Make the bohemian style work with your wardrobe.

When it comes to fashion, the word bohemian – “boho” – can lead our style imagination in many different directions. For me, I picture flowy, whimsical maxi dresses; cool, cropped crocheted tops; beautiful wide legs pants. And prints. Lots and lots of prints. I see white horses, sandy beaches, rocky terrain. It sounds fantastical, like a light-hearted fairytale …That. Just. Isn’t. Me. At least, that’s what I thought.

For the longest time, if you asked me what my style was, I would say affirmatively “strictly rocker-chic.” Form-fitting bottoms, a baseline of black, spiky pumps, cool boots, and an occasional accent of confident color. Then one day, I was taking a stroll around my closet and realizing that my interpretation of my style was not entirely correct. Sure, I saw my dark and daring Rick Owens pieces and go-to L’Agence leather pants, but my hands ran through a white tasseled Haute Hippie maxi dress, an airy printed Zimmerman top and…CHLOE. Lots and lots of Chloe. It was at that moment that I realized boho isn’t just for the beachy waved, Coachella-bound. It can be for anyone when fashioned with balance.

And that is the key for me, the woman who notoriously thrives on head-to-toe black, pops of bold color, and the forever leopard trend. I have learned to balance my boho with the style in which I feel most comfortable. So, can you pull off a, let’s call it, muted boho? Here are some ideas to get you started.

One. Balance Your Boho with a flowy top and pair it with a leather pant.

At the moment, I am digging all the fall leather colors – camel, chocolate, olive. They feel “autumn” and break you out of the black leather rut. I like to accessorize with a textured pump, a badass bag, and some oversized shades. Boom.

Two. Balance Your Boho with a printed maxi skirt.

Find a beautiful, printed maxi skirt and work with the colors. Here, I worked with my lust for leopard. I loved the browns and caramel woven throughout the skirt, so I worked with those colors. The neutral, scrunched ankle bootie kept it cool, but causal.

Three. Balance Your Boho with hats, hats, and more hats.

There is nothing more boho than a soft floppy hat. This felt hat by Phillip Tracey was the perfect middle of the line for me. I chose to complement it with leather leggings and a comfy, cashmere sweater to keep the look simple. But the boots: they turned this outfit into something special.

Bohemian style doesn’t have to be for just the wanderlusty, sprightly hearted boho ladies. This look can work for anyone when styled with intention and in moderation. Try mixing your style with a “pop” of boho – add one component that will work with your outfit, not overwork it. Because, in fashion, everything is worth a try.