We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best boho dresses to see you through festival szn
Glasto here we come ✨
Every summer, without fail, we engage in a search for the best boho dresses. And while it might sound romantic to trawl through vintage shops to secure a second-hand gem, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by looking to the high street this season. From paisley maxis and milkmaid dresses to the cutest crochet minis, there’s a whole lotta boho on offer in 2024.
Plus, with the weather hotting up and Glasto this weekend, this iconic item just so happens to double up as the perfect festival ‘fit too. This year, thanks to the noughties renaissance, we’re looking to previous party looks from the likes of Florence Welch, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller (we’re still not over that iconic ra-ra skirt and studded belt sitch from 2004) for inspo.
Not fully on board with the indie sleaze trend? Fear not, as the term ‘boho’ is loose AF and covers everything from the hippy and ethereal to more polished and grown-up looks à la Zimmerman and See By Chloé.
And we can assure you these breezy styles will quickly become a summer dress staple once you realise how comfy they truly are. A throw-over maxi has been a firm fave for style icon Mary-Kate Olsen for decades – channel her effortlessly cool vibes and wear yours with flip-flops, chunky bangles and (of course) huge sunnies this season. Or, keep it timeless with a floral maxi like queen of Coachella, Vanessa Hudgens. We love how she adds a touch of grunge to this girlish style with cool biker boots.
However boho dresses are no summer fling, people. They will easily transition across the seasons, too. Why not jump on this year's ‘70s fashion trend with a peasant-sleeved midi? You can always switch wedge sandals for knee-high boots come autumn. And simply add a shaggy fur gilet for a real Daisy Jones & The Six vibe. Go hard or go home, right?
Whether you’re into grungy maxis, lace minis or going for full Little House on the Prairie vibes this summer, here are 22 of the best boho dresses to shop now.
For a real summery take on the boho dress trend, look to Ibiza-based resort brand Iisla & Bird. We love this milkmaid-style maxi dress with its broderie details, tiered skirt and cute puff sleeves.
For a punkier take on the boho trend, check out Reclaimed Vintage’s crochet mini. We’re so here for the mini silhouette and cute floral appliqué detailing. Just add cowboy boots and you’re Glasto ready.
Boho doesn’t always have to mean floor-skimming, maxi hemlines. We love Zara’s super wearable take on the trend with this satin floral mini. At under £40 it’s a lil’ bit of a bargain, too.
Sézane has quickly become a fashion editor favourite thanks to its French cool-girl aesthetic. The brand’s boho dress is seriously versatile – you can dress it up with gold jewellery and barely-there sandals or keep it casual lil’ plimsol trainers.
This smock dress is giving us real Mamma Mia vibes – and we’re not mad about it. With its delicate embroidered flowers and pretty crochet details, this breezy number was made to be worn on holiday.
If you thought you could only style a crochet dress on holiday over a bikini then think again. We’ll be wearing this boho maxi over briefs and bralettes at summer festivals. Simply add a leather jacket come evening.
We're obsessed with all the pretty details on River Island’s boho look. Hello, smocked bodice and intricate embroidery.
Despite what you may think, a knitted dress is a serious summer staple – just make sure you stay away from anything too thick and opt for lightweight crochet styles instead. This M&S number is woven with a hint of stretch so it’ll hug you in all the right places.
Every year, Nobody’s Child brings out a killer maxi dress for us to live out our boho dreams in, and 2024 is no different. With its fully smocked bodice and flowy tiered skirt, this embroidered floral dress is one of the comfiest options in this edit.
Anything butter yellow is going straight in our basket this season – including Mint Velvet’s gorgeous boho dress. We’re obsessed with the ruffled trims and open stitch detailing on this lil’ number. This style is also available in blue if that’s more your thang.
We love the drama the playful puff sleeves and flared skirt are bringing to this Aspiga dress. Wear yours with cowboy boots to really play up those boho vibes.
If you’re after a boho dress that’ll see you beyond summer, look no further than H&M’s floral smock dress. This folk-inspired drop-waist mini will look just as good now with espadrilles and flip-flops as it will with knee-high boots come autumn.
We think Queen of Coachella Vanessa Hudgens would approve of this floral maxi. With its plunge neckline, rose print and smocked waist, this number feels deliciously boho. Just add statement gold hoops, and you're festival ready.
Oliver Bonas’ new summer collection is not one to sleep on, folks. The brand’s paisley midi dress is going to be a no-brainer for heatwave dressing. Anything breezy and comfortable gets a big yes from us.
Not into floaty, maxi boho dresses? Opt for this crochet midi from H&M instead. I mean, the tassels are just TDF. Run with the retro vibes and style yours with oversized sunnies and platform sandals this summer szn.
It was love at first sight when we spotted this be-a-u-tiful Anthropologie maxi dress. Just look at that square neckline and those pretty ruffled tiers.
Thanks to its gorg floral print, this boho smock dress is surprisingly versatile – it’s easily elevated when worn with gold heels, but looks pretty casual styled with cowboy boots.
For a more polished take on the boho dress trend, check out & Mint Velvet’s maxi dress. This would look so cute at festivals with wellies and a flower crown, but will also work for the office – just add heeled mules and a blazer.
How cool is this denim patchwork dress from Free People? The asymmetric ruffles skirt and open back are such a Gap Yah vibe.
If you’re looking to dip your toe into the boho dress trend, Free People should be your first port of call. The brand always puts a hippy twist on all its designs. This beachy maxi is a real showstopper in this gorge khaki hue, but it comes in an impressive 20 other colours if green isn't your thang.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
The best Xmas TV shows and films coming in 2025
How to remove a festival wristband properly
12 ways to sneak alcohol into a festival
31 jaw-dropping festival outfit ideas to recreate
