Author: Annabelle Aree Lee
Editor: Leah Gilbert
As the year came to a close, fashion creators on TikTok shared their predictions for the trends that will define 2025. I’ve seen lots of lace, long dresses, flowy floral prints, and one designer’s name repeatedly popping up—Isabel Marant. And this got me thinking…
When was the last time you bought sweatpants with scrunched cuffs at the bottom? You know, the kind we would have worn in the 2010s. Personally, I’ve been living in flared sweatpants for a while now. So why are we all suddenly obsessed with TikTok’s 2014 filter? And why does it somehow feel cute instead of outdated? What’s with all the thick leather belts on top of white lace dresses anyway? It’s clear: we’re collectively channeling the boho chic that dominated the early 2010s all over again.
So, what is boho chic? The “boho” in boho chic originates from the nomadic lifestyle of the Romani people, which inspired the French word “bohémien.” However, the way we use “boho” today only loosely references its cultural roots. Instead, we’ve redefined the term as a style of its own. I’d describe boho chic as earthy tones, suede, frilly fabrics, lace, and pops of bold colours like red or orange—maybe paired with loose, imperfectly wavy hair. With side parts, skinny jeans, and Western-inspired pieces like cowboy boots making their way back into everyday fashion, it’s no surprise that boho chic is having its moment now.
The same girls who once swore by Golden Goose sneakers and LoveShackFancy are now gravitating toward brands like Stella McCartney and Free People. This shift is subtle, but the energy they embody feels distinctly different—there’s something a bit more carefree, a little freer, than the polished preppiness of the recent past. Leading the charge in this boho chic movement is the iconic luxury brand Isabel Marant.
Isabel Marant launched her brand in 1994 with the goal of creating “unfussy, approachable wardrobe staples that are equal parts cool, sexy, and comfortable,” as she told Harper’s Bazaar. She also highlighted that “being cool is about not paying too much attention to ourselves,” a philosophy reflected in her designs. Her pieces look comfortable and practical, like something a busy, well-traveled, and cultured woman might throw on before heading to her next destination.
Marant played a large role in the original boho chic movement in the early 2010s, particularly with the release of her iconic wedge sneakers.
The wedge sneakers are suede, heeled sneakers that come in various colors and were wildly popular when they were first released in the early 2010s. Their chunky, recognizable design made them stand out, and opinions on them tend to be divisive—people either love them or hate them. Personally, I’m on the love side.
That being said, I distinctly remember my elementary school music teacher wearing these sneakers all the time, which, in retrospect, I now realize were Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers. At the time, my 10-year-old self found them a bit jarring, without any concept of brand recognition or the sneaker’s popularity. Maybe my reaction back then was my more honest, uninfluenced opinion—funny how that works!
Nonetheless, wedge sneakers—and Isabel Marant’s clothing in general—are undeniably making a comeback. A few months ago, I spotted several pairs of wedge sneakers on The RealReal in the $100–$200 range. Now, they’ve completely disappeared from the site. The availability of Isabel Marant clothing has also noticeably decreased on The RealReal, signaling a clear rise in popularity.
If you’re looking to embrace this style but find the Isabel Marant website a bit out of reach on a college student budget, The RealReal is a great option to explore. Alternatively, brands like Zara, Free People, and Abercrombie & Fitch also offer more affordable pieces that capture this look.
Why have we, as a society, become nostalgic for boho chic? Just a few years ago, the early 2010s style felt outdated and behind the curve while we were all obsessed with Y2K and low-rise jeans. But in hindsight, the boho chic revival isn’t surprising—it is the style that followed Y2K, after all.
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