What is Boho Chic Fashion?
By Sonal Godara
Boho Chic fashion is short term for Bohemian Chic. This fashion trend traces its roots back into the 19th–20th century, the era of the Pre-Raphaelites and the women of the Bloomsbury Group. This movement was in opposition to the restrictive and corseted clothing trends of the contemporary era, in favour of more flowy, looser, and romantic silhouettes.
It was popularised into mainstream pop culture in the early 2000s by style icons like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.
What are the key features of Boho Chic Fashion?
• Silhouettes:
Boho fashion is all about free-spirited style and comfort. This type of fashion stresses on flow over form. Boho chic silhouettes are basically comfortable, relaxed, easy and feminine.
- Relaxed A-line dresses
- Smocked or empire waists to flatter all body types
- Tiered skirts for adding that movement
- Effortless Midi and Maxi dresses
• Fabrics:
Boho fashion essentially relies on fabrics that move with your body and never against it. For this, bohemian fashion uses breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, chiffon and crochet.
• Colors and Patterns:
Boho fashion uses rich and tactile colours for that ‘oomph’ factor. Popular colours in this trend are beige, brown, off-white and peach. Bohemian fashion relies heavily on accessories to add up that extra factor while apparel tones stay soft and muted.
Talking about patterns, Ikat, Chikankari, lace, crochet and floral prints are surely worthwhile. Boho chic fashion encompasses aboriginal and tribal styles across the globe. Other patterns in boho fashion are tassels, pom-poms, sequins and embroidery.
• Accessories:
The Bohemian style draws from eclectic and free-spirited self-expression. To achieve that “hippie” look, one must choose the right set of accessories.
• Jewellery:
Layered necklaces, metal hand cuffs, chunky rings, chains with charms, coin necklaces, and oxidised jewellery are key features of Boho fashion styling.
• Bags & Belts:
Fringe and tasseled bags are at the pivot of Boho accessories. Handmade straw tote bags often feature in Boho fashion. Broad metal belts are typically worn over maxi and midi dresses to balance out the flowy garment and highlight the waistline.
What is Modern Indian Boho Chic Fashion?
Similar to the West, Indian Boho Chic is characterised by artistic allure and free-spirited style. From urban cities to coastal regions to tribal areas, Indian Boho Chic covers it all. It is more of a vibrant cultural dialogue.
Rajasthan has been the forerunner in the Indian Bohemian movement. The mirror work detailing, the Bandhani and Block prints, and tasseled elements are making their way to global runways.
Local artisans from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are collaborating with big brands and designers, fuelling the rural economy as well as preserving cultural heritage.
