Boho Chic is a style that is inspired by Bohemianism and the fashions of the hippie movement. It has a late ‘60s and early ‘70s flavour that is predominantly casual, although dressy versions of the style do exist too.
Boho Chic is always in style, with retailers like Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Lucky and Shopbop showcasing boho items in their ranges every season. But every so often, Boho Chic makes a fashion statement, or is “on trend”, and that’s what has happened for Spring 2015. The pictures here provide a small cross section of the Boho Chic trend retailers are showing right now. I expect the trend to carry through the year, along with other fashion influences of the ‘70s.
Boho Chic style makes me think of bell sleeves, embroidered and smocked detailing, kimono sleeves, A-line tops and skirts, fringe, all shades of brown, high-waisted flared jeans and trousers, kaftans, tunics, velvet, peasant tops, weathered leather, drawstring necklines, lots of gathers, suede, casual maxi dresses, textured cottons, cork heels, textured knitwear, pendant necklaces, some ponchos, floppy felt hats, wooden jewellery, and empire cuts. It’s a very distinctive style, which is one of its strengths.
I do not gravitate towards Boho Chic for my own style, but I’m happy it’s trending because we need the variation in silhouettes at retail. Something needs to give Sporty Luxe, Hard Edge, Normcore, Avant-Garde, Preppy and Modern Classics competition. Why not a bit of Boho Chic? So far, the trend hasn’t taken over the season like it did back in 2005, which I’m equally happy about. I like seeing Boho Chic alongside the Classics and Sporty Luxe (also referred to as “Athleisure”) in one department store because a successful fashion season is about VARIETY. Too much of the same is not a good thing.
I suspect that the newness of this season’s Boho Chic will come from the juxtaposition of the trend with Sporty Luxe, and in the crispness of the items themselves. Zara’s kimono sleeve blouse is an example of a more crisp bohemian item, which is achieved by the clear vibrant colour, stiffer and heavier fabrication, and straighter drape of the volume. Combine that top with a pair of straight leg jeans rolled at the hems and fashionable sneakers, and you’ve got a look that’s “Boho Chic Lite”. Furthermore, high-waisted flared jeans needn’t be worn with a bohemian top and platforms. Pair them with a clean-cut Preppy stripe and short trapeze jacket, or Hard-Edged black drapey asymmetrical sweater, moto jacket, and pointy toe pumps. The effect is less boho and more modern, but just as chic.
Judging by what I saw on the runways for Pre-Fall 2015 earlier this year, ‘70s inspired fashions are having their moment. Late ‘70s fashions were very glamorous, fitted, sensual and dressy (think Studio 54 and watch the movie “American Hustle”). That ‘70s look appeals to more than Boho Chic. As a trousers and coat gal, bootcut pants worn with long belted coats look particularly elegant to my eye. But more about that when the Fall 2015 shows are complete.
Over to you. Do you have a Boho Chic element to your style? Are you excited about the Boho Chic trend and will you create interesting Boho Chic Lite juxtapositions with the pieces?
