting fabric and the playful details of your boho dress.
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Look, the dress-over-jeans look might be a divisive one, but when it works – it sings. For this specific pairing, look for asymmetrically cut boho dresses with tiered hems. Alternatively, you can also tuck the front part up using a thick waist belt. This trick helps reimagine your old evening dress as a daytime staple, creating an uneven length that allows for more freedom of movement. The look feels particularly chic if you layer the dress over flared jeans. It's a match-made-in-1970s-heaven.
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