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What Does Boho Style Mean?

by 顺之 聂 20 Oct 2023

A wide variety of styles in clothing allows everyone to choose the one that most accurately reflects their inner content, and worldview, allowing you to hide flaws and emphasize the advantages of the figure. Take for example the same hippies. Their style in clothes quite clearly showed their ideology – the desire to reconnect with nature, peace, and relaxation. And what about other trends? This time, let's consider the boho style in clothes.

You might be wondering what does boho style mean. Boho is difficult to call a fashionable style. Some of its elements are found in different collections, they can be seen on catwalks and in fashion magazines.

Boho chic is a style that combines the spirit of freedom, elements of ethnic style, layering, comfortable and natural fabrics in bright colors, and various prints: oriental cucumber, abstract, watercolor, and paisley. Much was taken from hippies and gypsies.

Boho chic style its uniqueness, chic, and at the same time simple attracts the attention of both young fashionistas and ladies of mature age. The peculiarity of the style is the use to create your own image, seemingly incongruous things that successfully complement each other and allow you to stand out in the crowd. Boho style is most suitable for freedom-loving and creative people, but with the help of original "rebellious" outfits, each of us can express our individuality.

Emerging not one decade ago, today this trend in fashion is experiencing another surge in popularity. This style is popular both in clothing and in the interior. Gaining more and more new fans.

What Does Boho Mean?

The term "boho" comes from the word "bohemia." The country of Bohemia was once located in what is now the Czech Republic and was inhabited by Bohemians and Celts who roamed Europe. From all their wanderings, they brought things belonging to the cultures of different peoples. Later, Bohemians became known as gypsies, and then as representatives of creative professions.

How Did Boho Style Originated?

Boho style clothing is not so much a fashion trend, but part of the whole philosophy and a certain way of life. It has a rich history.

The word "bohemian" first appeared in the end of the 18th century. With the end of the French Revolution, creative people — artists, musicians, and writers— who had previously enjoyed patronage from the wealthy French royal family and aristocrats, now found themselves in poverty. These conditions gradually led artists to a life that was minimalist and nomadic in nature. They began to focus less on material goods and more on expressing their creativity through this newfound lifestyle, often re-purposing old and second-hand clothes into artistic and fanciful outfits.

Left unsupported after the revolution, many of them were forced to skulk in poor neighborhoods with Gypsies from neighboring Bohemia in the 19th century(part of present-day Bohemia), called bohèmiens in French - "Bohemians," "inhabitants of Bohemia." Naturally, gypsies attracted the attention of Europeans with their free-spirited manners, unusual clothing, and bright jewelry. Living near them could not but influence the outlook of creative people open to everything new. Thus a new stratum of society was gradually born, which came to be called "Bohemians" (by analogy with Bohemians).

Very soon the concepts of boho style (as a way of life) became known far beyond the borders of France and began to symbolize creative freedom as a kind of secret knowledge, a challenge to everyday life and routine, inner and sexual liberation, going beyond conventional norms, eccentricity and uniqueness, closeness to nature, attitude to material goods as something secondary. Actively expressing their views on creativity, bohemians sought even their own life and appearance to turn into a work of art.

Like gypsies, bohemians created their outfits from a variety of things, often worn, or even from someone else's shoulder, generously seasoning them with massive accessories. At the same time, they actively appealed to the style of the Middle Ages and the ethnic motifs of various peoples. This way of dressing was called "boho" (by abbreviation from the English word bohemian homeless – "Bohemian vagabonds"). Jane Morris, the muse of the pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, helped to finalize the boho style as a style of clothing. Contrary to the strict Victorian canons, she stopped wearing a corset, replacing it with a comfortable free dress, and made complex styles, preferring loose hair.

Over the centuries, the boho style has transformed and evolved with the times. In the 19th century, French bohemians and artists were joined by romantics from almost all of Europe. Creative people began to abandon constraining clothing such as corsets and cases in favor of loose dresses, bright and flowing fabrics, and oriental-style silhouettes. Many people began to complement their looks with floral accessories, bright prints, and jewelry made of beads and coins.

The freer society became at the beginning of the 20th century, the more popular the boho style became. Ethnic motifs, animalistic prints, and floral patterns finally came into fashion.

It gained a new meaning in the 1960s and 70s when the hippie movement opposed the traditional way of life. Loose clothing styles including ethnic dresses, embroideries, mixed prints, fringe, and flying silhouettes became popular again.

These days, boho style runs the gamut from pieces reminiscent of 1970s fashion with flared pants and voluminous sleeves to romantic bohemia dominated by lace, braids, and prairie silhouettes, to urban bohemia showcasing an urban version of the flamboyant aesthetic.

Signature Elements of Boho Style

Boho is an ambiguous style, as it is multifaceted and widespread. Today bohemian closet is loved by free spirited artists, Hollywood stars, and politicians – and each of them brings something different to boho style. Throughout its more than 200 years of existence, boho chic has hardly changed. But there are some characteristic features of the style:

Natural fabrics
Now the relevance of the chic style is associated with ecopovestnika. Clothing is created from natural materials: for example, linen and cotton. In Asia, bamboo fibers are used for this purpose. In recent years, in place of natural fabrics come recycled materials. This is how designers try to rethink the style, taking into account the new realities. Designers also like to decorate clothes with handmade elements of beads, muslin, and even natural stones.

Multilayered and unconventional
The meaning of boho style can be described by the phrase "Down with boredom and monotony". Thoughtlessly putting everything in a row does not mean collecting an image in bohemian style. You need to think about each layer. For example, dilute the usual linen shirt with a midi skirt with a vest and cardigan. At the same time, boho style clothes should be comfortable and not constrict movements. Therefore, choose lightweight fabrics and a loose fit.

Accessories
It is mandatory to have accessories on the head: hats, scarves, and headbands. Large costume jewelry: beads, rings, bracelets, earrings made of natural materials: wood, straw, feathers, natural stones, silver.The presence of additional decor in boho clothing and accessories: fringe, abundance of lacing, embroidery, and lace.

Bright colors and prints: ethnic, floral, oriental.

Clothing free and voluminous cuts, not constraining movements: skirts and dresses midi or maxi length, sundresses, flared jeans, wide corduroy pants, shorts made of denim, jumpsuits, tops, and blouses.

Why Boho Chic Works for Any Body Type?

Benefits of boho:
Hides imperfections
Lightweight fabric allows the body to breathe
Very elegant
Suitable for women of all ages

In fact, boho is suitable for blondes, brunettes, and redheads alike. Girls of any age and type of appearance. Boho simultaneously emphasizes the advantages of your figure and hides its shortcomings. Boho style is multifaceted. And every girl can find something different in it. Someone is close to free simple silhouettes, someone likes lace fabrics, someone is attracted by the abundance of accessories made of leather and feathers.

The main thing, perhaps, is your unconventional look at everything and the desire to experiment with your image. Boho loves those who prefer to stand out and are not afraid to show their individuality. Boho style is ideal for any figure. It does not matter if you have a pear-shaped or hourglass, the main thing is to find the right cut, and you can successfully create an image.

Most women with lush forms are embarrassed by their appearance and actively try to disguise the figure through balakhons. However, even in the presence of extra centimeters, it is realistic to be spectacular and stylish, for example, with the help of the original boho style.

Let's understand for what reasons boho chic is suitable for full-figured women. First, thanks to it, it becomes possible to create interesting multi-layered outfits. Such helps balance the proportions of the figure, looks slimmer, and generally looks quite attractive.

Secondly, such clothes allow you to move away from the ordinary and create expressive images. This in turn is very important, because for full ladies there is nothing worse than "plain" and uniform outfits.

In the third, most of these clothes are made of natural fabrics, which makes them very comfortable and easy to wear.

In the fourth, free cut things perfectly camouflage flaws. However, here it is worth considering one nuance – it is not recommended to choose models in which the decor is located in problem areas. Otherwise, you will attract attention to where it should be competently withdrawn.

In order not to add unnecessary volume to the figure, it is better to exclude layering from your boho image. Boho style in clothes for girls is a bold solution for bright and memorable personalities who like to experiment and stand out from the crowd. Boho look is loved for its versatility and ability to harmoniously fit into a woman's closet of all ages and complexions.

How to Get the Perfect Bohemian Look?

Modern boho style is the epitome of casualness and creativity. To create the perfect look, you should have a few basic things in your closet. One of the basics is the presence of cozy and stylish sweaters.

Preference is given to natural materials such as cotton or wool. It is recommended to choose sweaters with interesting patterns or prints, which will add charm and individuality.

It is also important to have dresses in your closet that will be easy to combine with other elements of clothing. You can choose a dress with a bright print or prefer neutral shades to create a more relaxed image.

Comfortable shoes also play an important role in boho style. Stylish ballet flats or derbies made of natural materials can add casualness and charm to the image. In addition, the closet should have several pairs of comfortable shoes or boots that will harmonize with the rest of the clothing.

An important element of the bohemian image is also accessories. To create a casual boho style, you can choose discreet jewelry, such as earrings with natural stones or bracelets, which will be a great addition to the image. Also, don't forget about scarves that can add a bright touch to your style.

Authentic bohemian style is not without bright accessories and jewelry that help complete the look and give it a unique touch. It is important to choose accessories that will match your main outfit and emphasize your personality. One of the essential elements of bohemian style is scarves and shawls. These accessories can be used as hats, arm bands, or additional elements on your neck or bag. Use bright, floral, or ethnic patterns to give your look an extra exotic touch.

Also, don't forget bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Prefer ethno-style jewelry, using natural materials such as wood, leather, or stones. Large accessories will help emphasize your individuality and attract attention.

Jewelry with the theme of travel and nature is also often used in boho style. These can be pendants in the form of feathers, pearls, or sun signs. Such accessories give the image a certain mystery and romance.

It is necessary to remember the harmony and balance of the image. Too many accessories can create an impression of chaos, so make sure that the overall look is well-groomed and elegant. Accessories and jewelry should be homogeneous in style and color scheme to create a balanced look.
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