It's True: This Pretty Dress Trend Is Officially Back From the Dead


In fashion, nothing really dies; it's reinvented on the runway at a later date. That's no more apparent than with the revival of one specific trend: boho dresses. If you've been around long enough, the notion of bohemian clothing coming back from the dead isn't scary. It's just another example of its various reincarnations over the years. Birthed from the political movements of the late '60s and '70s, this aesthetic is rooted in the hippie counterculture that didn't aim to create a trend but merely used clothing as a way to subvert societal expectations around gender, race, and class. Much of that rebellious spirit was embodied through loosely fitted silhouettes—including bell-bottom jeans, peasant blouses, and, most importantly, boho dresses.
While that specific era set the tone for the fashion aesthetic, it didn't become fully mainstream until the mid-'00s with the birth of the boho-chic movement in fashion. At the behest of fashion insiders, we saw the second wave of the boho aesthetic with an indie-sleaze element—ruffled dresses, floppy hats, and cowboy boots. It was impossible to flip through the glossy pages of zines at that time without spotting a boho-inspired outfit on the red carpet or the runway. (Refer to Chloé's and Isabel Marant's archives.) With the former, boho dresses became the It-girl uniform of that time and were spotted on the likes of Rachel Zoe, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and even the Olsen twins.
Although some time has passed since the peak of boho chic, its impact has lingered long enough to inspire a new generation of free-spirited fashion people—including the recently appointed creative director of Chloé, Chemena Kamali, whose debut S/S 24 collection turned this formerly deceased trend into the most talked-about thing in fashion. That runway show inspired a succession of other brands to release suede pieces, chunkier jewelry, and even gladiator sandals—giving us ample ways to embrace the trend on our terms.
While there's no shortage of ways to wear boho clothing, dresses are one of the most straightforward options, in our humble opinion. With so many examples of this dress trend in the spring/summer 2025 and fall/winter 2025 collections, it's proof that this piece has not only reincarnated on the runway but will also be coming back into your reality soon. Therefore, we figured we'd scour the internet in search of the best boho dresses to buy for spring and beyond. Keep scrolling to get the official proof of life…
WHAT: Ralph Lauren S/S 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: Ralph Lauren's S/S 25 collection spoke to the evolution of bohemian fashion through a Western lens—specifically through the boho dresses showcased on the runway. Crochet, fringe, and plissé textures were used to transform rigid silhouettes into relaxed pieces that embodied a more free-spirited demeanor.
The shirtdress-inspired silhouette lets you style the piece as a billowy frock or a long duster over denim.
Now, here's a dress that's so idyllic it can make anyone daydream about warm days spent frolicking in the sun.
WHAT: Chloé S/S 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: The boho revival wouldn't exist without the recent appointment of Kamali at Chloé. The creative director's sophomore spring/summer 2025 collection leaned further into the aesthetic, incorporating volume, versatile layers, and vibrant colors to prove its vitality further.
Ruffled hems are a requirement for adopting the bohemian aesthetic.
Everything about this Chloé dress is divine—from the high neckline to the balloon sleeves to the blush silk-georgette material.
You can wear this drawstring dress for so many different occasions: a first date, a bridal shower, a spring picnic… The list goes on.
WHAT: Isabel Marant S/S 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: Often heralded as one of the initial architects of the boho-chic movement in the '00s, Isabel Marant has long set the blueprint for what we categorize as this aesthetic. Its recent S/S 25 collection was no exception to that long history. The show featured suede minidresses covered in fringe, silk yarn woven into shift dresses with monarch motifs, and billowing maxi dresses with braided details.
Just imagine the tiered ruffles on this dress billowing in the wind. Dreamy, right?
If you're looking for a more subtle way to adopt this trend, a lace slip is the ideal place to start.
WHAT: Saint Laurent S/S 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: If you're well-versed in fashion history, it should be no surprise that we'd spot bohemian elements in Saint Laurent's recent S/S 25 collection. The fashion house's long history of tapping into the movement was reflected in runway looks with hippie-ish spins—e.g., an oversize moto jacket was styled with a ruffled maxi dress, chunky wooden necklaces, and gold bangles stacked to the brim.
Don't forget to add a leather jacket to create a compelling juxtaposition to this dress's frillier elements.
WHAT: Zimmermann S/S 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: Zimmermann's S/S 25 collection adapted the boho fashion aesthetic through a more futuristic lens. Rather than relying upon heavier textiles, dresses were fashioned from semi-sheer chiffon silk that draped down the body in a way that gave a new definition to the term "easy, breezy."
The burgundy allows this dress to transition seamlessly from spring to summer to fall.
Please stop scrolling for a second to admire the details of this boho midi dress.
WHAT: Ulla Johnson F/W 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: While some designers used textiles to transform traditional boho staples, Ulla Johnson's F/W 25 show was all about incorporating transitional shades. The collection showed the staying power of bohemian dresses by adapting a classic ruffled frock into an olive green that lends itself to being part of any autumn wardrobe.
The lace trim on this dress is so lovely.
Give your little black dress a bohemian spin.
No summer wardrobe is complete without a unique white maxi dress.
WHAT: Gabriela Hearst F/W 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: While it's easy to assume that bohemian pieces can only be worn in the warmer months, Gabriela Hearst's F/W 25 runway show proved otherwise. The collection melded dark, romantic details with traditional boho-coded silhouettes. A balloon-sleeve midi dress was made from a semi-opaque eyelet material in jet black, reminding us that we don't have to give up what we love (or, rather, our boho dresses) at any point.
The floral embroidery? The ruffled high neckline? The buttoned cuffs? Sublime.
We're suckers for a scalloped eyelet trim, especially when it's on a navy shift dress.
WHAT: Chloé F/W 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: In continuation of the theme of the fashion house's previous show, Chloé leaned further into boho-coded elements in the F/W 25 collection. Rather than regurgitating similar runway looks of the past two seasons, we saw slight adaptions to the dress silhouettes, shade palettes, and even styling. Voluminous ruffles were replaced by lightweight satin, pastels made way for jewel tones, and lots of layers were added to make transitioning this trend into the fall far easier.
Lean into the boho elements of this slip dress by pairing it with layered necklaces, a long coat, and large sunglasses.
With rave reviews, you can be assured that you won't regret buying this dress for spring.
Hear that sound? It's this boho midi dress begging for you to take it on a vacation.
WHAT: Zimmermann F/W 25 Runway Show
Styling Notes: Zimmermann's F/W 25 show also continued the boho-coded creative direction. The primary difference between the two collections is that there was a more vintage bend to the fall show. Gauzy materials were swapped with woven laces, and Victorian-inspired silhouettes replaced billowing gowns. Although these changes seem minor, they were a subtle reminder that trends don't die—they evolve into new forms.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
-
The Expensive Way Chic Women Will Be Wearing This $10 Accessory Come Spring
A stylish trick.
By Eliza Huber
-
This Is Your Last Chance to Shop the Amazon Big Spring Sale—31 Chic Finds Not to Miss
So good even Levi's jeans are on sale.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Sporty, Unexpected, and Unquestionably Cool—The Outerwear Trend That Will Supercharge Your Spring Wardrobe
Who doesn't love a comfy way to be on-trend?
By Judith Jones
-
Classic Style Is My Default, But I'm Buying These 7 Trendy Items Anyway
Call me curious.
By Allyson Payer
-
35 Spring Accessories My Chicest Friends Are Buying From Revolve and Fwrd
Outfit makers.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
7 Easy Yet Elevated Spring Outfit Ideas to Wear on Repeat
Get stylishly ready in a snap.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I Shop for a Living—These Are the Chicest Shoes, Jeans, and Dresses From Amazon's Big Spring Sale
They're all on sale until March 31.
By Audry Hiaoui
-
The Expensive-Looking Trend Zara Is Backing for Spring
A favorite among the fashion set.
By Judith Jones