Your Guide to Bohemian Style {aka Boho Chic}
Bohemianism first emerged in the early 19th century when artists began to move into gypsy neighborhoods in Europe. The term ‘bohemian’ refers to untraditional, antiestablishment lifestyles. For clothing, dressing bohemian means expressing your creativity and individuality. The look can be quite messy with its many layers and accessories. Some fashionistas have claimed that to pull off this look, you have to perfect that messiness by maintaining an overall balance. In other words, don’t overdo it.
Bohemian Styles
Peasant Girl
Peasant girl boho is the ultra feminine version of this style. Long, flowing skirts, angelic headbands, lace and embroidery characterize this style. Go for lighter colors and floral patterns.
Rugged Bohemian
The rugged boho style often includes distressed denim cutoffs, cowboy boots and a tunic of some sort.
Bohemian Luxe
The super chic version of the bohemian trend is the luxe look. Basically a glammed up version of the basic boho style, bohemian luxe includes maxi dresses, a mix of more modern heels and accessories and darker colors.
Bohemian Style on the Runway
As bohemian style cycles in and out of high fashion, we can always look to certain designers for the standard. Diane Von Furstenberg, Mara Hoffman, Anna Sui, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and Matthew Williamson have all been major players in keeping the trend stylish.
Celebrities Wearing Bohemian Style
Celebrities love to dabble in bohemian style. We’ve seen plenty wear a peasant top with denim cutoffs and cowboy boots. One celebrity who’s embraced the look (some argue she and Kate Moss created boho-chic) is Sienna Miller.
Mary Kate has also frequented the style, sometimes to the extreme. A few years ago, her style was referred to as ‘ashcan’ and ‘homeless’ (think Direlict from Zoolander).
Mischa Barton, on the other hand, has epitomized the bohemian luxe look with her angelic headbands and goddess gowns.
Basic Pieces to achieve Bohemian Style
When looking for bohemian style pieces, go for flowing, light fabrics with ethnic or floral prints, embroidery and/or fringe. Layering and accessories are key to achieve that messy, yet put together look.
Dresses
Maxi dresses, tunics and tiered dresses are all perfect examples of bohemian style dresses.
Shown:
Charlotte Russe Halter Dress $21.80, What Comes Around Goes Around Tunic Dress $173, Victoria’s Secret Embroidered Dress $85
Bottoms
For bottoms, look for distressed denim, bell-bottoms and peasant skirts.
Shown: Citizens of Humanity Bell Bottoms $198, Vigoss Destroyed Shorts $26.99, Smocked Lace Skirt $22.99
Tops
Tunics, caftans and peasant tops are the main boho tops. Most have long, full sleeves, but short sleeves work, too.
Shown: bb Dakota Tunic $41.00, Juicy Couture Caftan Tunic $129.90, Alloy Boho Tunic $14.99
Shoes
Gladiator sandals, boots and fringed heels are the perfect shoes for a boho look.
Shown: Jessica Simpson Fringe Sandals $49, Studded Gladiator Flats $18.99, Distressed Cowboy Boots $34.99
Accessories
Accessories are a must for the boho look. Oversize sunglasses, scarves, wide leather belts, bangle bracelets and oversize jewelry are the basics.
Shown: New York & Co Scarf $11.86, Woven Horseshoe Belt $9.99, Jessica Simpson Sunglasses $45, Ethnic Bangle Set $4
Are you a fan of Boho Chic or Bohemian Style? Do you go all out or just wear one or two pieces?
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July 10th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I love the Rugged Bohemian - that’s my favorite outfit for the winter - denim - cowboy boots. And tunics are always part of my closet.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:42 pm
I love it. Any way to make this style iwth skinny jeans?
July 24th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Oh! Good question, Abby! Yeah, I think you can totally make the style work with skinny jeans. Pair with a tunic top, a wide belt and gladiators. You might even give your skinnies one wide, rolled-up cuff. That’s a great boho-chic look!
August 5th, 2009 at 8:00 am
[...] long hair, cute braids….*loving sigh* However, you have to know how to pull it off. This is good bohemian, this is [...]
August 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
[...] the waist and thighs, they flare out into extra-wide legs. Flare jeans are great to wear with a boho-chic top or tunic. They’re also a nice jean option for plaid [...]
August 16th, 2009 at 5:07 am
CAn u put a tunic with short shorts and is so what kind of shoes could you were
August 16th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Breanna,
You can most definitely put a tunic with short shorts. Just make sure your shorts are at least 1 inch longer than the length of your tunic. Otherwise, your tunic will look more like a dress. For shoes, go for boots or gladiators.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
are there any shops that sell only exclusively boho? I live in China, so…
October 9th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I haven’t seen any shops like that. If I do, I’ll let you know!!
January 30th, 2010 at 1:49 am
I can’t find any stores that sell these kinds of clothing, so ive just been making and remaking my own clothes. unfortunately, they dont turn out nearly as pulled together yet messy as i hoped. Can you give meany tips on store that would have these kinds of layers? thank you brahh
January 30th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Definitely! Try Forever 21 or delia for inexpensive options. Urban Outfitters is a mid-range store that often carries boho styles. Sundance and Anthropologie have higher priced (and a bit more sophisticated) styles.
February 13th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Check http://www.thelittlebazaar.com. Not all will be like what you want, but if you look carefully, you may find some that will work. Prices are surely low - much less than Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie, and a much wider choice.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:32 am
[...] oh and another site i love and use depending on what type of boho girl you are is: http://www.ssasychic.com/fashion/your-guide-to-bohemian-style-aka-boho-chic/ [...]