Sure, you may have seen the term "boho" strewn across the cover of countless fashion magazines, but what exactly is this movement that seems to have taken over several Hollywood starlets? Well, boho is short for "bohemian" and is a fashion style modeled after an earthy, hippie-esque look. The overall image is laidback and approachable, with an emphasis on personal comfort and seemingly effortless style.
While "boho" usually refers to fashion, its origin is more about a general lifestyle. The term bohemian originally referred to a citizen of Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Over time, it became associated with gypsies, stemming from the French belief that gypsies came from Bohemia. The modern day "bohemian" is usually an artistic, self-expressive individualist. The bohemian lifestyle is captured in the show (and now, movie) Rent, about a group of starving artists living in New York City. The song from Rent called "La Vie Boheme" is a tribute to this simple, liberated lifestyle.
Clothing pieces that are often a sign of the boho style include long, flowing skirts; billowy blouses; large jewelry, usually made of wood; flat sandals and wedge shoes. Pieces tend to be embellished with details, like beading, fringe and frayed edges. Boho fabrics are usually comfortable, light and totally wearer-friendly. Also, layering pieces is very popular.
Famous actresses like Sienna Miller, Mary-Kate Olsen and Kate Moss, have popularized the boho-chic look. It has appeared on red carpets, runways and now even sidewalks. The Bohemian style may also be referred to as "ethnic," "hippie," "gypsy" or "peasant."
