Bohemian fashion has gained immense popularity in Australia, offering a free-spirited and eclectic style that’s both timeless and versatile. If you’re wondering what shoes to wear with a boho dress, you’re in the right place.
This article will explore the perfect shoe styles to complement your boho wardrobe, whether you’re heading to the beach or the city. From gladiator sandals to fringed ankle booties, we’ll cover a range of options that allow you to embrace the bohemian spirit in any setting.
Let’s get straight to the point
Boho fashion, known for its free-spirited and eclectic style, offers numerous shoe options to complement boho dresses.
Popular choices include gladiator sandals, ankle booties, cowboy boots, moccasins, and lace-up block heels, each adding a distinct vibe. Earthy tones, vegan materials, and lace details are common themes, with shoes ranging from casual flats to sparkly styles for special occasions.
The key to pairing shoes with a boho dress is embracing versatility and personal expression while maintaining comfort and style.
Best Shoes to Wear with a Boho Dress
Let’s look at some fabulous boho chic shoes that work beautifully with different types of boho dresses.
Gladiator Sandals: A Classic Boho Staple
One of the most iconic shoe styles in the bohemian world is the gladiator sandal. These sandals, with their multiple straps and earthy tones, are perfect for pairing with a flowy boho maxi dress.
Gladiator sandals are comfortable and practical, making them ideal for strolling along the beach or exploring the city streets. Opt for styles with a bit of embellishment like beads, tassels, or embroidery to elevate the boho aesthetic.
Flat Gladiator Sandals for Casual Looks
Flat gladiator sandals are perfect for a casual boho outfit. These shoes pair beautifully with shorter boho dresses, like lace minis or floral midis. They give a laid-back, effortless look that’s ideal for warm weather.
Choose leather or faux leather styles in neutral colours like tan, brown, or beige for an earthy vibe.
Ankle Booties: Versatile and Chic
Ankle booties are another fantastic option to wear with a boho dress. Whether they’re fringed, embroidered, or made of suede, ankle booties can add a touch of ruggedness to your outfit. These shoes are particularly great for autumn and winter, offering both style and comfort.
Suede Booties for a Classic Boho Vibe
Suede ankle booties are perfect for pairing with a flowy maxi dress. The soft texture of suede complements the natural, earthy tones of most boho dresses. In Australia, where the weather can shift from warm to cool throughout the day, suede booties are a versatile choice.
Cowgirl Chic: Cowboy Boots
Channel your inner prairie girl with a pair of cowboy boots. This footwear style works wonders with a lacy, floral boho dress, offering a relaxed, countryside vibe. Cowboy boots aren’t just for rural areas—they’ve become a staple in urban fashion as well.
Pair them with a midi-length boho dress or a shorter lace dress for a Little House on the Prairie-inspired look. Don’t forget to add accessories like turquoise jewellery or a fringed bag to complete the look.
High Moccasins for a Boho Twist
For a more traditional and Indigenous-inspired look, high moccasins are a great option. They’re comfortable and give off a distinct boho vibe. Pair them with a fringe boho dress or a maxi skirt for a unique and stylish combination.
Lace-Up Block Heels: Modern Meets Boho
If you’re looking to blend modern fashion with bohemian flair, consider lace-up block heels. These shoes give a bit of height and elegance to your boho look while maintaining a free-spirited vibe. They work well with boho wedding dresses or any formal boho occasion where you want a mix of sophistication and comfort.
Vegan or Faux Leather Shoes
In line with the sustainable fashion movement that’s gaining momentum in Australia, many people are choosing vegan or faux leather shoes to complete their boho outfits. These eco-friendly options align with the bohemian values of being close to nature and minimising harm to the environment.
Flat Vegan Sandals for Everyday Wear
If you’re opting for a more casual look, flat vegan sandals are a comfortable and ethical choice. These shoes pair perfectly with boho beach dresses or casual daywear. Look for brands that offer ethically-made options in earthy tones or with unique embellishments like tassels or beads.
Matching Boho Dresses with Lace and Earthy Tones
Lace Shoes for a Romantic Boho Vibe
If your boho dress has lace detailing, consider pairing it with lace-up shoes for a coordinated look. Lace adds a touch of elegance to the boho style and works well for bohemian weddings or other special events.
However, be mindful of the colours you choose. If your dress is ivory, champagne, or off-white, avoid pairing it with stark white shoes, as this can create a noticeable contrast. Instead, opt for neutral tones like beige or nude to keep the look cohesive.
Earth-Tone Shoes for a Balanced Look
Neutral or earthy tones are the cornerstone of boho fashion. Shoes in shades of brown, tan, olive, or even dark green can seamlessly blend with your boho dress, creating a balanced and natural look.
Whether you’re wearing sandals, booties, or flats, earth-tone shoes will complement the relaxed and organic aesthetic of the boho style.
Adding a Pop of Colour or Sparkle
If you want to add a playful twist to your boho outfit, why not go for bold, colourful shoes? Floral prints, geometric patterns, or even metallic finishes can bring a modern touch to your boho look. While neutral tones are classic, adding a pop of colour can make your outfit stand out at a festival or outdoor event.
Sparkly Shoes for Special Occasions
For formal events or boho weddings, you can’t go wrong with a pair of sparkly shoes. Whether they feature rhinestones, glitter, or metallic finishes, these shoes can add a touch of glamour to your boho ensemble. Just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple, as the shoes will be the star of the show.
Flats for Ultimate Comfort
Boho fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s also about feeling comfortable. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, whether at a music festival or a casual garden party, comfortable flats are the way to go.
Opt for flats with interesting details like embroidered designs, woven straps, or even fringe accents to maintain the boho aesthetic while keeping things practical.
Conclusion
Bohemian fashion is about more than just the clothes—it’s a lifestyle that embraces freedom, creativity, and individuality. When it comes to what shoes to wear with a boho dress, the possibilities are endless. From gladiator sandals and ankle booties to lace-up heels and cowboy boots, there’s a perfect pair of shoes for every occasion and every type of boho dress.
By choosing earthy tones, lace details, or even vegan shoes, you can fully embrace the bohemian ethos of living harmoniously with nature while looking effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re heading to a music festival, a beachside wedding, or just a casual day out in the sun, the right pair of shoes can elevate your boho look to the next level.
FAQs About Boho Dress
What makes a dress boho?
Typical Boho style consists of long flowing skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, bright colors, mismatched patterns, loose layers, natural elements like turquoise or wooden jewelry, embroidery, embellishment, and fringed pieces, usually topped off with a pair of flat sandals or chunky ankle boots.
Who wears bohemian clothes?
Bohemian style, also often called boho chic or boho fashion is a style of dressing that was made popular by the flower children or “hippies” in the 1960s and 1970s.
Where is boho style from?
At the heart of it all, being boho has always been about being free – in mind, body, and spirit. Bohemianism started out as a counterculture by French artists, writers, and creatives that encouraged creativity, artistic expression and rejected the accepted fashions and suffocating social rules of the 18th century.
Why is it called bohemian style?
The term “bohemian” applies to people who live an unconventional lifestyle, often with few permanent ties, involving musical, artistic, or literary pursuits. The original “bohemians” were travelers or refugees from central Europe (hence, the French bohémien, meaning “gypsy”).
What is boho short for?
Short for “bohemian,” boho as a style is most closely associated with the hippies of the ’60s and ’70s, but the truth is it borrows from so many fashion subcultures and time periods that almost any outfit can be “boho” if you style it right.
