Want to embrace and showcase your free-spirited self through the bohemian style? Then you need to know the nitty-gritty of the boho vibe through and through; read on to know more!
The bohemian style, or boho-chic style, has been around for a while. You can find people incorporating this style into their fashion and decor. But what is a bohemian style? And how do you dress perfectly to match the boho vibe? Delve in to know!
Derived from the culture of the ’60s and ’70s, the boho look is making a comeback this year. It is never just a fashion trend.
In this article, we will cover everything about the bohemian style, from its origin to its impact on modern fashion and how you can nail that boho fit check.
While the bohemian style is embraced in fashion, decor, and even writing, we’ll mainly cover bohemian fashion.
1. What is a Bohemian Style?
The bohemian style is a mode of aesthetics and a way of life. This free-spirited, creative, and exotic style breathes uncommon colours and patterns and can bring good vibes to anything.
The bohemian style is also carefree and eclectic. It is for those who appreciate patterns, textures, colours, and motifs derived from nature, and there is no straightjacket formula you have to follow to exude a boho vibe.
Those who have adopted the bohemian lifestyle often live unconventionally, away from established society, like the nomadic community. In the 21st century, boho fashion is also popular.
Some of the leading features of this fashion style include flowy fabric, vibrant colours, and natural woven and crocheted materials.
Elements of this style also include patterns, embroidery, denim, circle skirts, vintage and peasant-style clothing, and more.
2. History and Origin of Bohemian Style
The way of life and traditions of the Nomadic and Romani people in the 19th and 20th centuries inspired the bohemian style, whose history is difficult to pinpoint.
What’s a shocker is that it has been around for more than 200 years.
2.1. 18th-century France
After the French Revolution, a group of travellers immigrated from the western region of the Czech Republic; this community became known as Bohemian and was considered wanderers or vagabonds.
During this time, French artists such as painters, writers, musicians, and others were plunged into a perpetual state of poverty as they were deprived of the royal patronage of French royalty and aristocrats.
Moreover, the economic conditions forced them to adopt a simple and minimalist life. This was when the Boho fashion movement began in the streets of Paris by these artistic people.
They started to dress peculiarly and were often compared to the Bohemian nomads. In the 18th century, the term Bohemian was used in a degrading manner.
However, over the years, the term has become synonymous with counterculture, free-spirited expression, and an unconventional style that disregards mainstream social restraints.
2.2. Early 19th Century and the Romantics
Moreover, by the mid-19th century, the bohemian style had met the Romantics, who stressed the significance of aesthetics and emotions in art.
This resulted in the merging of their signature elements, utterly different from the mainstream fashion of the time.
By the end of the year, the aesthetic movement had emphasized free expression against social norms and materialism.
The Bohemians also participated in this movement and raised their voices against corsets and crinolines in favour of flowy dresses, original patterns, hand embroidery, and many more.
2.3. Hippie Culture of Post-1960s and Bohemian Style
The 1960s brought the Bohemian movement, or Hippie movement, with a new fashion perspective. The Hippie culture rejected conventional and mainstream lifestyles and social norms.
Instead, they embraced the free-spirited Bohemian style and began exploring their individuality. This led to the birth of boho fashion, which is still in trend today.
3. Key Elements of the Bohemian Style
3.1. Color Palette
The Boho colour palette includes earthy and rich colours. These include maroons, yellows, olive greens, and neutral shades such as beige, white, brown, or pastels. Furthermore, colours that you should avoid are fluorescent and neon.
Moreover, using sister and cousin shades in a boho look is the key. Incorporating various shades of a particular colour can also help you create outfits that look harmonious and matched.
For example, three shades of blue, like turquoise, steel, sky blue, and navy, or three shades of brown, such as maroon, caramel, and terracotta.
But at the same time, mixing and matching different colours according to your preference can also help you bring a personal touch to the boho chic style.
Some favourite bohemian colour combinations are terracotta and green, blue and ivory, mint green and black, and blue and gold.
3.2. Silhouette
Furthermore, boho chic is about going against societal norms and embracing your style while feeling comfortable. The Boho includes loose, flared, and free-flowing silhouettes.
Some critical pieces of the boho look can include maxi dresses, flare pants, skirts, and many more. As mentioned before, the Boho style is also all about comfort.
Hence, the garments are also usually made of soft and natural fabrics like chiffon and cotton.
Other popular fabric materials that add variation are lace, crochet, leather, denim, and suede. Materials like wood, turquoise, and rattan are popular for accessories.
3.3. Patterns
Boho style mainly includes attractive and bold patterns. Some of the most critical techniques in the Boho style are trellis, ikat, floral, tribal, kilim, paisley, lattice, and many more.
Macramé, tie-dye, distressed, patchwork, and more are other popular elements of the bohemian look.
4. Boho-Chic Fashion
Time and again, Boho has proved that it will never be out of style. However, boho has never gone out of fashion because it doesn’t have a fixed type or element.
This is why it is called free-spirited. But here is everything you need to know to start with the Boho look.
4.1. Clothes and Silhouettes Inspired by Bohemian Style
In upperwear, you should look for loose and relaxed fits. Bell sleeves, half-length and three-quarter-length sleeves, v-necks, off-shoulders, mixed prints, and embroidery, are other elements to look for.
For bottoms, flared, flowy, and flouncy silhouettes are mostly opted for. Furthermore, it would be best to look for flared jeans, skirts, distressed denim shorts, and harem pants to embrace the classic boho look.
Dresses with bell, trumpet, and bishop-style sleeves with loose, relaxed fits are ideal.
Outerwear is also crucial to putting together a boho outfit. Denim jackets, kimonos, and coats are some pieces you should opt for.
Other elements you should look for are distressed, oversized, cozy garments, decorative fringes, and trims.
For footwear, go for something comfortable and easy, like gladiators, clogs, ankle boots, cowboy boots, platform heels, and more. Natural and warm colours like brown, beige, and grey accompany everything.
Other required elements are wood accents, embroidery, and more. Accessories are the final and most important touch to Boho fashion. Easy pieces like sunglasses or a statement necklace can immediately elevate your outfit.
A printed scarf, fringe earrings, belt, bag, large hoops, and more are other options to add colour to your look.
Other elements in accessories to look out for are fringe, tassels, print designs, bucket style, antique pieces, perforated and braided details, rattan bags and belts, fedora hats, leather belts, and sling bags.
4.2. Bohemian Style Hair and Makeup
Achieving that natural and effortlessly bohemian look means going for flowy natural hair and glowing make-up. For hair, beach waves, braids, and messy updos are popular choices.
Low-maintenance and easy styles mixed with your personal touch are the keys to achieving that laid-back boho hair look.
Moreover, accessories like floral and pearl hairpins, headbands, floral crowns, bandanas, and hair wraps are always welcome.
In addition, things you should avoid are tight, rigid, and structured hairdos. Bohemian hair has more movement and flow than tight, polished, conservative hairstyles.
Emphasizing your natural skin is also crucial to the Boho style. Hydrated, naturally glowing, and hydrated skin, which is not necessarily flawless, is what you need for a relevant boho makeup look.
Instead of a full-coverage foundation, consider something light that lets your skin breathe. Bronze is essential for having that sun-kissed look.
Furthermore, highlighters and soft, rosy, and beach-hued blush are crucial to achieving that gorgeous and dewy finish.
Moreover, when you want to go a little crazy, opt for gemstones, glitter, or temporary tattoos and let your creativity shine the brightest!
5. Bohemian Style Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
If you want to get started with the bohemian style, we have listed essential pieces. Even if you’re a minimalist looking to build a bohemian capsule wardrobe, this section has been added.
5.1. Flowy Dress
Every bohemian closet should have at least one flowy maxi dress. You can choose one dress that suits your body type, and you’ll find numerous ways to style it.
Don’t hesitate to explore bohemian-themed colours and styles. Moreover, you can also go for floral-patterned ones.
5.2. Maxi Skirts
Flowy, floral-patterned, ankle-length maxi skirts with an earthy vibe can go with almost anything. It is essential for a boho capsule wardrobe.
5.3. Tops
A crop top with exciting cuts, a loose fit, various styles and motifs might be the essential piece of clothing in a boho capsule wardrobe.
Blouses and shirts are also an option for adding a feminine flair to your style. A light-coloured loose blouse or shirt can be worn in many ways.
5.4. Outerwear
Kimono, oversized jackets, and outerwear are excellent choices for adding variety to your outfits. Just throwing one on can also change your look.
One of these neutral-coloured, flowy kimonos or jackets is a must-have in your bohemian wardrobe.
Furthermore, cardigans might be the best way to elevate your outfit and stay warm in winter. It would be best to look for an earthy-toned colour with a flowy pattern and a soft texture.
5.5. Pants
A pair of jeans is a prominent piece of clothing in any wardrobe, and you’ll be glad to know that it is also essential for a bohemian wardrobe. Any kind will work if you feel comfortable with it.
A distressed pair of shorts is also a great addition to a bohemian wardrobe, and you can wear it with many pieces of clothing.
5.6. Shoes
A pair of flats is another essential for your bohemian-inspired wardrobe. Along with being very comfortable, these can also go with any bohemian outfit.
A pair of cowboy boots is also something you’ll like to add to your wardrobe and can add some wildness to your outfits.
5.7. Accessories
Hats are great for accessorizing bohemian outfits, and at the same time, they can protect your skin from the sun as well.
A scarf or bandana can add a pop of colour to your outfits, and you can style it in many different ways. From headbands to hair accessories to just throwing it around your neck, it is a very underrated clothing piece.
Clothes aren’t the only way to get that bohemian look. Collect distinct necklaces, bracelets, feather earrings, or other jewellery, and enjoy accessorizing them.
6. Tips and Tricks to Rock the Bohemian-Chic Style
6.1. Create Your Personalized Color Palette
Colours and patterns play an essential role in bohemian styling, a great tip is to create a personalized colour palette according to your taste. This way, you can quickly put together outfits in no time.
6.2. Avoid Looking Neat
The bohemian style means going against conservative clothing styles and societal norms.
Clean-cut silhouettes don’t fit the bohemian aesthetic. Opt for free, flowy, and comfortable pieces of clothing and choose comfort over structure.
6.3. Add Layers
Layers are a thing in boho that makes it look more attractive. Go overboard with layering, and it doesn’t have to make any sense.
6.4. Get Creative with Bohemian Style
The basis of the boho style is that it allows the person to express themselves freely. You don’t have to follow others, but instead, get creative and create outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable.
7. Influencers and Icons of the Bohemian Style
While adding your personal touch is everything, here we have provided the names of influencers and icons who have rocked boho fashion so that you can find ideas and inspiration.
French actress and singer Juliette Greco was the bohemian fashion icon in the 1950s when hippie culture began to rise. Her quirky dressing sense made her a vast boho influence worldwide.
The 1960s Hollywood actress and socialite Talitha Getty was an icon of boho style. She personified the artistic Boho hippie aesthetic with iconic dresses, vibrant hats, colourful kaftans, knee-length boots, and more.
This American singer and songwriter in the 70s was another huge inspiration for boho-chic style and popularized long-beaded necklaces, bracelets, headwear, sunglasses, and more.
Other than this, you can also check out anyone who has ever attended Coachella. You can find inspiration from these celebrities to quickly elevate your bohemian style.
The event has also become famous worldwide for representing today’s boho-chic style. From Victoria’s Secret models to social media influencers to even music lovers, Coachella has become a unique culture and lifestyle.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
8.1. Is Boho distinct from Bohemian?
Yes, Boho is the modern short form of Bohemian, and both mean the same. The term referred to a community of people who moved to France from the Czech region of Bohemia.
8.2. When Did the Bohemian Style Originate?
Bohemian culture emerged in 18th-century France, which developed into the fashion or style we know today. The financial constraints of that time inspired people to go against societal norms and express themselves freely.
In addition, the technique was later popularized in mainstream society in the 1960s with the rise of hippie culture.
8.3. What is boho-style furniture?
The bohemian style is also a popular style of home decor. The standard and popular elements of these types of furniture are eclectic, vintage, and made from materials that are rich but comfortable at the same time.
These include butterfly chairs, lounges, hanging chairs, daybeds, and more. The colours mainly include earthy, neutral, and warm tones.
8.4. What Are the Critical Features of the Bohemian Style?
The critical elements of the boho style are flowy, comfortable silhouettes with earthy and neutral tones, eye-catching patterns and motifs, and natural and soft fabrics.
Closing Thoughts
The bohemian style is an alluring and free-spirited approach to fashion that honours uniqueness, inventiveness, and the blending of many aspects.
It provides a distinctive and vibrant means of expressing individuality and establishing a warm, nonconformist ambience in fashion and home design.
The bohemian style is still a popular and distinctive option for people who want to add a feeling of artistic freedom and wanderlust to their surroundings, whether bright textiles, foreign inspirations, or a preference for antique treasures.
While style is incorporated in many things, including decor and writing, we have mainly focused on the fashion aspect.
Most importantly, don’t forget that the style mainly relies on your creativity. Don’t hesitate to try new things in the boho style.
Think outside the box to enjoy this style to the fullest. Mix and match and play around with your clothes, and you’ll find your personalized bohemian style!
Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
