Putting Together a Bohemian Outfit

A few weeks ago, some of you answered my survey. One of the favorite features and what you want more of on DIY Bohemian was more about how to put together bohemian outfits.

As many of us know, those of us who love the so-called “bohemian” style, are not really bohemians:

We simply love to express ourselves in our dress, disregarding the (boring!) predominant fashions of the day, revealing our own distinct uniqueness.

We tend to be more original in our appearance than the “cookie-cutter women.”

I think it’s safe to say that none of us were born in Bohemia.

I hope none are alcoholics and druggies, showing no concern about right or wrong behavior, indulging in unrestrained sexual conduct, and are social outcasts.

If the description above is what true bohemianism involves, then, that’s nothing I yearn for.

However, as we claim to be free spirits, then, we are free to pick and choose; we are not obligated to embrace the whole of bohemianism!

Certain features of bohemianism are indeed attractive:

• love of the arts;
• cherishing human life, animals, trees;
• caring about the fate of our earth;
• traveling (though, I, for one, need a home base); and
• the freedom to dress in a way that is as individual as each of us is.

The bohemian lifestyle has been romanticized, and appeals to us in a fairy-tale sense. And, because reality is, much of the time, not fun, we look for ways to brighten our ho-hum lives. So, why not have some fun and enjoyment in dressing the way we want to!

We’re tired of looking like everybody else,

…and, yet, because this style is trending right now,

in order to be true to ourselves,

we should not copy the “boho chic” style. 

Bohemianism is not new; it’s centuries old.

But, with the “boho (bohemian homeless)-chic” style popping up periodically as a trend, this thwarts the point of bohemianism in fashion:

Bohemian fashion is becoming the norm in some places.

Bohemians are supposed to buck “normal!”

Either you are truly an individual— or, you are just following another trend!

…and, I will continue to wear what I like beyond the dimming of the bohemian trend!

I call my style and my blog “bohemian” because, to me, “bohemian” simply means:

• unconventional,
• different,
• eccentric,
• individualistic,
• original,
• unique,
• unusual,
• offbeat
• sometimes, weird!

—you get it.

I’m not necessarily following the trend of boho-chic, though, indeed, I love what is offered in that rage

—and, take from it.

But, I am not bound to it.

I just dress in my own unique, original way

—I make it up as I go!!

Dress For Yourself!

From what I understand, naming this style boho chic or bohemian is a misnomer. But, for the sake of everybody knowing what we’re talking about, we’ll continue to call it bohemian. Lol.

I don’t think real bohemians looked nearly as cute!!

#1 Wear COLOR

…but the right colors.

I would say, the first thing in creating your own look would be to determine your seasonal color palette. It’s not necessarily about your favorite colors, though, it can be.

Certain color families and intensities bring out the best of particular colorings of hair, eyes, and skin. Color can emphasize the good in your complexion or make you look ashy and wan.

#2 Match Your Colors

The second tip would be also about color:

I think the most important element in experimenting with style is to be sure that the colors in your different pieces you want to wear “go.”

I’m all for mixing prints. But, for instance, be sure the red in your skirt matches the red in your top! It just doesn’t make it if one is orangy-red and the other is blueish-red. This also goes back to your seasonal colors. But, in some cases, multiple hues of a color go well. Kinda confusing, huh!?

Much of creating your own style comes from gut instinct.

#3 Wear Natural

Third—and this is also not written in stone: Try to stick with natural fabrics.

For one thing, natural fibers—cotton, silk, rayon—are breathable and are a lot more comfortable!

And, yet–garments in a heavier cotton don’t float on the breeze as well as gossamer fabrics. But, rayon is comfortable AND flowy!

But, for some things

—and I hate to admit this, lol—

some light-weight garments are better in synthetic fabrics.

Ick! I can’t believe I’m saying that! Lol.

Ladies, most of creating your own look comes from within you.

Fashion designers can invent styles for women, and a woman can choose certain pieces and style she likes, but that’s what’s already going on. 

More posts on Finding Your Style.

To create your own style, you just have to know yourself.

NEVER

copy another’s style!

Help yourself to the buffet of styles and ideas that are out there, but, don’t be a clone!

Put your own twist to it.

Apply and adapt.

—Just do your own thing!