How I’m Becoming a Bohemian Beauty
I will freely admit that I’m easily influenced by pop culture. I’m the kind of woman that saw “Girl, Interrupted” and wanted to cut my hair short, dye it black, smoke cigarettes, and have an affair with an older man. In my younger years, I wanted to be a scene kid and I’m still in my emo phase (so it never really was a phase). Though some of interests have waxed and waned like the moon, many have been consistent … like my interest in Bohemian culture and fashion.
What does it mean to be bohemian?[image error]The dictionary defines a bohemian as “a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts.” This BBC news article goes into more detail and explores the specific history of the term. For me, bohemian culture was further romanticized by “RENT” and “Moulin Rouge;” both stories of unconventional artists bucking tradition and safety and conformity to follow their dreams. Ladies and gentlemen, I am — if nothing else — a dreamer.
The emphasis on creating art, which for me means literature, suits me because writing is all I’ve ever wanted to do. If I could abandon comfort and conformity, be willing to be unsafe, I’d turn a van into a home and drive around and write. That truly is my ideal lifestyle. I wouldn’t need a cell phone with its social media apps that are the bane of my existence. I wouldn’t feel so much pressure to be married with kids, to be a homeowner. I likely wouldn’t spend so much time comparing myself to societal norms to arrive at the unavoidable conclusion that I’m falling behind.
To remove that which truly does not matter from my life appeals to the minimalist in me. Not only through intangibles like the weight of expectations, but through material possessions. I can have a groovy, witchy, colorful, beautiful wardrobe with just a few simple pieces that I can layer. But the colors and patterns and tendency to not match also allow for me to indulge my more extravagant fashion tendencies.
Dressing Bohemian
I walk the walk (for the most part) when it comes to being bohemian: I create art. I write every day. I’m also learning a musical instrument and have every intention of starting to sketch. I also am dressing more and more in the bohemian style.
Once I came back from Ireland, where I grew so much, I received tons of compliments on my style. I’ve been compared to Stevie Nicks more than once (what more can a woman ask for?) and colleagues have actually gone out of their way to tell me they appreciate my “witchy” style. And now that I’m on the fast track to becoming obsessed with “Daisy Jones & The Six,” I feel even more dedicated to my pursuit of fully and truly embodying a bohemian lifestyle.
This website really helped me get started and helped me curate a few staples for building my bohemian look:
maxi or midi skirtsI haven’t completely abandoned or relinquished my need to match outfits (I’m working on it, though; I promise) so I love having these in solid colors from black to dusty rose so I can pair them with an endless number of tops. And they’re great for all seasons–add leggings for winter, keep it breezy for summer.neutral-colored ankle boots
These boots survived Ireland, which is saying something. I did so much walking that I demolished a pair of sneakers and two pairs of boots–but not these. I love them and they can go with anything. I’m also partial to black, combat-looking boots. I wear those with literally everything.chic headwraps and headbands
To be honest, I’m not crazy about these. I only wear them when I’m washing my face. I’m much more partial to my hair being wild and crazy and hanging loose around my face. That being said, there are a few more styles I’d be willing to try.a unique maxi dress
I’m waiting for this number to be delivered right now
I love wearing dresses. I feel beautiful and feminine and young and glorious. This summer, I want to be healthy and kissed by the sun and wear light fabrics and just be ethereal.leather (or faux leather) sandalsI was a huge fan of these, but they started to deteriorate real fast. I have a pair of Birkenstocks (or faux Birkenstocks) that I swear by now. However, that being said, I would rather be barefoot. Especially after my sister gave e a book on grounding–do you know we’re not supposed to be disconnected from the natural electrical currents of the earth? All shoes are insulation against what could be a literal healing force four bodies. But I digress … slouchy knit cardigans and sweaters
This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of clothing. I need to buy it in other colors. It layers perfectly.a wide-brim hat and/or fedora
I have a ginormous head. My twin sister tried to buy me one of these for Christmas, and it just didn’t fit. I am still very much in the market for one.crop tops and/or breezy, loose tanks
I never ever thought I’d be into crop tops. Technically, I guess I’m not, but I’ve bought two cropped sweaters and I love them! I wear camisoles underneath, but once I feel comfortable, I want to wear them as God intended (so to speak). I just want to feel light and airy, and I think crop tops give just that vibe.colorful, eye-catching printseclectic, layered jewelrya hippie-chic purse
It’s so big! I lose everything in it, but I love it so very much.a versatile vest
Love this! Cannot recommend it enough! Layers with anything!flared jeans
Flared jeans have been a staple for me since middle school.big sunglasses
Also a staple of mine since middle school.oversized, patterned scarves
I have a ton but don’t utilize them nearly as much as I should. Maybe I need to watch some YouTube videos on the best way to accessorize them.
Undoubtedly, my trip across the pond to Ireland increased my confidence. I’m also seeing it present in the way I dress and see myself, which is a really cool change for me.
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