Take 1970s fashion in natural fabrics, neutral and warm shades, and retro patterns, and you have the epitome of the Bohemian style. However, while it is known for its artistic, relaxed, and liberated fashion, the Bohemian style is more than just a passing trend – it is a lifestyle.
The Bohemian style started with the Bohemians as a counterculture that first appeared after the French Revolution. They are artists who plunged into poverty as they lost their patronage system. However, what began as a counterculture in the 19th century is now part of phenomenal mainstream culture that focuses on relaxed, effortless fashion with overall artistic and creative elements.
Bohemian Style Fashion
The Bohemian lifestyle started as a necessity. As times changed, the lifestyle evolved considerably as well. Bohemians took part in the Aesthetic Movement, standing against the stiff corsets and crinolines popular in the 19th century. Followers focused on loose fits, hand-embroideries, and medieval designs.
Modern bohemian designs are less of a war cry. Colour hues lean toward minimalistic style in more neutral shades and warm and cool tones. Tops focus on loose, relaxed fits with off-shoulder prairie designs, embroideries, and half-length or three-quarter length sleeves.
Bottoms focus on distressed elements and oversized silhouettes, with decorative fringes and trims. Shoes focus on wood accents, comfortable and chunky heels, and embroideries.
Bohemian Accessories
Accessories can also be bohemian in style. A boho wallet, bag, or jewellery pieces are usually hand-made with fringe, tassels, and perforated detailing. Ethnic designs and mixed prints are also standard in bohemian accessories.
Boho jewellery is maximalist: it is usually made with intricate statement designs with antiquated finishes, beads, and gems. Bohemian jewellery is traditionally made of muted, matte metals while incorporating gemstones, pearls, leather, wood, and bone in their designs.
Whether clothing or accessories, Bohemian designs make use of natural materials in their nature-occurring shades. Designs are also inspired by rustic elements with folk, floral, or ethnic patterns.
Bohemian Home
Bohemian design is not limited to fashion. Boho Chic homes and living spaces are also popular today. The bohemian home look, like its fashion, includes eclectic mixes of natural elements with different combinations of patterns, colours, and textures.
The hippie influence of the Bohemian lifestyle brought an infusion of accessories that make use of natural and raw materials such as hemp, wood, and rattan. Macrame plant hangers, leather footstools, and even decorative ladders are staples in a boho-chic home.
Bohemian culture and history celebrated the wandering artists. This is apparent in home accessories with a global feel, such as the use of Moroccan lanterns, Ming-style cases, and other types of international accents with quirky, charming, and travel-centric designs.
Bohemian homes are casual – think pouffes, floor cushions, pillows, area rugs, and spaces that encourage bonding and conversation.
Conclusion
The Bohemian lifestyle started as a counterculture in post-war France, but what began as a subculture became mainstream as more and more people appreciate its unconventional ideology.
Today, it is acknowledged to be more than just a passing trend, as this simple lifestyle became a representation of a wide range of traditions and cultures around the globe. If you are interested in the Bohemian lifestyle, you don’t have to stop at fashion. You can accessorise with a boho wallet and purse, bags, and pieces of jewellery. Better yet, take time to design a bohemian living space.
This creative mishmash of elements means more than just a passing trend—it represents a way of life for most people.
