What is the bohemian style?
Boho style essentially dates back to the late 60s and early 70s and embodies the freedom and unstructured ethos of the hippie lifestyle. This hippie trend also emphasized an eco-friendly connection to the earth, so natural fabrics which are named boho dresses such as cheesecloth and cotton, as well as free-floating fabrics and patterns, reflected these ideals.
Where are the roots of the bohemian style?
The impetus of the hippie movement was to break free from the confines of the social structures of the 1950s and early 1960s, with their stereotypical roles and rigid expectations. Hippies idealized a free lifestyle, opened themselves to new experiences, and refused to conform to the ideas of others. Bohemian style was about embodying the principles of these ideas, such as free-flowing fabrics and patterns, rather than slavishly adopting a single design feature.
Where did the modern boho-chic style come from?
History shows that Siena Miller’s bohemian was the first one who wore the Boho dresses at the 2004 Glastonbury festival that marked the initiation of the modern bohemian trend. However, some observers claim to see the elements of the bohemian look as early as late 2003. Since then, boho dresses have been liked and got popular.
What are the characteristic elements of bohemian and boho-chic clothing?
Bohemian clothing style is based on the idea that you are free to mix and match different pieces of clothing to reflect your unique character. While the emphasis is on the use of wide flowing patterns and lightweight, flowing fabrics, this does not exclude everything else. In boho dresses, the loose fit of the other garments is simply emphasized by something fitted (such as a stretchy waistcoat or leggings). And, of course, plus-size clothing is a must.
The base layer often consists of a spaghetti strap, vest, or small stretchy t-shirt. A bra top is a popular choice as well when paired with a mini skirt or tight shorts. Putting on an oversized jacket as a finishing touch would be a great addition.
Loose-fitting cardigans, slouchy-look T-shirts or sweaters, and loose linen jackets are common, but short versions of a jacket and cardigan can also cover a longer tunic or shirt to accentuate the layered look.
The peasant look is the epitome of boho chic and includes long oilcloth skirts, caftan-style dresses, and tunic-style blouses with wide sleeves. It looks especially good with a fur vest, but it also looks good over baggy jeans or wide pants: Leggings, long socks, and warm socks add to the look, sometimes in combination.
Most of the photos illustrating the different points can be found at the end of this article. However, below are a few examples:
What fabrics are best for boho clothing?
In keeping with the natural ethos of being earthy, natural materials are chosen for boho chic.
It is worth knowing that linen, cotton, and natural hemp can be chosen as fabrics to have flowing look. The semi-natural look of faux fur adds even more to this mood, and of course, leather and suede are great choices for coats and jackets, shoes and boots, and accessories like belts and bags. What colors embody the boho-chic look?
Once again, the emphasis on natural looks influences the main color palette of most bohemian and boho dresses. Autumnal earth tones like deep brown, rich tan and anthracite are represented as well as cool neutrals like soft beige and taupe, chalky white, and soft cream.
