The Free-Spirited, Creative Bohemian Style
Bohemian fashion came to rise over 200 years ago, but as for me it was discovered through the Julie American Girl Doll when I was a child. Julie, a part of the American Girl historical characters line, was based in the 1970s in the midst of the hippie movement of the time. Her character represented the free-spirited attitude and bohemian fashion of the period as she sported a floral embroidered blouse with two-toned denim flare pants. From that moment on, the boho lifestyle has fascinated me.
What makes the Bohemian style unique is that it is more than a short-lived fashion trend. This style had its beginnings as a counter-cultural movement in the 18th Century when a group of Parisian artists were living in poverty They began to adopt a humble, simple life, wearing old, used clothing and expressing creativity in their fashion that was unheard of at the time. Eventually, this style of necessity formed into an ideology where social norms and materialism were disregarded and replaced with free-spirited artistic expression. The hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s further embraced the free-spirited Bohemian style and had a monumental influence on the more political aspects of the lifestyle.
Two hundred years later from its humble beginnings, the Bohemian lifestyle has continued to evolve into the mainstream fashion and culture of today. In a fashion sense, it incorporates but is certainly not limited to: light weight fabrics, lots of layering, chunky, statement jewelry, knitted and lace dresses, and typically muted, warm color shades.
As the weather cools down, I find it so much easier to get creative with outfits—layering opens up endless possibilities for styling. Connecting beautifully to the Bohemian lifestyle, it embraces simplicity and shuns materialism. Thrifting and upcycling clothing are perfect ways to not only stay true to this ethos but also to experiment and express your unique sense of style. Lately, I’ve been drawn to bold choices like layering dresses over jeans and incorporating distinctive, crocheted pieces into my looks—it's all about celebrating individuality through unexpected combinations.
What I love most about Bohemian style is the freedom it offers for experimentation and creativity. The Mehar website perfectly captures its essence, describing Boho as "all about expressing yourself without restraint in creative ways and embracing your individuality." With such a wide and adaptable definition, I don’t see this style fading away anytime soon.
References:
Mehar. (2023, September 14). Bohemian fashion: History and boho aesthetics. https://www.mehar.com/euro/blog/bohemian-fashion-history-and-boho-aesthetics
MM Design. (2024, May 4). Boho style guide. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgP2IFe4qco
Written by Lauren Worley
Graphic by Jolie Bellaff