#Prepping #Return #Boho #Chic #WorthPoint
Since accessorizing boho chic fashion is apparently poised for a return among the fashionable set, you might be wondering if you even want it back. That’s understandable. We all know if you live long enough, for better or worse, fashion history does repeat itself, and boho chic’s roots go way back.
With that in mind, I’ll refresh your memory regarding what boho chic equated to in the past and how the look is evolving (yet again!). And, of course, I’ll cover some jewelry that works perfectly with this casual expression of style.
What Is Boho Chic?
At its core, the boho in boho chic refers to bohemian style. The free-spirited style—said to be inspired by the nomadic Romani peoples who reportedly lived in the Bohemia region of central Europe—alludes to being different, bucking convention, and, essentially, following your own path in terms of style. That’s something I’m a firm believer in, especially when it comes to accessorizing.
Of course, when boho chic appears on runways, as it has for the 2024 spring previews, designers are effectively telling you what’s in style, which goes against the true bohemian ideal. Adding “chic” to the equation is the stamp of designer approval for those who want to appear to be free-spirited.
Nevertheless, if you think back to the 1960s hippie movement, you’ll get a good picture of the basis of boho chic. Bold, ethnic-inspired prints, free-flowing fabrics, and garments made of crochet and leather were all hippie staples. Jewelry made from natural materials like wood and leather went along with the look, as did various types of beads and pendants.
Similar looks in terms of loose-fitting, simple garments go back even further in fashion history to the late 1700s after the French Revolution when artists and musicians were looked upon as bohemians. Even in the 1920s, as women shed their corsets, many wore much more comfortable “pajama” pants out in public and the swathing fashions of Paul Poiret. The bottom line is that when society feels the need to break away from what’s become the norm, fashion goes bohemian.
Coining the Term Boho Chic
Turn the hands of time forward to the early 2000s, and another bohemian revival occurred. That’s also when the term boho chic was coined. Rachel Zoe, a stylist who worked with many celebrities, helped further the moniker and made the look very popular. All the “it-girls” embraced the style. From Sienna Miller and the Olsen Twins to Nicole Richie, many notables were photographed wearing boho chic clothing and accessories.
Over the past few years, similar looks have come back in vogue with a vengeance. These billowing clothing ensembles and crocheted tops have garnered a reputation as ‘festival’ wear (as in clothing worn to music festivals like Coachella) and daywear. Designers tend to put their own unique touches on items like peasant tops and denim skirts, but the net result is clothing that is the opposite of stuffy and tailored.
Jewelry Trends Labeled Boho Chic
In my opinion, when coordinating jewelry with festival wear, you get the chance to make a personal statement. Using the old phrase “anything goes” isn’t too far from wrong, but there are some specific pieces, materials, and styles currently being called out as perfect to go with boho chic.
My favorite suggestion is bold bracelets. These take the form of interesting cuffs and extra-large bangles. I also like that ankle bracelets are on the come-back list since that’s an area of the body often neglected when it comes to fashion jewelry. Toe rings are also on the agenda, so feel free to dig those out of your jewelry cache and put them back on.
Necklaces include large pendants, whether suspended from a strand of beads or dangling from a chain. And when I say big, I mean it. For example, one modern runway-worn Schiaparelli pendant features a much larger-than-life gold-plated lobster. I also love the layers and layers of beaded necklaces mixed with dangling elements resembling coins currently being touted as fashionable.
Materials range from pavé-set rhinestones to glass in forms ranging from chandelier earrings to baubles for the fingers. Rope, leather, flowing metal sheets, and teardrops are also on the agenda of designers pairing accessories with boho chic clothing designs.
Vintage Pieces to Collect for a Boho Chic Look
If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking about some of the things in your own jewelry stash that you could pull out and wear for the season. A glass ring purchased on a cruise ship, a James Avery ankle bracelet with several colorful charms, and a necklace with simulated ancient coins dangling amid faux pearls are all things I personally own that have a good chance of making an appearance this spring. And, of course, if I do want to add another piece or two to my collection, I will shop vintage to stretch my budget.
Among all the selections available, what would I choose? I’ve always been tempted by strands of millefiori beads, which look amazing layered with other necklaces. Another piece from the ’90s featuring replicas of Roman coins would probably make its way into my cache in the form of chandelier earrings fit for a Romani princess.
When shopping for a cuff bracelet or two, I would seek one of my go-to favorites: vintage Napier. One particular swirling twisted wire style is from the Doris Day collection marketed by Napier in the 1950s. While Day is about as far from a hippy celebrity as you can get, this twisted wire bracelet does have an unencumbered feel about it.
I’d also look at some of the Monies pieces designed by Gerda Lynggaard for wood or leather jewelry, which always embrace the bohemian spirit. I also love jewelry from the 1930s made with leather and wood, especially necklaces with lots of dangling elements for something a bit different.
Even if you’re not quite ready for another boho chic revival, you can still enjoy all the fabulous jewelry that comes along with it. Remember, almost anything goes!
Pamela Siegel is a freelance writer and author who has been educating collectors for more than two decades. In addition to three books on topics relating to antiques and collectibles, she frequently shares her expertise through online writing and articles for print-based publications. Pamela is also the co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l (CJCI) and the proprietor of Chic Antiques by Pamela.
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