Woman wearing a black boho maxi dress, knit cardigan and layered bohemian accessories.

7 Must-Have Special Items in Boho Dresses for Your Wardrobe

Posted on Jan 04, 2020 By Boho Beach Hut

Looking to master the boho aesthetic? You've come to the right place. Boho chic is a timeless style that speaks to free spirits and fashion lovers everywhere, but there's a difference between owning a boho dress and truly nailing the look. The secret isn't magic—it's knowing which key pieces work together to create that effortless, bohemian vibe you're after.

A beautiful boho dress is the foundation, but it's the supporting players—the right accessories, layering pieces, and footwear—that complete the picture. Whether you're new to bohemian style or ready to refine your approach, having these essential items in your wardrobe makes all the difference. In this guide, we're breaking down the 7 must-have pieces that will give you the confidence to style your boho looks with intention and ease, season after season.

Master the Boho Look with These 7 Essential Wardrobe Pieces

Boho chic is a timeless aesthetic that every woman loves, but pulling off the style like a pro? That's where most of us stumble. The good news is that you don't need a fairy godmother's magic wand to nail the look—you just need the right pieces in your wardrobe. While a great boho dress is the foundation, there are certain accessories and key items that bring the entire vision together. Whether you're new to the bohemian style or looking to elevate your existing collection, this guide highlights the 7 must-have items that will transform how you put together a boho outfit. Read on to discover the essentials that will have you styling with confidence, season after season.

Ankle Boots in Neutral Colors

We all know the boho girls Vanessa Hudgen and Mary-Kate Olsen. Distressed and slouchy booties in neutral colors seem to be the staple items of their wardrobe. Taking inspirations from these boho gurus, we also recommend the boot styles that drape loosely around the ankles. These boots go fabulously well with just about anything from tucking snugly into skin-tight jeans or mini-skirts. Wearing heels or not is entirely your choice but in case you do decide to wear heels, make sure they are not too high so that you are comfortable stomping around in your boots wherever you go.

Maxi Skirt in Simple Style

Having a simple styled, maxi skirt in your wardrobe opens endless boho possibilities for you. This is the one piece that you turn to time and time again when you wish to craft a chic bohemian outfit. It is always wise to stick to a solid colored simple style so that you can build in a variety of ways with it. Anything poofy will simply restrict your creativity.

Pair your simple maxi skirt with a graphic t-shirt. Top it with a versatile vest and complete the look with a top knot and gladiator sandals.
To put together a comfortable outdoor, boho ensemble, pair your maxi skirt with a v-neck in bold colors and topped with a sun hat.
Style your maxi skirt with a chambray top or flannel. Complete the look with bright lipstick and canvas sneakers.

Chic Hairbands and Headwraps

No one wears head-wraps like Nicole Richie, the hippie babe. We take a cue from the boho inspiration and recommend flaunting both the thin hippie bands and the bolder styles in cloth. And if you have what it takes to carry it off, you can even sport a flower crown. Here are a few ways to flaunt the style:

The thin elastic headbands look pretty across the forehead but another fun way to wear them is like a halo, an inch or two beyond the hairline. You can even wear your head wrap like this in case the elastic in it feels too tight.
When having a bad-hair or ponytail day, glam it up with some funky boho hair bands.
For the very outrageous ones, the turbaned style makes a great boho statement too.

Gladiator Sandals

Girls have never been able to find a way out of the flip flop dilemma. If you are one of those too who want something light and summery but fashionable and polished at the same time, then the gladiator sandals have been made just for you. Here is how you can boho style with your gladiator sandals:

If you are prepping for a festival or an outdoor concert, then consider styling your boho outfit with knee-high gladiators.
If maximum versatility is your goal, then look for gladiator sandals that you can slip on and off easily. Besides, no pair of shoes that take more than 5 minutes to wear is ever attractive.
For a badass look, pair your heel heeled gladiators with skinny jeans, skirts, or dresses.

Printed Maxi Dress

We would never have considered maxi dresses a hot item before Rachel Zoe. She deserves brownie points for showing us what boho miracles one can accomplish with maxi dresses. For an extra swag, look for nature-inspired or geometric prints when you go maxi dress shopping.

Style your maxi dress with chunky and bold jewelry teamed with wedge sandals.
For a casual look, wear your printed maxi with a denim vest.
If you want your maxi to work as a skirt, wear a distressed sweater over it with some classic ankle boots.

Floppy Hats

You can do a lot with floppy brimmed hats that are the least burdensome on your wallets. In fact, the more expensive ones hardly ever retain their shape. Besides, a huge variety of pretty inexpensive hats are far better than a meager variety of expensive ones. If you live in a colder region, stock your wardrobe with the felt variety.

Sweaters and Knit Cardigans

Sweaters and cardigans never fail to appease any aesthetics. For a bohemian flair, try to get your hands on as many see-through, lacy-knit versions as you can. These styles are pretty much comfortable to wear through the spring, fall and winter season so they remain useful in your wardrobes throughout the year. Here is how you can boho style your cardigans and open-knit, lacy sweaters:

Style your crocheted sweater with a tank top underneath it, on top of a pair of bell-bottoms. Complete the look with a pair of high heeled clogs, a cross-body bag and a hippie headband.
For the second look, wear your sweater or cardigan on top of a chambray button-down. Complete the outfit with skinny cargo pants or corduroys and stylish ankle boots.
Wear your see-through cardigan over short dress with a floral print. Belt it around your waist to add some more oomph to your outfit. Complete the look with knee-high boots, an oversized scarf, and leg-warmers over opaque tights.

So, it does not matter how challenging it is to nail the perfect boho look, with these must-have items, you can definitely turn some heads.

A woman walks along a sandy beach wearing a short-sleeve boho black maxi dress with a sheer lace skirt and strappy sandals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boho Dresses

Can I Wear Boots with a Boho Dress?

Absolutely! Boots are one of the most versatile pieces you can pair with a boho dress. Ankle boots in neutral colors like tan, brown, or black work beautifully with maxi dresses, adding an edgy contrast to flowy silhouettes. For a softer look, try suede or distressed boots that echo the relaxed vibe of bohemian style. You can also rock knee-high or over-the-knee boots with shorter boho dresses for a more dramatic statement. The key is balancing the structure of the boots with the free-spirited nature of your dress.

What Accessories Should I Wear with a Boho Maxi Dress?

Layering accessories is essential for completing a boho maxi dress look. Start with chunky, bold jewelry like layered necklaces, statement rings, or stacked bracelets to add visual interest. A wide-brimmed floppy hat or decorative headband brings an effortless, bohemian touch. Don't forget a cross-body bag or woven tote to keep your essentials close. Finish with footwear like gladiator sandals, wedges, or ankle boots depending on the occasion and season. The goal is to mix textures and materials—think metal, leather, fabric, and natural fibers—to create that authentic boho aesthetic.

Can I Wear a Boho Dress During the Winter?

Yes, you can absolutely wear boho dresses in winter with the right layering pieces. Pair your dress with cozy knit cardigans, open-knit sweaters, or lacy shawls for warmth and style. Ankle boots, knee-high boots, or over-the-knee styles keep your feet warm while maintaining the boho vibe. Consider adding opaque tights or leg warmers underneath for extra insulation. Long-sleeved boho dresses or maxi dresses in heavier fabrics also work wonderfully for colder months. A vintage scarf, felt floppy hat, or headwrap adds both warmth and that quintessential bohemian flair that works year-round.

Where Can I Buy Boho Clothing?

You can find an excellent selection of boho dresses, accessories, and essentials right here at Boho Beach Hut. We offer a curated collection of bohemian clothing and accessories designed for women who love the boho aesthetic. Whether you're looking for maxi dresses, boots and sandals, jewelry and accessories, or cardigans and sweaters, we have everything you need to build your perfect boho wardrobe. Browse our new arrivals to stay updated on the latest boho styles.