On a chilly day in New York City this month, Suki Waterhouse stepped out in an outfit that was timeless. Not because it was minimalist enough to transcend eras, but because it could have been from 1972, or 2012. She wore corduroys tucked into suede boots with a shearling coat, definitively declaring the comeback of bohemianism. 

If you were chronically online for the infancy of Instagram, you remember the chokehold this aesthetic had on the masses—especially during festival season. Girls were nothing without their flower crowns, tassels and tiny vests, studded Western belts and flowing skirts. Vanessa Hudgens and Alessandra Ambrosio reigned supreme — barefoot or booted only, accessorized with lashings of body jewelry and copious face gems. 

Somewhere around the late 2010s, things started to change. Kylie Jenner was photographed in jeans and white wife-beater. Suddenly, pared-down Coachella outfits took over with a vengeance. In 2023, bohemian final boss Suki Waterhouse wore a preppy button-down with a crop top and denim shorts. Hailey Bieber stepped out in a tiny tank and baggy jeans, while Kendall Jenner—once famous for her gladiator sandals and flowing attire—wore a plain black top and low-rise black pants. Fashion commentators officially heralded the takeover of quiet luxury. 

But now, times are changing. Last year, studded denim shorts made a surprising reappearance—a trend not seen since the 2010s (you might remember Wildflower began with a studded phone case in 2012). Vests had also been back for some time, paired with wide, disc belts and cowboy hats. Last year, it felt like a coincidence—just a few powerful influencers who happened to be Free People fans, or those subscribing to the Western trend that veered a little into 70s territory. But now, there are actual petitions to bring back boho to an extreme degree to the Coachella desert. And, when you think about it, it makes all the sense in the world. 

The rise of bohemian (boho) style during times of political resistance is deeply rooted in history. Characterized by free-flowing fabrics, earthy tones, eclectic patterns, boho style emerged in 19th-century European artistic communities that rejected bourgeois values—a visual representation of resistance against rigid societal structures. In the 20th century, it evolved through various movements, from the Beat Generation of the 1950s to the hippie counterculture of the 1960s, each time aligning with anti-establishment ideals.

In moments of political upheaval, fashion often becomes a form of protest, and boho style, with its emphasis on individuality, sustainability, and global influences, serves as a rejection of oppressive systems. The 1960s and 1970s saw a major resurgence of boho aesthetics as young people opposed war, capitalism, and social injustice. During the 2010s, amidst growing concerns over climate change, labor exploitation, and gender inequality, boho fashion reemerged through the popularity of thrift shopping, slow fashion, and ethical brands. The aesthetic’s embrace of vintage clothing and handcrafted accessories paralleled a broader resistance against consumerism and the exploitative practices of the fashion industry.

Today, this feels even more relevant. We’re living through a time of immense political conflict and uncertainty—and boho remains, even now, a visual language of rebellion—offering a way for individuals to express their values through what they wear. This became clear last fall, when Chloé showcased a Spring/Summer 2025 collection featuring lace dresses and suede, while Isabel Marant doubled down on slouchy boot and fringe jackets, while Ulla Johnson breezed in with advocates breezy sheer maxi skirts.

Then again, maybe it just took a year or two for us to grow bored of quiet luxury, and now we’re finally ready to revel in pattern, texture and accessories. Either way, it’s exciting to imagine the looks we’ll see flowing through the desert this spring. To get you boho-ready, we’ve lined up the essentials for you, below. 

THE BELT

THE BOOTS

THE PONCHO

THE SHIRT

THE SKIRT 

THE DRESS

THE HEADSCARF

THE PHONE CASE