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6 Must-Have Items for a Bohemian Chic Plus-Size Wardrobe
There seems to be a misconception that if you are more on the plus-size side, you cannot dress cute. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are plenty of shops - and their number is growing - that offer gorgeous clothing for plus-size women, showing that size doesn’t need to be an obstacle to style.
Changing your style is always a great way of going out of your comfort zone and just challenging yourself a bit. However, we do understand that changing the whole wardrobe for a few weeks might be a bit too costly. That's exactly why we decided to create a list of items you need to have in your wardrobe to try out a particular style. In this article, we will focus on bohemian chic. Of course, if you end up loving the new style, you can always expand your wardrobe - any excuse is a good excuse to go shopping.
Boho-Chic - What Is It
Bohemian chic, or boho-chic if you prefer, is a more elegant take on a classic bohemian style. Contrary to what some people might think, it isn't anything new. It began rising to fame in the 1990s. But it wasn't until the 2000s that it became mainstream, thanks to icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Sienna Miller, and Kate Moss.
Now, bohemian chic clothing is almost as accessible as hairdressing scissors - even for plus-sized women. However, because of how easy it is to find this kind of clothing, making a decision regarding what clothes you actually need and don't need can be pretty tough.
So, to spare you (and your wallet) the misery, here are the top 10 items that you need to have to try boho-chic style on yourself and make your wardrobe more versatile.
A Simple Maxi Skirt
Maxi skirts are great because, depending on the occasion you are going to wear one, they can be either dress-up or dress-down. The best choices are the simple ones, preferably with minimal patterns, and not too puffy - they are the easiest to build an outfit with.
Here are some ideas for an outfit with a maxi skirt:
- maxi skirt + solid coloured crop top + floppy sun hat
- maxi skirt + graphic t-shirt or a tank top + vest + sandals
- maxi skirt + button-down flannel or chambray top + canvas sneakers
Neutral-Coloured Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are a fashion staple of boho-chic girls - and thankfully, they come in thousands, if not millions, of different styles. Heel or no heel? With a zipper or without a zipper? The choice is completely up to you.
Just make sure that the pair you buy has a heel that is not too high nor too skinny, so that you can be comfortable no matter what you are doing - be it going to class or dancing your heart out at a concert by your favourite artist.
There are plenty of ways in which you can style ankle boots, but here are some of our favourites:
- ankle boots + flare leg jeans + loose-knit sweater + hippie headpiece
- ankle boots + skirt/dress - the longer your skirt or dress is, the chunkier boots you can pair it with
- ankle boots (fringed) + maxi skirt + off the shoulder top

Source: Unsplash
A Printed Maxi Dress
It can be argued that maxi dresses are the best thing that has happened in the women's fashion industry. They are comfortable, they are feminine, and, most importantly for many plus-sized women, they can help you hide some of the imperfections you don't want others to see.
If you don't know how you can style a maxi dress, don't worry. Maxi dresses are usually good on their own. But if you want to add something to make it more casual, you can pair it with a denim vest or a distressed sweater. Now, for the accessories, you can opt for ankle boots, which will make it more of an everyday outfit, or you can choose chunky jewellery and sandals for a perfect date-night look.
Source: Pinterest
A Versatile Vest
Vests can transform even the most boring, ordinary look into something fun - especially since they look great with almost anything. Minidress, maxi dress, or a plain t-shirt with cutoffs - a vest will add a bit of pizzazz to all of those outfits.
Here are some look inspirations with three different types of vests. (Best not to limit yourself to just one):
- denim vest + plain v-neck t-shirt + maxi skirt + sandals + hippie headwrap
- crocheted vest + floral dress (either mini or maxi)
- fringe vest + little black dress
- fringe vest + skinny jeans + plain tank top or t-shirt
Source: Pinterest
Leather Sandals
Boho leather sandals are a perfect choice for any warm day - they're not only summery and light, but also fashionable and polished. When looking for a pair, make sure to choose one that easily slips on and off - after all, you probably don't want to spend five minutes every morning trying to figure out the easiest way to put your shoes on.
Now, when it comes to styles, there are too many for us to tell you to choose only one - even we are not able to do that. However, what we can tell you is that the strappy lace-up ones are a great statement piece, while Birkenstocks are a classic when it comes to the boho style - not only are they comfortable, but they also last forever.
Since sandals go with basically everything, we're not going to give you any outfit ideas - you can figure out a look yourself.
A Wide Brim Hat
Of course, when talking about boho style, we couldn't forget about wide brim hats. Here's a little tip from us - since expensive hats usually don't last that long (they don't hold shape better than inexpensive ones), there's no need for you to spend hundreds or thousands on one. Instead, find some cheaper options. (For instance, they are almost always included in the summer collection at H&M). That way, you can buy a new one with each season.
There are plenty of outfits you can enrich with a wide brim hat. Here are some of our favourites:
- simple straw hat + sundress + sunglasses + sandals
- floppy brimmed felt hat + ripped black skinny jeans + slouchy sweater + pointed-toe mules
- any wide brim hat + pair of mum jeans + white tee + long cardigan + Birkenstocks
A Hippie-Chic Purse
No matter what your preferences are in terms of looks, you need at least one reliable bohemian purse - it's the key to tying the whole outfit together. And since there are plenty of options available on the market, you are bound to find one that suits your wardrobe and your personality just fine.
Here are some of our propositions:
- You can never go wrong with a cross-body bag - especially since it keeps your hands free, which is extremely useful, for example, during a concert or a festival. A cute, small- or medium-sized fringed bag is our choice.
- Rattan circle-shaped bags are a huge trend within the boho crowd. They are easily accessible, and they are a great way of incorporating some earthiness into any outfit.
- A canvas sling bag is a boho classic. They are an easy way of incorporating bright and bold print into an otherwise plain look.
The Bottom Line
Don't be fooled - being plus-size doesn't mean that you cannot dress cute and in the way you want to, although some people might think so. It's your body, your choice. If you want to wear a crop top, do it. If you want to wear super short shorts, go for it. Of course, as long as you are comfortable with it.
Thankfully, more and more clothing brands are starting to realize the same thing. Also, by not offering plus-size clothing, they are losing a lot of potential customers. Today, most established shops have a separate plus-size collection, or they offer clothing in a wide range of sizes.
And since plus-size clothing is becoming more available, you can go ahead and experiment with different styles until you find your own. You know what you need for bohemian chic, but don't be afraid to try others as well. And if you can't find anything up to your taste, make it yourself. Size shouldn't be a barrier to your self-expression.
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Life of a Gypsy | We chat with a gypsy nomads @tripinavan
Tell us a little about who makes up the travel brood of @tripinavan
We are a family of five - Me (Bec), husband Justin and our three ratbags Jack, Billy and daughter Charli. We set off on a lap around Australia in Dec 2015 and well, the lifestyle simply stuck. Now nearly 3.5 years on, we are still living the simple life caravanning around this amazing country.
What sparked the idea to live a life of on the road adventure?
It was a change in job circumstances for my husband, the coal mine he was working at closed down and his new job was completely way off with the work life balance. Meaning, I was home with three kids under three and he was working crazy hours barely seeing the kids. So Justin put the idea of travelling Australia to me and due to just having a baby, I said no, however after a few weeks I came round to the idea.
Shop Bec's Dress here ~ Shop Charli's Mini dress here
Where to next?
Next? I have no idea and that’s the beauty of travel. It’s on your own terms! At the moment we are exploring Western Australia and will move on to the Northern Territory and over to the East Coast.
Most memorable places your stayed in so far and why?
There have been way to many memorable places and we are asked this question a lot. It could be in a dust bowl in the middle of nowhere, but a campfire and amazing sunset can be your memorable moment. For us its not the memorable places but the memorable moments.
We love the WA coastline, its untouched, pristine, crystal clear with the most amazing blue water and they have all this gorgeous marine life. Ningaloo Reef is pretty special.
Shop Bec's dress here
What’s been the most surprising and rewarding experience about your journey so far?
The most rewarding experience is the family time. Although some days are hectic with three kids on the road full time I’d just never give it up. What it’s doing for them emotionally is incredible and the family bond we’re creating is unbreakable. What has surprised me is how much I love simplicity, living this slow paced life has made me appreciate things a lot more!
How long do you plan to be on this adventure?
Who knows how long this adventure will be for. I cant believe it’s been 3 and a half years. As long as we continue to earn an income, not touch our savings and everyone is happy, we will continue for another year or two (or three).
What advice would you offer to anyone who wants to pack up and hit the road?
My advice would be to buy a caravan/bus/camper trailer that suits your family’s needs. For us, hitting the road with kids aged only 6 months, 2 and 3 years old, it was a must to have an ensuite in our caravan. Prepare yourself for an adjustment period and remember its a lifestyle not a holiday. Initially its a holiday, but you’ll need to find a good balance.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced living a life on the road?
Our biggest challenge has been remembering to make time for ourselves. We can get caught up in doing everything as a family but it’s important to make time for yourself and grab a break when you can.
Shop Bec's Dress here ~ Shop Charli's Dress here
Most important items for a life on the road?
Most important items, well it wont be what you think. But having a really good battery and solar set up has been a game changer for us. It gives you so much more freedom and convenience. However something materialistic would be my Birkenstocks and Akubra as I wear them both every day.
Travel tips for travelling with children?
Travelling with kids is really beneficial and challenging at times. My best travel tip is to keep them on a routine as best you can. Kids thrive on routine and we make sure they are always in bed asleep by 730pm. Things just flow nicely when everyone knows what’s happening.
Tips for self-care while travelling?
For my self care I always try to take care of my skin as I am always in the sun. I have a good skincare routine and use lots of Jojoba oil and do a hydrating facemask often.
For you, happiness is?
Happiness is family, travel and exercise. Keeping active is a must for my happiness and being able to travel with my family really does make me happy! How lucky am I.
Currently I Am...
Drinking... WineCooking... Lamb
Watching... Netflix
Listening... to a Spotify playlist Reading oh I need to do more of thatDreaming ...of delicious foods containing Gluten Wearing my bathers
Our Ziggy | As Featured by Children of the Tribe
We have loved every day of our adventure via @life_on_the_open_road_au and it has been a dream to slow down and spend each precious day with our little Ziggy Man watching grow & learn to walk!
Recently little Ziggy was featured on Children of the Tribe! We loved the feature so much we just had to share x
You can visit Ziggy's full feature here
Excerpt below from Children of the Tribe
We are Alex, Ryan and Ziggy Hutchinson from the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Tell us about your inspiration to hit the road for the ultimate Australian road trip.
After building our label Mahiya over the last 6 years we thought it would be a fun adventure to do a trip around Australia to visit stores while living our dream travelling in our caravan for a year. We have always wanted to travel our own beautiful country but never thought it would happen, until we joined the grey nomads. We feel really blessed to be able to do it at this stage in our life and make lots of fun memories for Ziggy to look back on.
Tell us about one really special experience you've shared so far?
I think one of our favourite moments of the trip has been was swimming with the sea lions at Bairds Bay in South Australia. We took our little rooftop tinny out to where they live on an island not far off land and swam with about 7 of them. They were so friendly swimming around us, it was incredible.
What are your top 5 adventure essentials?
1. Bikes - we have loved riding around all the beautiful towns we have visited.
2. Surf boards -Ryan doesn't leave home without them.
3. Fishing rods -we have been catching so many delicious fish like King George, Whiting and Grouper There is nothing better than eating fresh fish that you have caught yourself!
4. Having a 4 Wheel drive to be able to access and explore all the amazing beaches and off road tracks
5. Our beach trolley to load all of our gear and umbrella for long days at the beach.
How has Ziggy adapted to his new home on wheels?
To be honest it was a bit of a struggle for the first couple of months. Not only was he adapting to new surroundings but also broke through 4 teeth the week we left so the poor little man was miserable. Once he got used to things he has blossomed into one very happy little boy who is now up and racing around with his new little buddies. He is playing in the dirt and swimming at the beach most days and loving life on the road.
Where to next?
After spending the last 6 months travelling throughout NSW, VIC and SA we have started our journey up the coast of WA, and boy it doesn’t disappoint. We are currently in Redbluff near Quobba's Station which is very remote and beautiful and we are looking forward to exploring places like Ningaloo, Coral Bay and Broome. We also have swimming with the whale sharks on our list which I'm sure will be a highlight - there are still so many great adventures to come!
Our Life on the Open Road | by Love Mae





Sapphire Coast | AW19 Release
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Shop the Bell Flower Maxi Dress
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Street Stories | Mahiya Muse
A modern twist on Bohemian & Festival Fashion Style
follow our journey @mahiya_leather


Tara Pavlovic | Mahiya Muse & Artist in the making ♥
You became a household name as stand-out favourite & winner of Channel 10’s Bachelor in Paradise, but despite the TV exposure, the show never really showed much about the true you...can you share with us a little more about you and your everyday life?

TV life aside, what are you most looking forward to in 2019?

We loved seeing all of your photos from your Europe trip in 2018, it’s such a beautiful place! Can you share with us some of your favourite spots?

Based in Mahiya’s own home town, what do you love most about living here on the Gold Coast?

What keeps you grounded and inspired in everyday life?
The best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?

Can you share with us your favourite style tips? What’s your everyday go-to look?
What does your everyday beauty & self-care routine look-like?

What’s the one thing that people would never guess about you?
What mediums do you love to work with & what are your plans when you finish your degree?

What is your favourite art period & which artists inspire you most?
…... Can we ask about any details of your new project, or is it top secret?
Life on the Open Road | Our Journey so far | Part 1











