How We Put the FP in Boho Fashion

In the early days of Free People, just about every piece of apparel we designed boasted some sort of embellishment, flare and/or flutter. These consistent design details put FP on the boho map. Creatives (or those hoping to look the part) flocked to our site and the handful of stores at the time in search of embodying this bohemian, nostalgic take on fashion.

Fast forward to today, and though our brand has grown up a bit to incorporate more modern approaches to outfitting, boho chic remains a staple component of our assortment. It’s a trend that never quite leaves our periphery, especially today. Whether you’re drawn to modern boho, a softer romantic boho style, or a moodier, edgier boho style, the spirit of boho is still a defining part of who we are. And for many of our teammates, that keeps FP very true to its roots.

Take Merrie (our Director of Planning & Allocation), for example, on how we continue to find fresh ways to style boho while staying true to that philosophy:

“The idea of a bohemian ideal is grounded in the appreciation of integrating nature, creativity, community, and a free spirit into your lifestyle, attitude and aesthetic. I think the appreciation of imperfect beauty and individualism are foundations of boho–that means there’s not always one way to frame what it looks like, and allows the evolution and iterations that allow boho to feel moody or uplifting or quiet or passionate. I think that element of “free spirit”, which is overused and bland as a result but still useful, extends to punk and goth and aesthetics that see art as part of the energy of the tribe. I think bohemians are collectors, are travelers, are embellishers, are experimenters, are celebrators, are aesthetes.”

Boho fashion is rooted in the counterculture of the late 60s, which took its nod from 19-century Paris, when scholars and artist-types shunned their traditional garb (think corsets) in lieu of silhouettes that afforded them–in fit and function–a new sort of freedom, called bohème.

After the French Revolution, this community found themselves impoverished and, with a need to explore new opportunities, embraced a uniform that would reflect their impending nomadic lifestyle: florals, velvet, lace and flowy layers. Rich in pattern and color, these “bohemian” pieces were also expressive of a broader cultural reach, employing techniques and shapes found far beyond Parisian borders.

Though bohemian dressing reappeared briefly (as trends do) after this period, it wasn’t until the 1960s when the “hippie movement” reclaimed full charge of this non-conventional, independent and spirited look–with Janis, Anita Pallenberg, Mama Cass, Jane Birkin and Talitha Getty perfectly personifying the look and feel of “boho chic.” Yves St. Laurent brought boho style to high fashion in the 70s, with Stevie Nicks acting as music’s queen boho unicorn.

And then came the early 2000s, marking the return of boho chic once again, with festivals, low-slung belts, and layered jewelry—cue Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
The rebirth of fringe, florals, floppy–all pillars of boho chic fashion–which coincided with Free People’s “teenage years.” And we haven’t been able to let go of boho since. Rightfully so.

Several of our teammates obliged us in reminiscing about their favorite FP boho pieces from the past, including flare jeans, maxi dresses, bralettes, and (faux) fur:

“The piece that first came to mind—one that truly embodies the boho spirit and that I have a deep affection for—is the Extreme Flare that Sasha Pivovarova wore in 2011. This jean was designed to make the wearer feel free—not because it was trendy, but because of how it allows someone to feel when walking, running, or sitting. I remember the first time these jeans came back from the factory: I threw them on and ran down the hallway with joy, knowing what they would represent for our brand.” – Alex, Global Head of Design

“Iconic FP boho moments I think of are of course the Discharge Bali Flare (and Steven Tyler wearing them…), the Ruffle Lace Slip Maxi, dresses like the Rosalie Maxi, the Hibiscus Heaven Maxi Dress, Adella Bralette, the Coin Jacket, the Kate Jacke…I should probably raid my closet for more.” – Merrie

“Excited about flares again, especially low-rise!” – Landry, Senior Merchandiser

As we lean into what is considered modern boho, we’re still honoring those OG bohemian silhouettes: sweeping hems, dramatic flares, and delicate lace, but putting a new twist on them for how we dress today. Think softer fabrics, unexpected color palettes, and styling that lets pieces move between romantic boho style and an edgier moto boho look with just a few accessory swaps.

-Embrace layering: Mix textures (think lace with velvet, florals with chunky knits) to create depth and individuality.
-Pair flares with boots: Low-rise or extreme flares work especially well with ankle or Western-style boots for a fall-ready silhouette.
-Balance proportion: Combine a flowy maxi with a fitted top, or wear a voluminous jacket over a slim slip dress.
-Add crafted details:Use scarves, layered coin necklaces, embroidered belts, or a statement jacket to personalize a look.
-Experiment: There’s no single “right” way to style bohemian fashion. Boho is about collecting and curating pieces that reflect your personal journey and aesthetic.

Free People's boho chic style features embellishments, flare, and flutter details with flowing silhouettes, florals, velvet, lace, and layers. It's rooted in self-expression and artistry while celebrating individuality and creativity.

In Free People's early days, nearly every piece featured embellishments, flare, or flutter details, which put FP on the boho map. Creatives flocked to the brand seeking this bohemian, nostalgic take on fashion.

Boho fashion originated in 19th-century Paris when artists rejected traditional garments for freedom-affording silhouettes called "bohème." It was revived in the 1960s hippie movement and again in the early 2000s with icons like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller.

Iconic FP boho pieces include the Extreme Flare jeans, Ruffle Lace Slip Maxi, flare jeans, maxi dresses, bralettes, faux fur jackets, and pieces with fringe details. These items embody the brand's commitment to self-expression.

Free People crafts pieces that feel fresh and purposeful while staying true to original boho styles and silhouettes. The brand incorporates modern approaches while maintaining boho chic as a staple component of their assortment.

Free People's boho philosophy centers on joy, individuality, and deep appreciation for art and craft. It's about integrating nature, creativity, community, and free spirit into lifestyle, attitude, and aesthetic.

Yes, boho is a trend that never quite leaves Free People's periphery and always comes back around. The brand has embraced boho since its early days and continues to find fresh ways to style it.