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You may have heard of Boho jewelry or Boho style recently, a trend that’s been growing in popularity as of late. Or, maybe you’ve noticed that more and more people are starting to wear jewelry with natural and earthly themes, as well as clothing and accessories that have neutral shades and peaceful pops of color.
An increasing number of people are turning towards Boho jewelry, and the overall Boho style, as a trend towards a simpler, more natural outlook on fashion. Let’s take a closer look at the Boho style and whether it’s right for you.
What is the Boho Style?
Some of you have likely guessed already that “Boho” is short for “Bohemian”. This unique style comes from over two centuries ago when Bohemian jewelry, clothing, and overall art style rose to popularity in Europe. It is most commonly associated with artists, intellectuals, writers, and people who prefer to live on the road in an almost nomadic-like manner.
The key visual characteristics of Boho fashion are that it’s made to feel open, free, and natural. The Boho style doesn’t work well with constraints of any kind and it’s meant to express your inner uniqueness and individuality.
With that being said, it’s hard to describe anything too specific about Boho jewelry or Boho fashion as norm-breaking freedom of choice is a key tenet of the Boho style. Still, there are plenty of common themes you may notice when looking at Bohemian jewelry or fashion.
Characteristics of Boho Jewelry and Fashion
Boho fashion stands out with its bright, varied colors that are different from other styles. It features oversized, loose clothing, avoiding tight items like skinny jeans or tight jackets. Scarves, a key element, work not just around the neck but also tied around hats, bags, or as arm decorations.
Boho jewelry is large, colorful, and unique, including big earrings, artisan bracelets, and rings in earthy tones. The style extends to accessories, with large handbags and big boots being popular. Straps are also common in Boho fashion, seen in hair accessories, bands, and strappy sandals.
Boho style’s core is the freedom to express oneself. You can choose to wear just a necklace and a scarf or go for a full Bohemian look with many elements. It’s all about what you prefer and want to express.
History of Boho Fashion and Jewelry
The Bohemian style has been one of the most striking and famous “alternative” fashion choices for the past 200 years. The start of the Bohemian counterculture can be traced back to France in the years after the French Revolution.
After that cornerstone of French and European history, the former system of artistic patronage had fallen almost completely, and a lot of artists found themselves falling into poverty. A lot of them took a nomadic lifestyle, started living more inexpensively, and looked for alternative ways to express their individuality.
This led to a new cult of personality emerging from European artists – one, where all bounds and constraints of art were stripped, and artists felt free to create, invent, and even wear anything they wanted. People quickly started comparing these wandering artists to Gypsies because of their similar lifestyles and fashion choices. And since a lot of people used to think that Gypsies came from Bohemia in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the Bohemian fashion style was born.
As a “counterculture” fashion style, Boho has had its ups and downs over the years but it’s always remained a part of the scene. As of late, with the rise of the millennial generation, the Boho style is certainly making quite a comeback.
How to Dress Bohemian
Bohemian style, or ‘Boho’, is about showing off your individuality with a relaxed and artistic approach. To get this look right, mix different elements that showcase a laid-back and artistic life.
Start with comfortable, flowing clothes like maxi dresses, wide-leg pants, and big blouses in earthy or bright, eclectic patterns. These pieces connect to Boho’s nature-inspired, lively spirit.
Layering is crucial in Boho fashion. Add vests, light scarves, or kimonos to your outfit. Use colors and patterns that either match or contrast to make your outfit stand out. Boho is unconventional, so feel free to mix different patterns and materials.
Accessories are key in Boho fashion. Go for big, eye-catching jewelry like chunky necklaces, beaded bracelets, and big rings. Layer them and use natural materials like wood, stone, and feathers for that earthy Boho feel.
Choose shoes that are both comfy and stylish, like strappy sandals, ankle boots, or espadrilles. Floppy hats or bandanas are great for Boho headwear.
Remember, Boho isn’t just a style; it’s about a relaxed, artistic way of living. Wear your Boho clothes confidently and embrace your creativity and self-expression. This style is more about personalizing your look than following strict fashion rules.
Boho Jewelry Styles
As with Boho clothing and other accessories, the key point about Boho jewelry is that there are very few constraints to what you can actually do with it. For one, Boho jewelry can come in all types of jewelry pieces. Here are some examples:
1. Boho Style Rings
Boho rings rarely include expensive precious stones but instead typically use accessible semi-precious gemstones. Raw gemstones are also a popular material in Boho jewelry, featuring gemstones that aren’t polished or cut into specific shapes but kept in their natural shape.
2. Boho-Style Bracelets
There really is no limit when it comes to Boho bracelets – whether you want to stack a layer of small bracelets or pick out a large, statement bracelet. Friendship bracelets, which typically feature handwoven patterns out of fabric, are also a popular type of Boho bracelet.
3. Boho Style Necklaces and Pendants
Boho style necklaces and pendants capture a sense of freedom and artistic flair. These pieces often include natural materials like stones, beads, feathers, and wood, showing a strong nature connection. Their designs vary from fine and detailed to bold and eye-catching. A popular Boho trend is to layer various necklace lengths for a unique, personal style. Pendants stand out, usually large and influenced by tribal or vintage styles. They often display colorful gemstones, detailed metalwork, or meaningful motifs, bringing a diverse and personal touch to Boho outfits.
4. Boho Earrings
Boho style earrings are also quite rich and colorful, and typically oversized. For example, take a look at these ethnic Tribal gold earrings which feature a beautiful texture and stunning color combinations.
Boho jewelry also includes headpieces such as halos, tiaras, or head jewelry chains. They rarely include expensive precious stones but instead, tend to focus on flowery and earthy themes made with various materials.
Characteristics of Boho Jewelry
The most common types of Boho jewelry will include inexpensive semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, labradorite, amethyst, and quartz and more accessible, natural materials, such as leather, shell, string, base metals, and cord. Boho jewelry is rarely expensive, as is typical for most counterculture fashion styles.
In terms of color, Boho jewelry tends to gravitate toward green, brown, orange, and yellow colors that feel more natural. Still, other color schemes are also possible with bright red or blue colors, and various shades of purple and pink. This is also why gemstones are popular as they bring color to the piece.
Designs typically feature geometric shapes, natural motifs like the sun, stars, animals, and flowers, as well as spiritual motifs such as mandalas.
Where to Buy Boho Jewelry?
- Etsy is renowned for its unique, handmade pieces, often crafted by independent artisans. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind Boho jewelry that adds a personal touch to your collection.
- Amazon, on the other hand, provides a wide selection from various sellers, ensuring you have access to a range of styles and price points.
Wrapping Up
Boho jewelry goes beyond being just accessories; it reflects a free-spirited and artistic way of life. It combines natural materials, bright colors, and detailed designs, offering a special way to show off your personal style. Whether you like simple, fine pieces or loud, eye-catching ones, Boho jewelry has something for everyone. Wearing this style adds a playful, natural feel to your everyday outfits, bringing a bit more creativity to your day.
