Bohemian style fashion invokes a sense of care-free spirits, nomadic lifestyles, and artistic expression. Long flowing skirts, multi-colored tops, colorful headbands, and large chunky jewelry is the style we think of as Bohemian.
Photo via Flickr by Ttylor.f11
Hippies from the 1960s wore styles like these and today, you can see people wearing similar outfits at summer music festivals. This style of fashion is called Boho-chic and it is a hot and trendy style! Let’s explore the history and trends of Bohemian fashion.
History of Bohemian Style
Bohemian style of fashion began in France, after the French Revolution of the late 1700s. People who were tired of the the excessiveness of French bourgeois society wanted to express themselves in a minimalist way by wearing free-flowing clothing and handmade jewelry. Dressing oneself in this type of attire was an expression of self-freedom and became art in itself.
During the early 1800s, artists, writers, philosophers, and transcendental thinkers wanted to show their rebel side by dressing in ways that were not the norm of European society. Many of the styles of clothing were adopted from the wandering gypsies of the Czech Republic, known as Bohemia. Today, Bohemian fashion, or Boho-chic, still represents self-expression and is still considered an art form.
Fabric Colors and Styles
Materials used in Bohemian fashion generally consist of natural fabrics made with earth tones. Cotton, wool, linen, velvet, and leather are perfect materials for Boho-chic. Warm natural colors on ethnic-inspired prints are the base for dresses, skirts, scarves, and belts. Pair a long cotton skirt, with a white flowy shirt, and top with a leather vest for a great Boho-chic look.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Headbands And Scarves
Accessories are the heart of Bohemian fashion. Embroidered bags are essential for that gypsy look. Colorful velvet scarves with stitched flowers, birds, and butterflies add an exotic appeal. Headbands made from ethnic material and accented with fabric flowers highlight your hair. Shawls can be wrapped around the shoulders or waist to bring an artsy flair to a long skirt or a pair of denim cut-off jeans.
Bohemian Style Jewelry
Large, chunky, tribal-inspired jewelry are essentials when going for a Bohemian look. Multiple silver bangles and large silver bracelet cuffs set with turquoise can add a nomadic tribal look. Rings of silver, with large natural stones, can be worn on every finger. Layers of necklaces are essential as well. Make sure the materials used are from a natural source, such as glass, wood, leather, silver, and feathers.
Photo by Amos Bar-Zeev on Unsplash
Clothes and Shoes
Long flowing skirts, short skirts, bright dresses worn in layers and accentuated with colorful woven belts and scarves are the main pieces you will need for that Boho-chic style. For a racy look, wear a cute mini-skirt with a crocheted halter top, layers and layers of jewelry, and a pair of Russell’s cowboy boots.
Velvet tops with embroidered glass beads pair beautifully with a low-waisted long skirt. Wrap a colorful scarf around your head, wear several necklaces of varying lengths, long feather earrings, multiple silver bangles, and a pair of black boots for an exotic look.
Photo by Nicole Harrington on Unsplash
By using your imagination and shopping for clothes with earth tones and tribal patterns, looking for chunky jewelry made with natural materials, and adding layers of scarves, you can achieve the perfect Bohemian style.