A Brief History of 'Boho' Style Clothing and How to Wear It
Artistic, relaxed and liberated, the bohemian style is more than just a fashion trend – it’s a culture in its own right. With a far-reaching history and a specific ideology, this style represents an alternative and more liberated way of life, and a strong social stance against everything from materialism to society’s norms. Even though it’s often associated with the hippie style of the ‘60s and ‘70s, boho fashion actually started as a counterculture in the 19th century. Today, the wide variety of bohemian clothes and accessories makes this style a phenomenon that follows the idea of effortless and relaxed fashion mixed with creative and artistic elements.
The history of the boho style
While the true origins of the bohemian culture and style are widely debated, many believe it was established as a counterculture in 19th century France after the French revolution, when many artist and creatives were driven into poverty and forced to wear old, worn out and unfashionable clothing. Others argue that the original bohemians were the nomadic Romani people from an area of the Czech Republic called Bohemia, who rejected the mainstream and lived outside societal norms. Whatever the origin may be, one thing remains the same – to be bohemian meant to live a more unconventional lifestyle and break boundaries, rejecting common political and social views.
As the style evolved through time, the designers of the early 20th century took bohemian fashion to the next level, creating a variety of intricate patterns for both fashion and interior design that featured paisley, swirls and lush floral prints. As the hippies rejected everything from mainstream values to materialism, the bohemian movement took on a whole new meaning during the 1960s, incorporating new clothing styles, such as ethnic dresses, embroideries, fringe and flared silhouettes. Today, boho influences are mostly a stylistic choice often worked into an outfit in combination with other trends, instead of the head-to-toe norm-breaking, free-spirited look.
Bohemian jewellery pieces
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
Quite opposite from toned-down and minimalistic, beautiful bohemian style jewellery is recognizable for its prominent style and a maximally impactful look. Intricately designed and often larger in size, boho jewellery comes in many different shapes and forms. While it can incorporate materials such as leather, wood and bone in the designs, bohemian jewellery is mostly metal, adorned with elaborate detailing. Whether it’s earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings or even anklets, all boho jewellery incorporates embellishments like beads, pearls, feathers, colourful gems or interesting tribal engravings. Statement pieces that are as striking and dramatic as they are beautiful, bohemian style jewellery items can easily be incorporated into any modern look for a more casual and relaxed touch.
Boho clothing essentials
Bohemian fashion comes with a wide array of cuts, shapes and silhouettes, and just as many characteristic fabrics, patterns and techniques. From delicate materials, such as cotton, linen and chiffon, to more durable leather, suede and fur, the boho style mostly revolves around natural fabrics, often decorated with intricate elements like lace, crochet, and animal or floral prints. While oversized clothing, such as tunic style blouses, maxi skirts and beautiful dresses with balloon sleeves are the most popular option, the bohemian look can also be achieved with items like flared jeans, crochet tops and fringed leather vests. No matter which one of these chic boho items you opt for, try to offset them with more modern and neutral or pastel pieces, to create a more balanced yet still relaxed and free-spirited look.
Beautiful boho accessories
Photo by Makenna Entrikin on Unsplash
From Roman sandals in the summer to block-heeled ankle boots and cowboy boots during the colder months, the options for boho inspired footwear are truly endless and can easily be worn no matter your personal style. If you want to take it one step further, though, you can take inspiration for eye-catching headwear pieces from popular festivals, such as Coachella, whether it’s floral crowns, printed scarves tied as bandanas or even floppy, wide-brimmed hats in neutral colours. Fringes and tassels are also popular boho features that can often be found on gorgeous leather and crochet bags, while oversized round sunglasses make for the ideal boho accessory to complement any outfit.
Even though the term ‘bohemian’ is now completely different from its original meaning, it still represents a more artistic, unconventional and carefree style of dressing that is a perfect addition to any modern wardrobe.