Boho vs. Artsy - YouLookFab Forum

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Boho vs. Artsy

Hil

(website)

Veteran

Following on my style descriptor post and the current Crisp vs Stiff debate, please help me figure out the difference between boho and arty - I kinda always thought they were one and the same, and that earthy was perhaps an offshoot of boho, but it appears they are different things altogether and I would love some definitions!

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Hil

Astrid

Veteran

Good question! I'm looking forward to the answers.

I once asked YLF how they would define boho and here's the thread http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....at-is-boho. I do have 'bohemian' in my style descriptor, Angie recently coined 'bohemian prairie girl' for me and I love it. I do define that 'bohemian' part a bit different than people typically define 'boho' though. Have a look at Manidipa's answer in the above thread, she explains it way better than I ever could.

You just started following me on Pinterest, so you've seen my boards....

rute

Veteran

Boho is a style with bohemian and hippie influences (think on the 70's).

Artsy is more artistic

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Exactly what Rute said.

Boho can be Arty, but Arty is not necessarily Boho. Diana is a very Arty Eclectic - but her style is not Boho.

Jules

Veteran

I have a bit of boho to my style, but not arty. I don't have any WIW pics so that won't help you much! But I feel like I can do boho wearing mass-market, inexpensive new pieces, without too much creativity on my part. Basically just throwing the right pieces together - wide-legged jeans and platform sandals, loose top, slouchy bag. I could not do arty so easily. Diana for example has her beautiful unique hand-knit pieces, but also a very creative way of combining things.
Question... can "arty" also be "effortless"?

nancylee

Veteran

Thanks for asking this question, doulahil. I'll be watching this thread closely since I also struggle with how to recognize/differentiate these influences (boho v. arty). When I first joined YLF two years ago I heavily identified with boho influences, but I've modified my look to be more arty/eclectic. Part of this is just becoming more "reality" based in my style. In my dream life, I'm Sienna Miller wearing flowery blouses, piles of beads, a fringe bag on my arm, and hanging out in trendy coffee shops.....but this look doesn't really work for my real life, I've realized!

BTW, I think Rute's and Angie's definitions are spot-on.

Anonymous

When I see a lot of asymmetry, I think arty, but I don't associate that with bohemian style. Just my two cents.

Aziraphale

Veteran

This is a good question, and although I'm not 100% clear on the answer, I can say with certainty that while I have definite arty elements to my style, it is not at all bohemian.

Boho, to me, involves loose, flowing fabrics, earthy colours, floral or other small, non-geometric patterns, volume secured by artfully placed big belts, long loose hair, and things that look they were made in the 70s, like crocheted vests. Not much on that list that appeals to me.

I don't have a very clear picture of what "arty" looks like -- maybe it can look like more than one thing? But I have a vague idea. I'll be following this thread to see what others say.

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. Well, I suspect it's one of those things where the more you think about it, the more confused you get. Lol.

But for one thing, I think of Boho as being more RATE and Arty more polished. Also, I think of Arty as more what you get with patrons of the arts and Boho as more what you get with artists... who like to play guitar in tall grass with daisy chains on their heads.

Sorry. Can't help it. I'm from Berkeley.

Hil

(website)

Veteran

It just occurred to me that perhaps arty dressing is more a skill than a style? Combining patterns, textures, colours in unusual ways that oddly work.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I associate boho with earthy influences, so lots of natural colors and materials. There might also be an ethnic influence, showing patterns and the like from various peoples, perhaps Native Americans, African tribes, etc.

Arty certainly can include those things, but does not have to by any means.

I don't think Arty is a skill...(artful would be). Sometimes my more arty outfits lack a lot of skill, lol.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with Amy. I have some artiness to my style but not much boho. If I wear a boho piece, I wear it in an eclectic way - usually with something more structured. I would never wear this silk top/jacket with a flowing pant or skirt, which would make it boho imo.

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Aida

Veteran

It's a hard one to really pinpoint sometimes! I don't think "arty" is a skill; I'm all about "combining patterns, textures, colours in unusual ways that oddly work" as you said, but my style is not arty. I do have some definite boho elements (much more so in the summer), though nothing on Elisabeth's list of boho things appeals to me (except maybe the flowing hair) and Astrid's style, for example, is much more boho than mine. You can have touches of either one without it being your dominant style.

(Jules, any style can be "effortless" when done right on the right person )

Runcarla

Veteran

I'm going to throw a wrench in the works , but feel free to put me in my place since I'm a newbie.

Your links seemed to convey a consistent image that I see as 'modern romantic'. There is an element of Edwardian and Victorian sensibility, without being too retro or like a costume. This was most in evidence in your shoes, accessories, and the tats. Then hair seems modern, but also a little gamine. The clothing conveys 'feminine' via textures, cashmere, lace, soft ruffles--very romantic, but the styles and colours are all modern sensibility.

Hil

(website)

Veteran

Thanks to all for your replies!

Runcarla - you are very correct in that I think I am naturally attracted to a romantic style in some ways.