Boho ~ Beautiful, Beguiling and Back on Trend

 

Click to buy beautiful vintage BOHO fashion 

 

The term ‘bohemian’ has gone through many evolutions since its earliest inception (the original Bohemians were travellers from central Europe), and from the adherents of the Bloomsbury Set in the early 20^th century to the modern ‘boho’ lifestyle, this term has applied to those who live an unconventional, non-conformist and often artistic lifestyle. It has been attributed to the Pre-Raphaelites, the bobbed hair and cross-gender styles of the 1920s and, of course, to the more recent incarnation that defined the counterculture of the 60s and 70s.

 

The modern interpretation of the bohemian lifestyle and boho fashion is a continuation of the ethic and the expression which permeated these decades, arising from an era of upheaval to deliver a new-found sense of freedom in fashion trends, mirroring the social movements and the flourishing festival scene of the time. This sense of empowerment and liberation led to a counterculture that was reflected in the mood, the music and the bohemian style clothing. As a lifestyle, it was in such marked contrast to anything that had gone before, and it sat cross-legged and defiant in the midst of an ever-increasing consumerist society and has remained there ever since.

 

It’s easy to see why the bohemian lifestyle and boho clothing endures in today’s society ~ its core values represent a freedom of spirit; a thirst for knowledge; exploration and discovery through travel; opening up of the mind and body to holistic therapies; being in tune with art, nature and alternative ideologies; a sense of emancipation from the constraints and mores of modern conventions and obligations ~ and a love of loose, beautiful and unrestricted clothing which reflects a look that’s always been at the heart of the hippie vibe.

 

 

Gorgeously gregarious and bohemian style clothing comes in so many shapes and styles and, whether contemporary or true vintage, its character is unmistakeable: relaxed, casual and often loose and flowing. The bohemian style can be seen in cool, simple whites to explosions of colour and vivacity, and it follows its forebears with tunic tops and tie-dye, vests and waistcoats, kaftans, peasant blouses, flares and culottes, gypsy skirts and magical maxis, scarves, sandals, headbands, beads, fringes and flowers ~ in bursts of clashing prints and patterns; the coolest of cottons, cheesecloth and crochet; vivacious velvets; fabulous florals; Indian prints and ethnic patterns; flowing silks, chiffon and gauze ~ a wonderful boutique of boho clothing which continues to charm and captivate each new generation.

 

This homage to a more carefree existence is also expressed in ways that complement boho clothing ~ from espousing multi-culture and travelling (VW camper vans optional!) to the current fashion for 70s retro in terms of décor, interior design and all things vintage ~ this is a lifestyle that continues to thrive. For those unable to immerse themselves completely into a world of bohemian style clothing or are unable to escape the restrictions of the ‘nine to five’, festivals and gigs provide the perfect excuse to embrace your inner hippie and bring out your boho side. The choice is endless ~ from the exoticism and eclecticism of Benicassim, Burning Man, Coachella and Shambhala, to our own home-grown fabulous festivals big and small, nowhere is the phrase ‘anything goes’ more apt when it comes to the most eclectic array of boho clothing. Glorious Glastonbury ~ that annual altar of mud, music and mayhem, sunshine (sometimes) and spirituality ~ sees rock royalty and pop princesses rub shoulders with a cast of thousands in a fashion parade that’s beautiful, bohemian and bizarre...revellers rock in leather, leggings and lusciously long layers of marvellous maxis and cool crop tops, piled up with jewellery and worked with wellies and biker boots. Fabulous!

 

Many couples are also now favouring bohemian weddings in place of traditional church weddings and opting to wear bohemian style clothing instead of modern wedding attire ~ for an alternative yet natural way of joining together, whether at home or abroad. Imagine beginning your new adventure together at an intimate gathering on a beautiful beach, in a magical woodland setting or under a blanket of sparkling stars...the joy of a bohemian wedding is that there are no rules, and ceremonies often mix themes and cultures, eras and styles and the current desire to wear a vintage inspired dress or a gorgeous original piece as a unique wedding gown is extremely fashionable. From luscious, long bias-cut 30s silk to exquisitely crafted and beaded 20s flapper dresses, to cool, chic crochet creations from the 70s ~ wearing a vintage wedding dress, in classic white or ivory or in beautiful bohemian colours, will make you look and feel magical.

 

There’s little doubt that with fashion now looking back to the bohemian era, 70s retro and boho clothing in general has made a celebrated return to the catwalk and the modern wardrobe, and continues to impact on current trends. Designers such as Jill Sander, D&G, Stella McCartney, Pucci, Isabel Marant, Erdem and Alice Temperley have all incorporated bohemian style clothing in recent collections, while Paul Smith has focused on designing the most lust-worthy crochet pieces to bring the original, homespun, and nostalgically adored, hand knitted ‘granny squares’ into the world of couture.

 

The trend for owning and wearing true vintage pieces continues apace ~ original paisley and Indian prints in sheer cotton gauze and sensuous silk are so sought after, yet these coveted creations fit so well with today’s vintage and bohemian-inspired pieces that have themselves become a very modern trend. Florals are always in, as are fabulously flattering and 

flowing maxi dresses and skirts ~ a classic bohemian style in a timeless shape that will always be aesthetically pleasing. Crochet is big news on the high street this season and spearheaded by fashion hot spot and trend setting Top Shop ~ the behemoth of bohemian style clothing which continues to extol the vintage vibe.

 

A carnival of colours in patterns and prints, from silks to cottons, chiffons to tapestry, wearable art to wallpaper, embroidery to ethnic jewellery, the bohemian influence is now seen on maxi dresses, billowing blouses, scarves, hobo bags, textiles, furniture, crockery and cakes ~ and everything and everyone in between who’s ever been inspired ~ from Florence Welch, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Pearl and Daisy Lowe to Annie Sloan and Farrow and Ball.

 

The bohemian lifestyle (and boho clothing in particular) remains an integral and essential part of modern life. It may have been reworked and reimagined through time and evolution but its original essence and its desire to be different remains. This is a lifestyle and a look that will always be at heart, unconventional, individual, free-spirited and timeless...they say boho is back ~ but for many, it never went away. 

 

 

LINKS

70s outfits ~ 70s clothing ~  1960s Fashion – The Sounds and Styles ~ Bohemian style on Pinterest ~ Wiki