10 Must Haves for an Easy Breezy Boho Summer Wardrobe

I'm quite a fortunate soul, in that I don't have to wait, too long, for summertime to roll around. We have our frigid moments, here on the coast of Northeast Florida. But, for the most part, we will have days, in between, where we can open the doors and windows, and enjoy a pleasant cool breeze amidst the sunshine.

Non-the-less, I still dream of summer time. The easy, breezy, not so fussy, time of year, when one can throw on  a few lightweight pieces, and head out of doors.

I know that many of you, who are following my Sea-Gypsy page on Facebook, are waiting with baited breathe, for the warmth of these days to finally make their appearance. So, I thought I'd go ahead and post a list to inspire and help warm your thoughts while your skin may still be chilled.

If you are new to expressing yourself with a bohemian vibe, or, maybe, just looking to consolidate your clothing into a few grab and go pieces, I've come up with my considerations for what are the "must-haves" to achieve a fab boho summer wardrobe.

Here they are:

1. A maxi dress or skirt.

One of the single most important pieces, in my opinion. Throw on a simple denim chambray top with a concho belt, and a pair of sandals. A lightweight denim jacket and plain white tee rocks. Or, just throw on a gauzy scarf, big sunglasses, some lip gloss, flip-flops, and call it a day. Super versatile, super easy, and, super boho chic.

The great thing about an awesome maxi, is that you can wear it, anytime, anywhere... even pregnant! Lol! (My niece is gonna kill me. But, she is the epitome of boho done right. This was at her baby shower, before she had her precious little girl.)

A great maxi skirt or dress will be worn over and over, again. You'll wonder how you ever made it this long without one.

2. Distressed, ripped, or patched jeans and shorts.

These are a staple of my wardrobe. The rougher, the better, IMHO. So comfortable. And, just the cool factor alone, justifies wearing them into the evening. The great thing about them is that you can throw on that fab white or concert tee, throw on a blazer, ankle boots or wedges, pull your hair up in a messy bun, and you look amazing!

On occasions, I can even wear a lightly distressed jean to work. I pair them with a great boho tunic top (you can check out some gorgeous ones from Daniella, at Sea Gypsy Clothing) or a lace blouse and blazer, and ankle boots. Perfection.

These are just a few of the pairs that I have hand distressed and patched, myself. (The patches are ones that I created by drawing out my own designs on old denim, with bleach pens and permanent markers, them cutting them out and applying.)

3. A large boho bag.

There's just something about a slouchy, squeezable, soft bag. Especially, in the summer when you find that you need room for an umbrella, scarf, and whatever necessities that may be called upon. Messenger bags fit my description of boho, as well. Again, they just look amazing, crossed over the body and have more than enough room to hold whatever you need.

This one is my favorite. I wear it, all the time. The multi-colors allow so much versatility, that I'm hard pressed to put on an outfit that this bag doesn't fit.

This one, below, is a killer messenger bag from my friend's, Aixa and Lisa's shop, Saltologie. It's amazing. 

I think what I adore most about these bags are that they're not stuffy and pretentious. Just beautiful, stylish, and kick ass.

4. Fringe (somewhere on your body!)

With summer coming, I know that we will not be wearing fringed vests or leather jackets. But, fringe doesn't have to be on heavy clothing or shoes to enjoy. Pick up a boho bag with fringed tassels, or a tunic with a fringed bottom. I love these sandals. They were a birthday gift from my friend, Aixa. Perfect for summer... whether I wear them with denim shorts, ripped jeans, or flirty short skirts.

Also, you can just pull a "Stevie" and throw on a beautiful sheer fringed kimono. Lightweight and ethereal... perfect for over those distressed jeans and concert tee I mentioned. This one was a gift from my daughter. It came from "Earthbound," in St. Augustine, Florida.

5. Gladiator sandals. (Flat or wedged.)

Nothing says summer like a fantastic gladiator sandal. Whether you wear a flat or prefer a little height, as I do, with a wedge. They flatter the foot, while adding an understated sophistication.

These are my cork wedged gladiator sandals. They are a major "go-to" item in my summer wardrobe. I picked these babies up from Marshall's, and I wear them all the time. Super comfortable. Especially for walking around on the gravel, old brick, and sand that we have out here at the beach. (They also make it a bit easier to handle strutting around without losing your balance following cocktail hour... just sayin'.)

Now, I know that Birkenstock's may not be considered a gladiator sandal, by no means. But, I love my Birks, and I adore gladiators. So, I felt as though I found a nice marriage between the two when I found these bronzed beauties. They have the look of a quasi-gladiator, due to the strapping and metallic color. And, the comfort factor? Well, they're Birks... 'nuff said.

6. Turquoise. 

Need I say more? I didn't think so.

7. Stacks of bracelets. (The mix-ier the merrier!)

Whether you're mixing leather cuffs with silver bangles or beaded beauties with hemp corded pieces, stack 'em up, Baby! 

These, I whipped up one lazy afternoon, with hemp cord and various beads that I had. You can find tutorials for these kind of bracelets on YouTube and Pinterest. (Although, I may do one, myself.)

These are just absolute gorgeousness from my friend, Miho, at LeaSpirit on Etsy. Look her up for these amazing raw opal pieces.

These are a few of my collection from my friend, Aixa of "Junkology by Junkie." I love to stack these leather cuffs, created from vintage belts, with beaded slip-ons or charm bracelets. You can find her cuffs at Saltologie.

8. Kimonos, scarves, and caftans.

Kimonos are just the bomb. I'm sorry... but, you can throw one of these babies on over a bathing suit, jeans and a tee, shorts and a tunic, almost anything, and look amazing. Super stylish with little effort.

These are a few that I had designed, myself. (One day, I may sell them, again.) Kimonos have become an iconic piece of clothing for the boho-minded individual. It just has a free-spirited way about it.

Scarves are not only great for tossing around your neck when you're wearing a maxi dress. Wrap them around your head for a turban! Or, if you have long hair, just wrap, then braid it in with your hair.

9. Statement necklace.

Again, I don't need to say much about a statement necklace. Everyone knows one when they see it. Big, bold, and draws attention. Not for the weak of heart. I tend to wear silver cuff necklaces with large turquoise pieces, or huge beaded necklaces like the one below.

Also, long necklaces with geodes, moonstones, raw crystals, are amazing! And, you can layer your thin necklaces if you're not one for wearing one huge statement piece.

10. Lace.

Lace is something that I adore. I like to couple the sophistication and romance of the feminine aspect of lace with the harder edge of denim, blazers, and leather (or leather-like) jackets.

These are a few beauties from Daniella, of Sea Gypsy Clothing. And, yes, I own all three!

So, there you have it. Just a little list of the ten basics that I feel make up the perfect boho summer wardrobe. Of course, there are other items that you can add to the list, like floppy hats, basic tees, flash tattoos, ankle boots, anything with pom-poms, etc. But, you get the idea.

I hope you enjoyed this! Let me know if you dig it. I love hearing from you all!

xo,

CJ