What’s My Style?
Bohemian and Eclectic
Hey Y’all!
Glad you came back to join me for this series called “What's My Style?” The two styles we'll cover today are Bohemian and Eclectic styles. I've done a snippet of some of this on my Instagram and Facebook pages, but we'll get a little more in depth. I also have a series about Building An Intentional Wardrobe that covers defining your style. Once you've learned what and how to define your style, these style discriptions may make a little more sense.
Bohemian Style
Bohemian fashion has more recently developed the names “boho” or “boho chic” and is largely inspired by the fashions of the hippie movement of the late 1960s and 1970s. The style originated with “gypsies” (artists and nomads), who often had little to no money to spend on clothing. Freedom and movement is a major element of the boho style, so they tend to opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers. Pieces usually come in a variety of colors and patterns, with romantic touches (i.e. lace, flowers patterns, crochet, etc).
Layering is a key component in boho fashion, so scarves, vests, jackets, and skirts are important to this style. Mismatched items are often worn together, also colors or patterns that aren’t usually worn together. The combination of items and colors create a thrown together look that aims to be relaxed but fashionable. Remember it “looks” thrown together, but the items are thoughtfully put together.
The term “bohemian” came to refer to a poor artist who lived a nomadic lifestyle and rejected many of the trappings of traditional society. It originated in late 18th and early 19th century France and was used to describe someone who chose to live outside the mainstream. Outside of fashion, bohemianism also involves anti-establishment action; critical thinking; individualism; and above all, an interest in art, whether it be music, visual arts, or literature. This would explain why I’m drawn to the look! I don’t wear the look, but I really love when I see someone wearing it right. Do you love layering unique accessories? Enjoy expressing your free spirit? Then embrace your inner flower child, style fearlessly, and dress the boho style!
Some pieces to consider for the boho look:
A peasant blouse
Maxi skirts/dresses
Wide boat-neck shirts
A tunic
A caftan
Gaucho or Harem pants
Long necklaces/scarves
*Examples of people with this style include: Ali MacGraw, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Diane von Furstenberg
Eclectic Style
The Eclectic Style is not about conventional or traditional fashion, it’s about uniqueness and personal style. Having an eclectic sense of style means that you can put together different fashion pieces that on the hanger seem like they wouldn’t go together, but when you put them on, the overall look works.
The eclectic style is one that is very hard to capture in words, but you usually know it when you see it. It’s really a mixture of all kinds of styles that create a very unique and hard to emulate look depending on the wearer. An eclectic woman knows how to mix and match all the different styles and truly make it her own. There aren’t any key pieces for this style since it’s a mix of different styles, but the key to making this style work is absolute confidence, knowing your body and what suits you the best, following what you love, and creativity.
*Examples include: Kate Moss, Laura Bailey, Lady Gaga