8 Beautiful Ways to Rock The Boho Style Over 50

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Looking to rock the boho style over 50? It’s easy to do and affordable. Of course, there are a few tricks to getting a chic look that isn’t frumpy.

This blog post includes 8 ways women of all ages can put together this effortless look. You’ll find tips on styling for your body type, how to update your current wardrobe with boho pieces and accessories, along with a selection of bohemian dresses to choose from.

Who Started The Bohemian Style?

Bohemian style started in the 19th century with artists and free spirits who ditched traditional fashion for a more unconventional lifestyle. It’s a style that supported the hippy movement, moving away from the rules of the “establishment” and what was expected of young adults of the time.

Fashion icons like Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin made it even more popular with their effortless, free-flowing looks. Today, as fashion trends come and go, there’s still a place for boho chic in any wardrobe.

Choose Your Boho Vibe

Finding your bohemian look is all about embracing your personal style and what makes you feel free and confident. 

Do you love bold, eye-catching outfits? Try vibrant colors like deep reds, rich blues, and bright yellows. 

If you prefer a more natural, grounded feel, go with earthy tones like warm browns, soft greens, and neutral creams. Play around with textures, mix vintage with modern, and don’t be afraid to layer! Whether you go full boho or just add a few touches, the key is to make it your own.

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​Thrift Shops and Vintage Clothing

I’ve overlooked vintage stores for a long time and I think that has been a mistake. In today’s world of “throw away” clothes that are often poorly made, it’s time to reclaim and reuse what we already have 

What better place to find the perfect boho look than at a thrift store? The best thing is, you’re not sending more clothing to a landfill. Instead, you get to bring new life to perfectly good clothing. 

Keep an open mind and dig through the racks to find wrap dresses, maxi dresses, and flowy tops that fit your style. Vintage flare jeans are a great find and are a much lower price-point than a brand new pair.

Accessories like beaded jewelry, fringe bags, and wide-brim hats can add the perfect finishing touch. 

Accessories to Amp Your Boho Style Over 50 

The right accessories can take your outfit from simple to boho chic in no time!

Wearing oversized sunglasses is probably one of the easiest ways to get that vintage vibe. You might even add a wide-brimmed hat to amp the look.

Layered necklaces, beaded bracelets, and fringe bags bring in texture, while ankle boots or strappy sandals complete the look.

Styling Your Bohemian Clothes to Match Your Body Type

We can change our styles, but we can’t change our genetics. We all have a unique body type that has nothing to do with the number on a scale. That might explain why some clothes look amazing on someone else, but don’t have the same flair on you. Our bodies have a unique style all their own that has been shaped by nature. The best we can do is flatter what we’ve got! 

The following are the main body types along with tips on how to make your boho fashion work for you.

Apple Shape

Older women with an apple shape tend to carry more weight around the midsection. Some will have a fuller bust and midriff, with slimmer legs and arms. 

How to Rock The Boho Style Over 50 With an Apple Shape Body Type

The best to incorporate bohemian fashion into your wardrobe would be to choose empire-waist dresses, V-neck tops, and flowy skirts with a loose fit.

If you have much thinner legs, try finding a pair of jeans with a slight flair to balance out the top. High-waisted bottoms will also help elongate the legs. A-line skirts and structured jackets help to create definition, but they can detract from the boho look you’re trying to achieve.

Don’t ditch everything in your closet! Instead, pick a few items that you love to wear and add a boho touch. For example, incorporate layering, flowy fabrics, earthy tones, and statement accessories while keeping your outfit flattering for your shape. 

Easy ways to add a boho touch include layered necklaces, beaded bracelets, oversized rings, and feather earrings. Have any colorful scarves lying around? Pick a lightweight one to type up in your hair or sport around your neck.

Pear Shape

People with a pear shape body type tend to have wider hips than the bust and shoulders. The upper body may be smaller than the bottom and is defined by a smaller waist. 

How to Rock The Boho Style Over 50 With This Body Type

The key to pulling off a modern twist to the boho style is to balance proportions. In other words, draw attention upward while keeping the lower half flowy and flattering.

Look for off-shoulder tops or even statement tops with wide sleeves to help balance proportions. Darker bottoms with lighter/brighter tops help to draw attention upward as well.

Tunic tops are a great option for people with any body shape. 

Hourglass Shape

A person with an hourglass shape typically has a balanced bust to hip ratio with a well-defined waist. You could say they have a curvy silhouette with even weight distribution. 

How to Rock The Boho Style Over 50 With This Body Type

The best way to incorporate bohemian fashion into your wardrobe including wrap dresses, fitted tops, and high-waisted bottoms. Choose belted outfits to highlight the waist and look for vintage peplum tops that are more fitted at the waist. The top may even have a slight flare at the waist.

Rectangular

Is your body type more rectangular than curvy? If so, that means your shoulders, waist, and hips are almost the same width. You may have minimal curves and a straight silhouette. 

How to Rock The Boho Style Over 50 With This Body Type

Don’t shy away from belted dresses, peplum tops, and high-waisted skirts. For added dimension, choose flowy or asymmetrical dresses. Look for ruffled, layered, or cinch-waisted outfits to create curves!

Inverted Triangle

A person with an inverted triangle body type has shoulders broader than the hips. They’re often see as the “athletic” body types. If they gain weight, it tends to settle in the upper body.

How to Rock The Boho Style Over 50 With This Body Shape

If you have this body type, look for wide-leg pants, flared skirts, or A-line dresses to balance your silhouette. If you have broad shoulders, try V-necks or scoop-neck tops to soften the look. 

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8 Beautiful Ways to Rock The Boho Style Over 50 – No Matter What Your Body Type!

​The art of ageing today is about leaning in to your true personality and wearing clothes that make a statement about who you are. If there really are fashion rules, who better to break them than people over 50? 

I love being over 50 because of the freedom it offers. I’m not talking about financial freedom (that’s a whole other topic). I’m talking about not caring what other people think of me. In my 20’s, I wouldn’t dare leave the house without full make-up on. Ironically, that’s when I needed make-up the least. 

Today, I feel great if I’ve brushed my hair, teeth, and washed my face. Any clothes that feel great on me are a win. The clothes, of course, have to fit perfectly. I’m too old to feel discomfort all day when it really isn’t necessary.

The beauty of bohemian clothing is the relaxed fit. They can also cover areas of our bodies that we like to keep “our business’. I like to call them “forgiveness clothes”. With a big nod to how I feel about clothes and “rules” in general, here are some top tips on ways you can rock the boho trend.

1. Flowy Maxi Dresses

Loose, flowing maxi dresses create an effortless elegance and comfortable look while flattering all body types. You could layer with a more structured denim jacket for balance. 

2. Layered, Flowy Tops

Peasant blouses, tunics, and kaftans in light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are staples of boho fashion. Look for tops with lace, embroidery, or tassel details to enhance the bohemian vibe.

3. Earthy and Jewel-Toned Colors

Look for materials with natural fibers and earthy or jewel-toned colors. Rust, olive, mustard, or deep burdungy are beautiful options. Another idea is to embrace soft neutrals like ivory or taupe. These shades tend to work well on any skin tone and offer a timeless, bohemian feel.

4. Wide-Leg Pants & Palazzo Trousers

I would swap a pair of skinny jeans anyday for wide-leg pants, palazzos, or even harem trousers. Try balancing bold prints or different colors with a slightly more structured top that falls just below the hip.

5. Layering with Kimonos & Dusters

A light kimono or long duster cardigan instantly adds a boho touch to any outfit. Go for floral, tribal, or embroidered designs for a statement look. These layers work for all shapes and sizes without adding bulk.

If you’re a petite woman like me, some of the longer cardigans can overwhelm the body. Look for petite-specific stores so that everything is in proportion to your body.

6. Statement Accessories

Accessories can be a fun, inexpensive way to add long beaded necklaces, chunky rings, stacked bangles, and oversized earrings to complete the look. Wide-brim hats, embroidered bags, and fringed crossbody purses also enhance the vibe.

You can find accessories like these in many thrift stores. No need to spend a fortune!

7. Comfortable Boho Footwear

Business heels have no place in boho fashion. Leave them in the closet and wear a well-structured sandle with a secure footbed. Comfortable shoes actually come in great styles these days. Trust me, people won’t think you shop at Forever 81 if you find the right styles. 

Ankle boots, strappy sandles, or even a walking shoe can pull your whole outfit together.

​Read: 9 Attractive Shoes for a High Arch That Don’t Look Old

8. Embrace Natural Fabrics & Textures

Stick to organic, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Layering different textures, like lace and fringe, can add depth to your outfit.

​Best Boho Dresses for Mature Women

​I chose the following dresses based on things that I would feel comfortable wearing in public. I realize that we all have different tastes and styles, so I encourage you to look around to find different styles designed to match your new style.

Summary

If you’re interested in trying the boho style over 50, you can do it with just a few accessory changes.

That’s a great way to start without jumping completely into the look. Once you feel more confident, you might want to hit the thrift stores for authentic bohemenian clothing.

Oversized sunglasses, layered necklaces, wide-legged jeans and peplum tops are all great starting points.

Boho dresses for summer are easy to style, comfortable to wear, and can easily be dressed up or down.

Have fun shopping for your new look! Let me know how it works out in the comments.