Bringing Back Boho



BRINGING BACK BOHO



Summer 2024 is now well underway and a noticeable trend in the current cycle is the return of ‘boho chic’. It was a mentioned style in Vogue’s recent July edition, discussing the return of the shapes and silhouettes of this style.


Where to start:


The last time we saw this trend wasn’t too long ago, with it being prominent in the 2010s, so looking back for inspiration won’t be too difficult. A quick search of ‘2010s boho chic’ on Pinterest offers a plentiful resource of options. 


Key items found in this style include: light materials in clothing such as linen with detailing along the edges, wedges, boots, tassel detailing across clothing and accessories, slouchy bags — many of which have been micro trends in the lead up to this summer. 


Where ‘Boho’ started:


Originating from a region of the now Czech Republic, the area ‘Bohemia’ is where the etymology of the word stems from, but an exact location remains undetermined as the word ‘Bohémien’ had been a degrading word used towards the Roma community who were believed to have migrated from Bohemia to France, bringing the style to popularity in France after the French Revolution: a symbol of freedom. 


It has always been used to describe the carefree style, worn by those living life outside of the norm, in its origins: those who didn’t necessarily have the choice, but in more recent appearances such as its reemergence in the 70s: those who wanted the choice. 


Part of the carefree image presented in ‘bohemian style clothing’ was pioneered by French Designer Paul Poiret in the early 20th century through his use of draping — a common technique in clothing nowadays — making a looser silhouette for women. Freeing them from the previously restrictive styles of structured corsets and garments, Poiret designed various ‘bohemian’ items such as harem pants and hobble skirts; still recognised in today’s styles. 


Why so soon? 


But why is Boho back so soon? ‘Boho’ has always remained a fixed style throughout the years, not just by those who choose to dress this way on a day-to-day basis, but always during festival season after the popularisation of the style back in the early 2000s, after appearances of Sienna Miller and Kate Moss at Glastonbury music festival across various years. Designer Isabel Marant has also continuously popularised the style, her look being strongly associated with the ‘Boho chic’ look. 


Perhaps more are dressing this way due to rising temperatures, with the style allowing them more comfort.  Or perhaps people are wearing it the same way it was worn in the past: to make a statement. 


Inspo:


Due to its constant relevance, outfit inspiration shouldn’t be too difficult, here are some celebrities who were often caught in outfits within this style back in the 2010s:


  • Vanessa Hudgens  
  • Selena Gomez
  • Ashley Tisdale 
  • Miley Cyrus


Are you a fan of the return of ‘Boho chic’? Who wore your favourite Boho inspired outfit? 



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