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 acheive personalized bohemian style!
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 3 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 possibilites are truly endless.
Step 4 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 prefering 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.
Tips
- Have fun. If you are following the beat of your own drum (fashion-wise), it is almost certain that some mistakes will be made; that is, unless you stick to basically the same thing all the time, which completely contradicts the bohemian state of mind.
- Fashion in general is about finding out who you are and what you like. So experiment! Where's the fun in fashion if you don't allow yourself to take risks?
- Be daring! Match a headband,a cap, or a beanie.
Warnings
- There is the danger of putting together a fashion disaster.
- There's a thin line that puts some fashion-forward thinkers onto the best dressed list, and others into the What Were They Thinking? category.
Things You'll Need
- Thrift shops fashions
- Flea markets fashions
- Magazines: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Nylon
