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The History of Bohemian Fashion

The dictionary meaning of a  bohemian  is a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts. Although this tells you what a bohemian means. It doesn't elaborate on their lifestyle. Being a bohemian means to not just be different but to feel unburdened by the shackles of society. So to reflect this way of life they dress in a particular way.

Bohemian clothes look quite different from traditional clothes. Bohemian style derives quite a lot from hippies in the  70's. They take their natural approach with flowers as a crown combined with plain unstitched clothes. They accent this with open toe sandals. This makes them feel more in touch with their environment.

Now, let’s dive into Bohemian roots!

The Origin of Bohemian Fashion

Bohemian people are also known as boho. Bohemian lifestyle has a rich history dating back to the 1970 cold war and the hippies that emerged in that era. During that time peace was being pushed and nowadays peace is still needed.

 Although hippies are the most impactful in the history of bohemian culture. Its roots may date back even further to 29th century France. During the 19th century France was in political turmoil the people who had been beaten into submission by the ruling elite were now becoming resentful.

 The oppressed people could only take so much and eventually fed up with the starvation revolt. This began the French Revolution in which the rich were brought down and the oppressed were given a chance. Due to this power imbalance richer people started wearing older clothes which is what started the bohemian fashion.

 But some reject this and believe that the bohemians were a tribe who lived separated from everyone else and their norms. That their way of life brought about the bohemian lifestyle.

If you're someone who wants to experiment with the bohemian lifestyle we will detail in this article how you can achieve that.

Live A Bohemian Life This Way

Go For a Relaxed Look

Bohemian lifestyle encapsulates being free from societal norms and it's reflected in its clothes. This goal is achieved by dressing like the nomads their lifestyle is derived from. So they wear everything they own without caring for colors or if one pairs with another. If you want to find bohemian clothes they are available on fashion brands like Elise stories.

Wear Oversized Dresses

If you're aiming for a bohemian look you should look for maxi skirts and simple dresses as they will look cool and casual. If these are not what you're interested in, maybe try larger shirts. Just be in something comfortable. You should avoid any tight fitting clothes like custom fitted dresses or maybe even tight jeans.

Use Natural Fibers

The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to pollution so while selecting your clothes you should be mindful of the way they affect your environment. You should avoid all types of synthetic fibers, no nylon, polyester or any other type of synthetic fiber. Research has proven that plastic molecules wash out from these clothes and end up in the ocean.

 Try to use natural fibers in place of synthetic ones. Use wool,silk and organic plant fibers such as linen,jute, cotton and hemp. One thing to vary with cotton is to make sure it's organic as cotton usually is processed with gigantic amounts of water, harmful dyes and bleach.

Which Jewelry to Wear

Supporting local artists is a big part of bohemian philosophy and so rather than buying your common baubles from big jewelry companies you should try and get  unique pieces of jewelry from local artists. Try to incorporate different items such as shells to coins and stuff like that. You can look for some interesting pieces at the local market or buy here.

Add Accessories To your Style

Accessories can really help your look as long as you have a style which suits you. For accessories try and think of multi-purpose items like scarves,belts,hats and headbands as these accessories will really exemplify your free and careless look.

 You should try and find multi-colored scarves as they can be worn in multiple ways around your neck, around your waist or even around your shoulders. Belts can also help as they give a weird (but in a good way) form of structure to your loose clothes. Try and get belts in leather,metal or even beads. There are unlimited possibilities.

 If you wanna go all out get some footwear like open-toed sandals or ankle shoes. You can also use purses and bags if you feel like it as they really aid the relaxed look. Try and find cross body purses in leather as they're quite simple and pair with anything.

Unique Additions

A main part of bohemian style is the additions that are used with clothes such as dresses or skirts or shirts. These additions can range from feathers to charms to shells and other handmade jewelry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Find Bohemian Clothes?

If you want to go out and feel the clothes before you buy them you should go to flea markets for two main reasons. As being  a bohemian also includes recycling and caring for the environment you should go to a flea market to be a bohemian at heart.

 The second reason is to be able to get great bargains on clothes you would usually pay a great deal for. Most flea markets have a great deal of perfect bohemian clothes.

What are the Key Parts of Boho Style Fashion?

A:The key is to get longer clothes which are light and move with the wind so they look rhythmic. You can use jewelry made of shells or coins or even bone or maybe even beads. Wear belts and use headbands or scarves.

Where do I Wear Bohemian Clothes?

A: Bohemian clothes can be worn anywhere as long as you have your look but if you want to stand out you should wear this at parties. Another place this can be worn is at Coachella where you can discuss with other bohemians and find out what changes you can make to your look.

Final Words

Bohemian style is a way of fashion which derives from hippie culture which was present during the 70s. Bohemian fashion was at its peak during 2005 when in the United Kingdom it was promoted by actress Sienna Miller and model Kate Moss.

In the United States it was worn by actress/businesswoman Mary Kate Olsen. Bohemian fashion has been a thing since 1990 and it has had its ups and downs since then. Although most of its elements are derived from hippie culture. Bohemian style is said to have started during the time of the French Revolution.