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Summer is the Perfect Time for BoHo…Even if you think you “don’t do BoHo.”
May 17, 2021

Last weekend some friends and I were hosting a wedding shower with a casual vibe. We felt the bride would prefer something more youthful and hip than traditional flowers, so we opted for succulents.

“What do we wear?” asked one of the gals. I suggested BoHo. “But, I don’t do BoHo,” she said.

Hmmm, I thought. Can’t we all do BOHO?

Most of us remember a connotation of boho (or bohemian style) as 60’s “hippie style” (and maybe it is, to some degree). But these days, Boho means comfortable (not tailored or form fitting), casual, colorful, natural fiber clothing.

WHAT EXACTLY IS BOHO?

Back in 2016, I wrote a blog titled: “You’re Never too Old for BoHo.” And I meant it. I’ve seen women in their nineties wear flowing linen tops, prairie skirts, hoop earrings and beads. (And by flowing cotton dresses, I do not mean moo moos or cotton day dresses.)

Influenced heavily by 1970’s design, the boho look typically includes natural elements, colorful, layered textiles, and a more casual, collected feel.

I wore a lightweight, tiered denim dress to the shower with large earrings. I thought it was semi-Boho and appropriate for the occasion. My girlfriend said, “I like your dress, where did you find it?”

I answered, “Soft Surroundings.

She said, “I love Soft Surroundings.”

I think many pieces from Soft Surroundings may be classified as Boho. Take a look at these items which are featured in their most recent catalog. (Maybe you’re already wearing boho and you don’t even know it.)

Kimonos

These colorful, flowy, feminine third-layer pieces are perfect for summer. Lightweight with coverage for those of us who need it. You can even wear a kimono as a bathing suit cover-up. And, kimonos go from chilly, air conditioned indoors to warmer outdoors.

Notice the beads and longer pendants that add a bit of texture and shine.

I consider BoHo Style as enlightened and sophisticated. Whatever your age. A style that says, “I’ve been around. I know myself. I know my colors and what flatters me. And I feel the confidence that brings with it.“

Dresses

Fun is what I call these dresses. What do you think? Boho or not? Would you wear one? At a pool party, a luncheon, even church.

Many of my friends have traveled extensively and collected trinkets from everywhere. They have a built-in collection of eclectic pieces. You can turn your collected accessories into a focal point that complements boho style.

Accessories

Straw hats, woven bags, beads, bangles, oversized earrings. Pull out your fun summer jewelry. Chances are it will add up to a joyous BoHo look.

Want just a little Boho?… Opt for one colorful top.

Color, texture, flounce, sleeve detail. These tops have it all. And I consider them quite Boho.

photo credit: Soft Surroundings

To me, Boho is an eclectic array of clothing and accessories that expresses your personality. Isn’t that also the definition of QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE?

Remember, “It’s not about styling an outfit, it’s about styling Who You Are!

Be brave–show your quintessential style. Some of my most-admired and favorite people do “Boho.” Take a look”

Over-the-top Boho. Beloved 99 year-old Iris Apfel.
Feminine Boho. Lovely former anchor woman Ann Harder.
Floral Boho. Diane Jordan of Waco.
Country Boho. Candace Walters of Victorian Cowgirl, Sedona, AR.
Classic Boho. My co-author, Janna Beatty.

Boho may not be your style every day, but summertime is the perfect time to have some fun with it.

Would you wear a little Boho? Please send your comments. We love hearing from you!

bohemian lookCoastal Grandma StyleIris Apfel
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Coastal Grandma Style

Sharon White

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12 Comments


Carla Stanley
May 17, 2021 at 10:36 am
Reply

Great Blog, Sharon! Guess I’ve done Boho forever, didn’t have a name for it…..have always Loved Color & Texture—Thanks!



    Sharon White
    May 18, 2021 at 9:00 am
    Reply

    Carla,
    We are old enough to remember when Boho (Bohemian) style meant something different than it does today. Gone are the days of the “flower child.” Today we celebrate comfortable, casual, chic Boho!
    Thanks for writing.

Betty Oltorf
May 18, 2021 at 11:03 am
Reply

I still have some bona fide BoHo dresses that I wore during my 20s when I lived in San Francisco. They are a part of my “collection” that I will not give up. I take them out and wear them every now and then and still get compliments.



    Sharon White
    May 19, 2021 at 1:37 pm
    Reply

    Betty,
    The timeless pieces in our wardrobes never seem to go out of style if they still give us joy.
    My only problem is that most things I wore 20+ years ago, no longer fit. (But they are captured in photos, thank goodness).
    Boho on, girlfriend!

Kathy Cacciolfi
May 18, 2021 at 11:17 am
Reply

I have been wearing Boho chic style for almost 10 yrs, I am now 59. I love how versatile it can be when paired with classics and how original it is on its own. My favorite go to is a sleeveless fringe vest which can be dressed up or down. I used to think it was only for skinny women who could still go bra less. But I am none of those things and enjoy this style and all the different variations I can add to it.



    Sharon White
    May 19, 2021 at 1:36 pm
    Reply

    Oh, Kathy,
    Thanks for your great comment. A sleeveless fringe vest—what fun! I’d love to see the way you wear it. It sounds like a timeless staple in your wardrobe that makes you very happy.
    Isn’t that what fashion is supposed to do: make us happy?

Marianne Stringfellow
May 18, 2021 at 11:20 am
Reply

TThis article makes me happy! Smile, smile, smile! I mostly wear classic clothing as I am too lazy and too ignorant to keep up with trends but….! I love wearing a lot of this boho colorful fashion. It is just too much fun to ignore!



    Sharon White
    May 19, 2021 at 1:33 pm
    Reply

    Marianne,
    I doubt that you are lazy or ignorant…in fact, I’m guessing you are wiser than most of us. You prefer to wear garments that make YOU happy. Having fun with fashion is exactly what we all should be doing.
    Brava to yoou!

Hilde Cort
May 18, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Reply

Sharon, I loved this blog! Mainly I thought it was about me! 😁Just kidding! But you did touch on a couple of things that is so me! First I do love the light weight flowing tops! I’ve acquired a few in case they go out of style; and I’m going to wear them anyway! Next, a couple of days ago I ordered that coral Laguna Topper from Soft Surroundings! I can’t wait to wear it!
Now…I LOVE Iris Apfel! I have a large “coffee table” book on her and her fashions! And for Christmas last year my son and daughter-in-law gave me an Iris Apfel Barbie Doll!! She has on black bell bottom pants with some jewels at the top of the area that flows outward to make the bell bottom! She also has on a 3/4 length black fur vest and topping it off, a short white fur vest! I’d wear that outfit, even at 81! haha



    Sharon White
    May 19, 2021 at 1:30 pm
    Reply

    Hilde,
    You are a girl after my own heart. Iris is a phenomenon because she wears what she LOVES. She wears what brings her joy. Collected, colorful, eclectic. Unique in all of time. Bell bottoms, jewels, fur, fur, fur. How many of us can say we have had a Barbie created in our image?
    Thanks for writing.

Beverly Kermode
May 19, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Reply

I was an original “Flower Child” of the 60’s! Yes, I was at Woodstock with flowers in my hair!
Still love to wear colorful clothes and I am a little on the “wild side.” Never too old to have FUN!



    Sharon White
    May 19, 2021 at 3:19 pm
    Reply

    What a brilliant quote: “Never too old to have FUN!”
    Thank you, Beverly. I always say: “If you’re not having fun…what’s the point?”

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