*Modern moody Bohemian*
This is what I mean by “modern moody Bohemian” (my interpretation of course, yours may differ):
*Modern - sleek, edgy, angular, asymmetric, strong, functional, liberating, unfussy, structured, sharp, sophisticated.
For modern, think futuristic warrior (eg Cherise in The Peripheral). It’s not necessarily about what’s new or trendy.
*Moody - dark, smouldering, dusky, spicy, deep, rich, shadowy, evocative, dramatic, muted, glimmering, blackened, patinated.
Moody is mostly about palette, but pattern plays a role too. The first picture (from Dream Wardrobe) shows good examples of what I mean.
*Bohemian - relaxed, unconventional, indie, unique, artistic, creative, eclectic, global, earthy, natural, patterned, textured, flowy, warm, adorned, vintage, lived in.
In Summer, Bohemian is a natural for me. Most of my Summer accessories (jewellery, shoes, bags) lean Bohemian. Lots of my skirts. My tie dye tops. My hair.
But I’ve realised in every outfit I need some “modern” aspects too, which tend to balance out or pare back the Bohemian aspects. My modern side likes sleekness, structure, angularity and sharpness, and fights with my pile-it-on, soft, flowy Bohemian side.
For a touch of “modern” in Summer I like: no sleeves, capped sleeves or extended shoulders (to my eye it gives a more angular and futuristic look than mid length, voluminous or classic shirt sleeves), flat, heavy soled shoes (strong and functional), asymmetrical skirt or any asymmetrical details, flat fronted skirt, a wide belt in a “harder” style (not suede or braided), angular structured blazer, a strong shoulder line, a high or deep v neckline, a “hard” cross body bag, tote, clutch or satchel (as opposed to a “soft” hobo bag), statement metal jewellery (as opposed to beads, leather or more organic looks).
The “moody” part is a challenge in Summer. The colours I like, except for black, are hard to find. But I think I’ve got better at this by being VERY particular, including:
*Dyeing or overdyeing some of my own clothes. It is a hassle but it significantly increases my wardrobe satisfaction. I plan ahead, and do it in batches to save time and energy.
*Being careful about white (including ivory and cream). I’m always attracted to white, and it’s very Summery. But I think white is a “bossy” colour (to borrow a Maria Killam expression). It takes over the palette very easily. If I wear white in a larger block (eg a top, shoes), I feel that it dominates. I start to get a fresh, crisp, classic, preppy, graphic or sporty vibe. Nothing wrong with that, but these are not objectives for me. White works better for me as part of a pattern or in jewellery. Small accents. But even that can be tricky. Modern and Bohemian yes, moody no.
*Same goes for bright colours or very primary colours. I can enjoy them in small blocks but in a larger block I start to feel off. I can go lighter in Summer, but not brighter. There’s a difference.
(These are just my preferences, for my style. Not intended as a commentary on anyone else’s.)
Attached are some pics of my dye projects. Some changes are more dramatic than others. The original colour of the linen skirt was almost right but just a bit too bright for me in such a large block. It probably would’ve worked for me as part of a moody pattern (eg a sunset pattern).
Photos to follow