From East to West and North to South, it’s easy to spot a style that has stood the test of time. Casual yet chic, dressy but not flashy, natural and trendy. An eclectic mix for sure. What is it?
Some call it boho fashion, cowboy chic, or country casual. I call it a sure way to express your individuality.
Why Does Bohemian Chic Style Remain Fresh, Season After Season?
Because YOU get to make it all your own.
You get to choose:
Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, denim, leather, silk, fur, and suede.
Luxurious details that create texture, color, and pattern. Like embroidery, tassels, lace, and crochet.
Accessories that add personality and pizazz. (You get to choose–a little, or a lot.)
How to Get a Hint of Boho Style…
Choose accessories with texture and detail.
Don’t want to invest in an entire boho wardrobe? Here’s a way to recreate the look with a few well-chosen pieces that won’t break the bank.
(Sundance)
A textured bolero jacket over a solid-color dress. (Soft Surroundings)
Take Boho From Summer to Fall
I wonder what the ladies who created the original Bohemian style would say to us today.
These free-spirited ladies might say: “You are unique in all of
Funny. That’s exactly what Janna and I say on the very last page of Quintessential Style.
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8 Comments
I think you must get the same catalogs in the mail that I get. I see those styles in them and I think… That just isn’t me. Although they look comfy, I don’t think they would make me happy! I marvel at all the different styles that appeal to so many different women. Thanks for opening my eyes to different ways to dress.
PS thanks for telling me that “Boho” comes from the word Bohemian. I learned something today. I always thought that Boho was a place in California around the Haight-Ashbury area. This looks like the clothes from the hippie era.
Janet,
Bohemian style did make a splash during the “hippie” era. Maybe we have negative connotations about the time period, but I will say, those embroidered cotton dresses from Mexico (that we’ve probably all worn) constitute Boho style. I love the lightweight, flowy fabrics, and all that colorful texture. I saw it everywhere I traveled this summer.
And I think anyone can rock those cute, embroidered cardigans…just saying.
Sharon,
I really liked this blog. I’m a fan of the Boho Fashion, Cowboy Chic, and country casual. I also like the stores you featured. Just had an annual birthday shopping trip with one of my best friends. We did lots of shopping (stopped in at Soft Surroundings and Sundance), and I did purchase a couple of these styles!! I also got a great pair of cropped jeans with ivory embroidery and tassels at the hem from The Village Shoppe in West. Glad to know I’m in style and comfortable! And you know I love layering accessories!!
Diane
Diane,
All these photos came from the most recent Soft Surroundings, Chico’s, and Sundance catalogs. Everywhere I traveled this summer (Colorado, Texas Hill Country, Chicago), I noticed this fun, eclectic look. Seems it never goes out of style!
Thanks for writing.
LOVE this post, Sharon. I really like BoHo Chic, but being shorter in stature, have always worried that is would “consume” me a bit too much. I love your suggestions of adding just a hint of it here and there in your wardrobe to create the look and feel in a gentler way. The images you’ve posted are also very inspiring and drool-worthy.
xoxo
Judy,
Yes, everyone should adapt the style to their individual coloring, body type and personal preferences. A little or a lot. But sometimes don’t you just want to go “boho” and feel the fun and freedom of dressing like a stylish gypsy?
Thanks for writing.
I still have a couple of dresses from the “hippie” era of my life when I was in my 20s, 1970s San Francisco. I held onto them because of the ease of wearing and the beautiful embroidery. I still wear them occasionally. I love this look. I have a question for you and Jana on a completely different subject. Sailor tops or so “in” right now. Don’t horizontal stripes make you look broader and shorter? Unless you are long-waisted and slim, should you avoid this look?
Betty,
I think we have all been conditioned to think that no one should wear horizontal stripes, but the French have been doing it for years–and very stylishly I might add! It’s true that horizontal lines create visual width, but it also depends on the size of the stripe and the amount of contrast. For example, a black and white horizontally striped dress with very wide stripes can visually make you appear wider. But, a thin-stripe with less contrasting color will not add visual width.
Some ladies may even prefer a stripe on the top half–to widen their bust and shoulders–if they need to balance their hips.
It’s all about creating an illusion by strategically placing lines where they are most flattering to your body–and the ultimate goal is to balance your figure visually.
Thanks for your question. Hope this helps.