Modern BOHO-CHIC

In modern usage, the term "Bohemian" is applied to people who live unconventional, usually artistic, lives. The adherents of the "Bloomsbury Group", which formed around the Stephen sisters, Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf in the early 20th century, are among the best-known examples. The original "Bohemians" were travelers or refugees from central Europe (hence, the French bohémien, for "gypsy").

Reflecting on the fashion style of "boho-chic" in the early years of the 21st century, the Sunday Times thought it ironic that "fashionable girls wore ruffly floral skirts in the hope of looking bohemian, nomadic, spirited and non-bourgeois", whereas "gypsy girls themselves ... are sexy and delightful precisely because they do not give a hoot for fashion". By contrast, in the late 19th century and first half of the 20th, aspects of Bohemian fashion reflected the lifestyle itself.

Boho fashion is earthy, layered, loose, relaxed and natural. Picture the hippie movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s and you will have a great visual of what it’s is all about.

• Natural fibers and elements like cotton, linen, stone, shells, wood, aged leather and suede
• Flowing silhouettes like maxi dresses, empire cuts, flared pants, faded cutoff jeans, crocheted toppers, peasant blouses, ankle-length gypsy skirts, shaggy waistcoats and bell-sleeved tops
• Intricate design details and trims like top stitching, handkerchief hems, bat wings, ditsy florals, beads, macramé, smocking, folksy embroideries, wooden buttons and fringe
• Rustic fabrics like aged leather, chunky knitwear, patchwork and tie-dye
• Casual accessories like organic jewelry, slouchy hobo bags, headbands, broad brimmed floppy hats, and hip slung belts
• Earthy colours, with lots and lots of brown.

Items are supposed to look weathered, distressed and matte. Shine is at a minimum. That’s the authentic vibe.

Boho style works well in casual settings. Think faded denim, folksy embroidered T or peasant blouse, flat leather sandals, wooden beads, slouchy brown bag and cute straw hat. Viola. You’re good to run errands, take kids to the park, enjoy a BBQ, have a picnic, or sightsee on a hot Summer’s day.

It’s also fun to add bohemian elements into a modern urban style. Try white or dark jeans with a silky empire cut bat-winged top, heeled silver wedges, pearls and patent handbag. I have one bohemian top and that’s the way I like to interpret the boho chic trend.

How to Have Bohemian Style?In the fashion world, bohemian, or boho, refers to a a state of mind regarding fashion that is individual, romantic, and free-spirited.
This style is often called hippie-chic, or even hobo-chic. Several women who have had an influence on bohemian style in recent years are Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Follow this guide to achieve personalized bohemian style!



1. Study fashion-forward icons. They don't necessarily have to be bohemian embracers, but more than likely, any woman who is considered a fashion icon did not get there by following the pack. Even someone with a more refined and lady-like style such as Audrey Hepburn followed her own tastes and no one else's- this is essentially a bohemian outlook on style. Devour fashion magazines, and try and find what sets the girls who are considered fashionable apart from people you see everyday. Start to develop your own way of looking at fashion.


2. Do as you like. Boho-chic doesn't just mean flowy peasant skirts and flip flops, and messenger bags. An important aspect of bohemian style is individuality; this means embracing your own personality and expressing it through your fashion choices. You may not know anyone who actually wears feathery layered skirts, but if you love to, then that's all that matters. Bohemian style may be described as a trend with certain looks to follow, but it's really all about following your own inspirations.



Mix it up. Learn how to pair pieces of your wardrobe together. Women often match everything together perfectly, but if you pay attention to fashion greats such as Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny, Mischa Barton, Sienna Miller, The Olsens, and other icons, you can see that by using your imagination, so much more life can be added to your wardrobe. Do you have a frilly white shift dress you love? Try pairing it with a brown shawl and olive flats, or a red trench coat, black tights, and a vintage turquoise belt. The possibilities are truly endless.

Accessorize. In the world of boho-chic, extreme attention is paid to details. From long and layered necklaces, berets and head scarves, belts, moccasins, cowboy boots, leggings, ballerina flats, platform shoes, and sequined vests, it's all about the small things. The difference between someone simple and someone with a bohemian sense of style is in the accessories.

• An ordinary woman, with little taste in fashion (besides preferring modern trends), might take a white oxford blouse and pair it with the obvious black pencil skirt, black patent pumps, and, if she's really daring, a red leather handbag. This is a great and classic--However:
• A woman with a bohemian attitude would arrive at the same classic look by wearing the same blouse underneath a black 1920s style shift dress, adding black tights and ankle boots, and a hair accessory such as a red knit beret or a clustered clip of gemstones; and as far as the handbag goes, the possibilities are endless.