“I’m a girl from a good family who was very well brought up. One day I turned my back on it all and became a bohemian,” said Brigitte Bardot.
It isn’t easy to give in to such free-spirited ways of thinking (and dressing for that matter) when your day job requires a stuffy corporate look. Nonetheless, there’s a lot opportunity – if only on Friday’s – to test the more bohemian look, whether you’re taking inspiration from 1960s beatniks, 1970s-era hippies, 1980s New Romantics or the 1990s grunge scene.
Here are some key ways to add a bohemian touch to your wardrobe that don’t require you to wear flowers in your hair.
Free People, Levi’s 505 Denim $290
GO LIGHT WITH DENIM
Reviving back to authentic bohemian style means swapping your deep indigo denim for something several shades lighter.
Try investing in a classic pair of light wash jeans, in shades from mid-blue to faded blue.
Ted Baker, Floral Scarf $149
INSERT SOME ART INTO YOUR WARDROBE
Hand-painted details, inscriptions, messages and graphics – from the literal to the abstract – all have a place in bohemian style.
If you’re not feeling the arty-covered tailoring seen with matching accessories, why not get started with a simple printed scarf?
Ted Baker, Silk Floral Blouse $225
SWAP STRIPES FOR SOMETHING FLORAL
Nothing says free-spirited like a floral shirt, while nothing says corporate like a striped shirt, so it makes sense to switch it up.
Instead of that same old striped style you pair with a pencil skirt, why not try a floral print version this summer?
Brooks Brother, Suede Jacket $319.20
SWAP SUEDE FOR LEATHER
A suede jacket or skirt, particularly one in shades from tan to dark brown, is the ultimate bohemian-chic look.
Free People, April wrap sandals $138
REPLACE PUMPS FOR SANDALS
More suitable for warmer weather, this simple switch will nail that sense of bohemian nonchalance.