https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:41:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-581081 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:26:46 +0000 Astrid 581081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Ruth! Who knows how our minds work? </p> <p>Thanks, Christieanne! I did look at the scandinavian designs you mentioned, very pretty. Thanks for the explanation about eclectic, I didn't know what that meant. </p> <p>Thanks Rachylou! That's a typical boho look, I agree. </p> <p>Julie, I guess the tunic top / skinnies / boots combo is one I will wear more often from now on. </p> <p>Thanks, Jen! I had a look at their website, lovely pictures.</p> <p>Oh wow, thank you Manidipa! I don't know where to start, that was a fantastic post. You write beautifully and it was very informative. I guess I understand the nuances a bit better know. I was very helpful! :)</p> <p>Thanks, Vix! And YES to the mix of textures, that's so true! I definitely see what you mean and I think that this is something I can work with, to factor these different textures into my outfits. The idea of chosing clothes by sensory experience is actually not all that strange to me. I think I do it already - I always go shopping with my hands and feel every fabric. And I don't even try on an item that doesn't feel good. I agree that the idea of taking one piece that has this feel I want and pair it with minimal pieces is a great idea, the dress outfit really is similar and I felt very comfortable in it. I love your two formulas of a 'floaty tunic worn belted over skinny/slim jeans with sleek booties ' and 'a streamlined dress or top/skirt combo with the slouchy inspiration-type boots and one striking piece of jewelry', these sound perfect.<br /> It's very interesting that you see that disconect between the interiors and the clothing. I guess I'd have to go with the spectrum of the clothes - I've thought a lot about these pics and the interiors were just pics I searched for and found while I wrote that response. And I have to say I've always thought that most interior pics say 'look but don't muss', it's the nature of the pictures. These living spaces aren't 'lived' in, they lack that certain feel that only develops when you make a space your own. I'm not sure how to say it.</p> <p>Claire, I'm also a bit overwhelmed by all that eloquence. ;)</p> <p>Thanks Scarlet. There's something about these patterns and textures - that's true. I don't know a word for it either, I guess I'll need to work without one. Or maybe I could work out rubrics, like Suz and Aida mentioned. No matter what, I'll definitely save these threads and come back to them the next time I think about buying something. </p> <p>Vildy, that's so true.</p> <p>Rachylou, that could very well be the case, I'm not sure. </p> <p>Thanks, Helen! It's great to see the examples listed.</p> <p>Thanks CCiele! Seems like the distinction between boho and bohemian is important, like Rachylou said.</p> <p>Thanks, Suz! You're right, I think that bit about the textures is important. 'Soft' and 'rich' and maybe also the 'natural/organic' people mentioned before. It would be nice to have a name, but I'll manage without one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580820 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:46:17 +0000 Suz 580820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Manidipa, I'm with Vix - shop that baby around!! Very interesting and enlightening indeed!! </p> <p>Astrid, I also think Vix has given you some excellent suggestions. I, too, have noticed that you favour rich or interesting textures in some of your clothing and accessories and particularly "soft" or "rich" ones. Is it boho? I don't know. But maybe the name matters less than going by an item's feel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580818 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:45:21 +0000 Claudia 580818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Manidipa, that was a great, informative and very interesting read. Thanks for taking the time to write that and post it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580806 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:25:32 +0000 cciele 580806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For boho-chic, I think of the Free People brand. Bohemian, I think of various eras where people lived unconventional, anti-establishment, often artistic lifestyles--bobbed hair and masculine style of the 20s, the beat counterculture of the 50s, flower power and hippies of the 60s and 70s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580764 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:55:45 +0000 HelenInCanada 580764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, boho evokes a transient, freedom-loving lifestyle, and incorporates gypsy and/or hippie elements. So, for example:</p> <p>-gauzy peasant blouses and flowy skirts<br /> -batik / tie-dye patterns<br /> -crinkled cotton / all natural fibres<br /> -fringed scarves<br /> -patchwork<br /> -crochet<br /> -loose fit<br /> -distressed denim<br /> -slouchy tote bags<br /> -flat sandals<br /> -beaded jewellry<br /> -raw, frayed edges... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580633 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:48:18 +0000 rachylou 580633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is Bohemian the same as Boho? In my book, they're different. Bohemian harkening back to cafe society and involving berets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580473 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:25:13 +0000 Vildy 580473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yeah, I would buy that book. Manidipa, you blow all the fog away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580388 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:20:37 +0000 Scarlet 580388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking about this from your other thread. Like Vix, I was also thinking that there is something about textures and patterns that is attracting you. I still can't think of a good word for it though. The jewelry you selected in your other thread says boho/organic/arty yo me, but the clothing was more of a mix of styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580341 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:08:38 +0000 Anonymous 580341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ummmm. I don't think I have anything to say anymore!</p> <p>@Manidipa: Dang girl, you need to write a book! Or have you? Srsly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580332 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:01:20 +0000 Vix 580332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa --</p> <p>You should slap a title on that essay and shop it around to style magazines/blogs! </p> <p>"...[T]he flouncy or floaty mini-dress (the smock that has forgotten its nether partner?)" just about killed me. And I definitely identified with a certain subset. ;)</p> <p>Astrid --</p> <p>Thanks! I found lots of inspiration during my 50 hour trip...it was great. </p> <p>Speaking of: I took another look at your inspiration photos in the thread below:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-habits</a></p> <p>I know that many responses were saying they saw a natural, organic bent to your choices but what stood out to me was the mix of textures -- smooth or shiny vs sueded, embroidered, or 3-D (I mentally added in your beloved velvet skirt,too).</p> <p>Given what you say about your clothing needing to be comfortable and not feeling at ease when there's too much going on with an outfit, I wonder if you need to let the sensory experience of clothing drive your choices while silhouette, print, and color etc follow?</p> <p>FWIW, I can relate to a lot of what you describe and I think the advice you got about choosing one item that fits [whatever you want to call it] while keeping the others pared back is a great step. </p> <p>You did that in the photo with the dress and it seemed to be a good match for what you describe wanting to do more of...and I thought the dress was flattering to your shape as well. </p> <p>I could see a floaty tunic worn belted over skinny/slim jeans with sleek booties as a great solution for you; ditto a streamlined dress or top/skirt combo with the slouchy inspiration-type boots and one striking piece of jewelry.</p> <p>I do think it's worth debating the boho nuances Manidipa raised in her response as the clothing and interior shots you shared have a disconnect for me. The clothing says "come closer" and while the interiors are not high modernism, they say "look but don't muss." One is more womanly/complex the other more jeune fille/lighthearted.</p> <p>Both have their appeal but you may want to figure out which spectrum is closer to the one you want to hit before you spend your hard-earned money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-580230 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:57:33 +0000 ManidipaM 580230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be out on a limb with this... but I actually see two sub-categories of boho, being subtly different while coming from the same inspirations originally.</p> <p>The more recognizably current boho chic is something that, if I recall correctly, started off in the 1990s and looks back to hippie style. The other, older boho has its sense in early 20th-century socio-political movements, and it is really odd to note *now* that Sherlock Holmes was described as bohemian by his author! Mark Twain considered himself a Bohemian --- and you see overtones of that in Tom Sawyer's attraction to Huck Finn's oppressed, deprived but free life.</p> <p>That first sense is reactionist --- anti-establishment, *simple* in that it often chooses to do away with structure and layers (in every sense), has a very frugal heart even when accompanied by wealth and luxury. This is, and I hope I do not offend anyone with this descriptor, gypsy-boho. The choc-a-block-ness of detail and ornate elements that seems to belie simplicity likely comes from the gypsy love of embellishment and the highly decorated caravans --- but again, if you look again, there is a very frugal heart to it. There's a bit of a magpie tendency too, right alongside a practical (and paradoxical) minimalism. There is, as well, a certain nostalgic quality to bohemianism --- hence the association of very traditional patterns (paisley) and silhouette (smocks, pinafores, gathered skirts, full slouchy pants). There is a strong sense of artistic patronage too, so that 'artsy' becomes closely allied with boho. This sometimes leads to more avant-garde elements as well, which might eschew the traditional as twee! </p> <p>In style, this can translate to pre-Raphaelite lushness and naivete (the obverse of curated bombshell sexy), with the hair long and natural, full red mouth, and strong eyebrows, with garments in a luxurious fabrication falling in loose folds, but not a lot of structure and extra embellishment (no corsets and collars) --- but perhaps one eye-catching 'naive' adornment like a flower, a feather or a string of beads. There is sometimes an Orientalist flavour of velvets and silk in dark colours (including black), tassels, braided leather, gold detailing --- and unstructured longer-length garments (rarely is the boho skirt above knee length, or the shirt cropped). This -- to my thinking --- is a more organic and craftsy and tradition-inspired and *sexy* boho than the Flower Power that followed, which emphasized naivete in a sense of child-like innocence rather than lush nature alone. That's where, to my mind, boho acquires more attenuated qualities --- and this is my personal bias, I should disclose --- nearly becomes a caricature of itself.</p> <p>Freedom from socially imposed restrictions remains a running thread through it all, especially as women's lib takes it up, which likely explains the sheer fabrications and bra-less silhouettes of boho as well --- the idea of eschewing petticoats and muslins. A tomboy element pops up as well in more modern boho, because of course the feminine can itself be an imposition. So shorter hair (Eton crop), girls in pants and a man's oversized shirt...and the pullover and knickerbockers look which I see as an ancestor to the current trend of slouchy pants and loose T-shirt! But the gypsy-inspired alternative of florid corsets and voluminous skirts never does disappear either, a la 'New Look' Dior. Rive gauche and jazz start to feed the image too, hence there comes in sharper tailored androgyny along with an insouciant element --- the Grecian sandal was barely considered a shoe and would be seen as shockingly 'bare' at one time for a person of a certain socio-economic class. This resulted in the cafe-culture bohemian of long political and artistic discussions, wearing the beret and turtleneck with suit and duffel coat --- the icon a male student, but a look and intellectual posture that females would also adopt. This is about the time that the 'jersey' --- T-shirt and sweater material --- starts to become HUGE. The boho as flaneur and louche and iconoclast appear --- and often dress the way you might want to Astrid, in very simple classic shapes, not many layers and not much embellishment because simplicity and frugality are key, but adding a deliberately 'arty' or traditional or political element. This isn't the straightforward naive romanticism of some earlier or later eras, but a more ironic or political adoption. </p> <p>Greenwich Village beat generation, baby boomers and psychedelia come later (though there was opium before LSD). Just as women's hair went short in emancipation, men's gets long in this anti-war liberation phase --- and a lot of the recognizably boho motifs we now see as 'essential' arrive, quite late in the story really. The peace sign, the paisley, the flower-power garlands, flares, yoga...Herbal appeal in mainstream cosmetics and household products has its roots around here, and of course there is an Orientalist inspiration added to gypsy. </p> <p>Boho as cafe culture never does go away, of course, just simmers quietly in the corner and possibly glowers at the Beatlemania band. But the Sienna Miller boho, a la Glastonbury (and hence hippie-informed), takes more from the latter phase and thus reinforces --- I strongly suspect --- the idea of boho as a slightly 'stuck' posture (rather than as politics, changing always because reactive) including gilets and furry vests, long flowy skirts, long slightly wavy hair, oversized cardigans over embroidered peasant-ish tunics and blouses, leggings, the hobo bag(!) and oh yes, Uggs! (okay other slouchy boots as well, but also furry boots like the Uggs). This version of boho, I think, has recognizably more bling (India-inspired?) even though it relies heavily on 'folk' elements. And also adds in the flouncy or floaty mini-dress (the smock that has forgotten its nether partner?) as well as a resurgence of tattoos and imaginative make-up (curly eyeliner, painted lids and henna/mehendi art). </p> <p>The more current boho-inspired looks are hardly spoken of as 'bohemian' by contrast, yet to my eye are strikingly so, especially in the older sense --- the eclectic androgyny of slouchy pants and military jackets on women, sheer and crochet fabrications, the longer-sleeved T-shirt, plaited leather and obi belts, the India-inspired dreadlocked and bejewelled models of the recent Chanel show, flowered Fluevogs and Doc Martens all say boho to me! I certainly think of all of these, plus grunge and gothic, when talking of the boho element in my own style. But possibly not many would agree with this identification or interpretation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579889 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:26:46 +0000 jen 579889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think Winter Kate by Nicole Richie! x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579875 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:49:00 +0000 Julie 579875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I consider my style Boho. It evolved from the tunic tops, skinny jeans and tall boots, you was popularized by Kate Moss, Rachael Stevens, etc. I've since put my own spin on it.</p> <p>When my boyfriend wants to annoy me he calls it Hobo. And that gets him the toe of my boot up his you know what. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579820 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:37:25 +0000 rachylou 579820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This to me is boho: <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/history/2011/08/10/what-did-sienna-say-to-girls-who-copies-her-style" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/hi.....-her-style</a></p> <p>I think paisley, calico, macrame, big leather belts, artfully tangled hair, soft sundresses, maxi dresses, a slightly crushed look - no ironing allowed and definitively no spray starch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579773 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:04 +0000 christieanne 579773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it was the accessories you posted that brings up Boho - the organic forms, that gorgeous silver cuff which could have come from centuries ago in India or Tibet, the natural tones in the leather. More laid back, less severe and certainly not prim or fussy. </p> <p>It's also modern when you look at Scandinavian style- someone pointed that out on your thread. Check out design by George Jenson and some of the silversmiths in Denmark and Norway. They took inspiration from nature in form and executed in a new way. </p> <p> I think Eclectic (defined as borrowing styles from different sources and combining them) is a way to keep boho balanced with modern classic. Wear the pearls (or insert your own classic/preppy/ladylike accessory here) one day, and the modern bold silver on another day and organic, wooden cuff on the third. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579691 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:46:51 +0000 Anonymous 579691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think of boho, 2 words come to mind:</p> <p>(1) Feminine<br /> (2) California</p> <p>Don't ask me why. I just think boho is a great look for those who can pull it off successfully. I love boho style, but have never been able to make it work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579474 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:04:38 +0000 Astrid 579474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Khris! I would also say that boho is a part of your style - but you're right, it's hard to define exactly. Your description makes sense. </p> <p>Thanks, Jenny! Maxis, peasant-style blouses and so on - I always thought about these pieces when I thought of boho too. </p> <p>Thanks for the visuals Vix! I can see how the boho plays into the modern classic, very interesting. Your vacation pics are beautiful!</p> <p>Thanks, Angie! I guess when I consider the posts above I can understand why some said that boho maybe isn't the best definition for what I had in mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579412 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:41:18 +0000 Angie 579412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, Vix and Jenny are all right. Jean has a very bohemian and arty style - that should help with visuals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579411 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:40:59 +0000 Vix 579411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Astrid --</p> <p>Your question/topic is near and dear to my style persona heart, ha!</p> <p>[I should say that I am very white bread so I have guidelines for myself about cultural appropriation -- so no sari-wearing in the US for me, even if my avatar is an inspiration shot of a woman in the PNW. But more sari-showing on the forum, please thanks!]</p> <p>While I think boho encompasses a very wide range of interpretations, I always say that my mostly modern classic iterations have a love child...the Persnickety Bohemian. </p> <p>For me that translates to luxe fabrics that feel good on the body and gorgeous patterns and colors. The last year or two I've starting adding more boho items, and often mix them in with modern classic. I call the results barely boho. ;)</p> <p>Re photos below: </p> <p>* The way I tend to wear my version of boho; pic 7 is a better shot of the silk top in 6</p> <p>* Just had a quick vacation to California and stayed in my idea of boho luxe heaven (and took the 2 environmental pics) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579407 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:39:48 +0000 JennyAnne 579407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying to be a little more boho since I'm drawn to that style in pictures and on others. For me, it means maxis, looser blouses (peasant-style especially), scarves, long necklaces. I try to just incorporate one piece of those in an outfit, so I don't think my actual style is very "boho." I just love the breezey, casual vibes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579403 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:38:03 +0000 chewyspaghetti 579403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know exactly, Astrid. People are always saying that I have a Boho element to my look, and I can't really define it. I think of ethnic patterns, relaxed silhouettes, and natural elements, also vintage- especially earthy and hippie late 60's and 70's types of looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-what-is-boho#post-579369 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:13:39 +0000 Astrid 579369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After my latest epiphany about my dressing habits I posted some inspirational pictures to try to describe what I thought was lacking in my current wardrobe. I thought 'boho' would be a good word for that little bit of extra I want together with the minimal, but some mentioned that they thought boho wouldn't exactly fit.</p> <p>Now I wondered - what kind of style are you thinking about when you hear 'boho'? Do you think of a certain type of garment, a pattern, colors or textures? What kind of look would you call 'boho'? Or is it maybe more a feel than a look? </p> <p>I'm curious. </p>