BOHEMIAN SAREE THERAPY...

But first, what is bohemian style?

Bohemian style is a fashion style strongly related to hippie fashion, in which natural fabrics, retro patterns, neutrals and warm shades merge with 70s style accents and a flair for statement accessories.

Bohemian style is more than just a fashion trend – it’s an actual culture in its own right, one that comes with a very specific ideology and complicated history. While it’s closely associated with the hippie fashions of the 60s and 70s, these days, bohemian fashion is part of the mainstream culture. But fact is, boho fashion actually started out as a counterculture back in the 19th century. Today, the wide variety of boho clothing and accessories make the style an actual phenomenon, one that follows the lines of effortless, relaxed fashion, with its loose-fitted clothing items, casual accessories and overall artistic, creative mishmash of elements.      

The fashions labeled as bohemian represent the lifestyle ideology that comes with it: an alternative to the traditional way of dressing, paired up with an equally alternative, more liberated lifestyle and a social stance against everything from materialism to society’s constraints.

What does bohemian style mean?

Bohemian style comes with a long history, with its aesthetic originating in the late 60s and 70s. Also called ‘boho chic’ or ‘boho’, the style features a variety of natural materials, earthy shades and hippie-inspired patterns.

Where does the Bohemian style come from?

The origin of bohemian style is strongly correlated with the bohemians, a counterculture that appeared in France after the French Revolution. The era saw many artists plunge into poverty, as a result of being deprived of the former system of patronage.

What is the difference between bohemian and hippie?

Bohemian fashion is laid back, unconventional and highly expressive. Like hippies, bohemians are free-spirited and refuse to dress in order to conform. Bohemians are often romantic, with a wonderer like lifestyle, similar to hippies.

History of Bohemian Style

Bohemian style is defined as an alternative type of fashion, different from the mainstream trends of any given period in time. In fact, this exact definition applies to the entire history of the trend. Over 200 years ago, bohemian was a term referred to an exotic style sense, usually associated with the artists of the time, as well as with writers and certain eccentric intellectuals.   

The Beginnings

The first mention of the Bohemians dates at the end of the 18th century, during the time of the French Revolution. Back then, due to the social and economic climate, artists and creatives alike were forced to a life of poverty. As a result, the artists of the time started wearing used and old clothing. Soon after, once the economic climate stabilized, artists began expressing their creative side more through clothing – and more often than not, in eccentric and highly artistic ways.

The general perception of the era was that artists dressed similarly to nomadic gypsies, who had their origins in the Balkan area of Eastern Europe, in a region called Bohemia. As a result, ‘bohemian’ became synonym with a culture, or, better said, counterculture, associated with creativity, artistic expression, as well as disregard to social constructs and mainstream aesthetics.

The Romantics and French Bohemians

Towards the middle of the 19th century, the Romantics (intellectuals who identified with the Romantic art of the era) became associated with the French Bohemians. The groups started incorporating flowy garments, oriental-inspired clothing, medieval elements and colorful materials in their looks, as well as gypsy-inspired accessories and hair, old coats and distressed fabrics. While appreciated by many at the time, these details were all very different from the mainstream fashions of the era.

The Aesthetic Movement

With time, Bohemians’ style evolved considerably. What started as a necessity (dressing poorly due to poverty) became an ideology – one against materialism, pro communal living spaces, against social conventions and often against personal hygiene. Later on, the Bohemians took part in the Aesthetic Movement, which stood against the stiff corsets and crinolines of the era. As a result, the Aesthetic Movement followers embraced a new lifestyle and new style of clothing, focused on loose fits, hand embroideries and medieval-inspired designs. The literature and music of the time began referencing the newly-developed counterculture, with artists like Henri Murger and Puccini dedicating masterpieces to the Bohemians.

The Early 20th Century Bohemian Icons

In the early 20th century, designers started taking the bohemian fashion to the next level. Among them was Paul Poiret, who incorporated a variety of ethnic details into his designs, including Russian and Middle Eastern elements. Likewise, textile designer William Morris created a variety of patterns for both interior design and fashion, featuring lush floral prints, paisley and swirls, all intricate and highly ornamental.

The Hippie Era

The Bohemian Movement took a new meaning in the 1960s, one that was about to change the definition of fashion. Back when the Hippie Movement stood against conventional lifestyles, new clothing styles including ethnic dresses, embroideries, mixed prints, volume, fringe and flared silhouettes started getting popular. The hippies rejected everything from mainstream values to materialism, and from established institutions to social constructs, which was apparent in their fashion choices that went against the streamlined, polished and classy silhouettes of the previous decade.

A Bohemian Saree Wardrobe

The Color Palette

One of the easiest rules to apply when it comes to creating a bohemian saree wardrobe is to start from a curated color palette.

Tip 1: Include both warm and cold hues. A good general rule is to opt for a collection in 6 to 12 hues. Choose less if you gravitate towards a minimalistic style and more if you love prints and aim for a boho look.

Tip 2: Use sister and cousin shades. For example, incorporate three shades of brown (caramel, maroon, latte) or fours shades of blue (turquoise, steel, sky blue and navy) and avoid solitaire, isolated colors. This tip will help you curate a capsule wardrobe where everything is easily matched, which adds to the versatility of the collection.

Tip 3: Include neutrals, pastels, as well as rich hues. Avoid artificial, neon colors, as well as highly saturated garments.

Tip 4: Mixing prints is much easier when you start with a hue palette, which is why putting a lot of thought into your color scheme is essential.

The Jacket

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1.White Lace Top jacket

2.Ethnic Print Peasant jacket

3.Mixed Print Tunic jacket

4.Embroidered Prairie jacket

Elements to look for:

• Loose, relaxed fits

• Bell, trumpet and bishop style sleeves

• Half-length and three-quarter length sleeves

• Various decorative trims: pompoms, ethnic prints, etc.

• V necklines, off-shoulder cuts

• Mixed print designs

• Embroideries

The Footwear

1. Gladiator Sandals

2. Chunky Heeled Clogs

3. Embroidered Suede Ankle Boots

Elements to Look for:

• Natural, warm hues like browns, beige and gray

• Wood accents

• Embroideries

• Comfortable chunky heels

• Platform heels

• Low cowboy boots

• 
  

What to Look for in Accessories

Beaded clutches with boho trims

What to Look for in Jewelry

• Natural materials: metals, gems and pearls

• Turquoise anything

• Intricate beaded designs

• Wood beads and accents

• Artsy stackable rings

• Layered necklaces

• Antiqued silver and antiqued gold metals

• Jewelry with an artisanal feel

• Mexican bracelets

• African finger rings and African necklaces

• Moroccan jewelry

• Large pendants, large rings

• Tassels

What to Avoid When Shopping for Boho Jewelry and Accessories

• Neon colors unless they are part of ethnic-inspired designs

• Artificial fabrics like latex, low-quality faux fabrics

• Plastic

• Lucite

• Artificial, saturated shades

• Minimalistic jewelry, unless used for complex layering

• Futuristic and geometric jewelry

Bohemian Hairstyles and Makeup

When it comes to achieving that perfectly effortless bohemian look, on-theme flowy hair and natural, glowing makeup are a definite must. From braids to relaxed beach waves and from dewy skin to natural lips and soft brown eyeshadows, here are the top tips on how to perfect your boho-inspired hair and makeup.

Bohemian Hair Tips

The Hairstyles

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DO:

• Beach Waves – The ultimate bohemian hair style that’s not only easy to achieve and considerably lower maintenance than its glossier counterparts (glam or retro waves and curls) is all about that easy, effortless, nature(beach)-inspired vibe.

• Braids – Both hippie and prairie-like braids are iconic when it comes to boho styles and whether you opt for a classic French, a simple Three-Way, a Dutch do, a Feather or a Fishtail braid, the results are sure to bring that sought-after quaint charm to your look.

• Messy Updos – Hassle-free, comfortable and chic buns are a bohemian staple and a sure way to achieve that desirable laissez-faire, effortless, non-artificial effect, typical to boho aesthetics.

DON’T

• Tight, Structured Hairdos – If you are aiming for the ultimate boho look, rigid and structured hairstyles should not be on your radar. And the reason couldn’t be any simpler: bohemian style welcomes and is inspired by movement and flow – and rigid, conservative or polished hairstyles are anything but.

The Colors

Whether you’re all for trying out the latest unicorn craze and dying your hair in soft pastel shades or rocking an enviable ombre job, there are various ways to make your hair look utterly boho.

DO

• Add layered highlights and lowlights in your hair.

DON’T

• Don’t paint hair in artificial colors like matte cherry reds, strong purples, too-blonde-blondes, blue-black and other manufactured hues.

The Accessories

From floral headbands and pins to bandanas that add a note of edginess to any boho look, bohemian style welcomes the widest range of hair accessories, able to achieve that desirable layered, ornate yet natural style.

DO

• Floral hairpins

• Natural pearl hairpins

• Headbands

• Floral crowns

• Bandanas

• Bohemian hair wraps

DON’T

• Artificial materials like plastic, lucite or vinyl

• Futuristic-inspired designs

• Retro designs from decades before the ‘60s

Bohemian Makeup Tips

The Skin

Bohemian style gives a lot of importance to natural looking skin and every boho makeup look must start with a great canvas. Hydrated, fresh looking skin that’s not necessarily flawless, but natural and naturally-glowing are the main ingredients of a successful makeup look, which is why full coverage foundations are rarely used. Instead, a gorgeous makeup look that accompanies a boho-inspired outfit accentuates freckles (if any), natural coloring or a gorgeous tan by applying a soft blush.

DO:

• Grab a foundation that is light and that lets your skin breathe.

• Opt for a sun-kissed look with the help of bronzer.

• Use highlighter in order to achieve a gorgeous dewy skin finish.

• Let your freckles shine through.

• Complete the look with a soft rosy or beach hued blush.

• For a festival boho look, opt for gemstones, glitter freckles or temporary foil tattoos to add intricate detailing to your makeup look.

DON’T

• Don’t choose full coverage foundations.

• Avoid ultra-matte finishes and embrace natural glow instead.

The Eyes

Most bohemian-inspired makeup focuses on the skin and eyes rather than the lips, with natural soft smoky styles being some of the most popular choices.

DO

• Go for natural color palettes that range from soft, earthy browns to maroons and peach, plus muted violets and desaturated reds.

• Embrace matte finishes rather than glittery or extra shimmery eye-shadows.

• Create layers and depth rather than structured lines when applying eyeliner and eye-shadow.

• Count on a wearable smoky eye look in earthy tones as your staple go-to.

DON’T

• Stay away from harsh colors like bright blue, hot pink and yellow, saturated greens and orange.

• Avoid ultra-defined eyes with perfectly applied eyeliner and go for a smudgier, more natural effect instead.

The Lips

Soft, healthy-looking, hydrated lips in warm hues are always a perfect choice when trying to look boho from head to toe – while harsh colors, high-polish lipstick or too-defined lips are a no-go.

DO

• Go for natural lipsticks in shades of peach, blush, maroon or soft light browns.

• Seek warm undertones rather than cold hued shades.

• Opt for matte or hydrating finishes and avoid ultra-glossy lipsticks in rich hues.

• Go lipstick-free and opt for hydrating lip balm instead.

DON’T

• Stay away from stringent hues like magenta and hot red.

• Avoid unconventional lipstick colors like blue, black and purple.

• Forgo ultra-finished looks with highly defined lips and opt for more natural effects instead.