By Kaitlin Andorfer
If you’re searching for a new look this spring, step outside of the tailored, designer look and try on a little gypsy for a change. The hot new head-turner this season is an earthy, multi-ethnic look know as boho chic.
Designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Anna Sui and Matthew Williamson have shown hints of this boho influence in their collections for seasons now, but this summer the look has come to full bloom. Pair vibrant multi-colored tunics with jeans or a denim mini bring this earthy style to life. A wide tooled belt can anchor down any flowy peasant dress or skirt.
Layering different types of material and accessories are key for attaining this ultra-hip eclectic look. Oversized beaded, ethnic or antique jewlery and vintage bags are the perfect accessory. A wrist load of jangly bangles are sure to bring out the gypsy inside of anybody. Finish off the look with classic aviator sunglasses or some old-school Ray Bans.
Jane Roarty, fashion director at Harper’s Bazaar believes that freedom and creativity go along with the boho look.
“In my way of thinking, it means borrowing from every area you can find and putting it together in a creative way, connecting pieces, whether they be market finds or vintage finds, with other pieces in your wardrobe,” Roarty said.
Celebrities like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss are at the top of their game when it comes to this hot new look. Their signature gypsy styles are making a name for these two enthusiasts. Miller’s effortless style has placed her on Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed list this year and second to Moss on Glamour magazine’s list.
Some students are fond of this fun earthy new style.
“This new look is comfortable and I like how it brings many styles together to create one individual style. I also like how people are layering garments,” Pam Rappaport, a sophomore TV/Video major, said.
“I think the Bohemian look is very wearable but a lot of the colors are washed out and difficult for fair-skinned people to wear,” Lauren Fernstrom, a sophomore public relations major said.
The genesis of this urban hippie look is closely linked to vintage which makes the do-it-yourself look so unique and at much less a cost. If you care about beautiful old things for cheap and have ever been to San Francisco, you know that Haight Street is the mecca of all vintage shopping. Take note that there is a difference between “vintage” and “thrift stores” like the Salvation Army or the neighborhood Goodwill.
Such stores can be just as great as vintage shops when you are lucky enough to scoop up the few lucky survivors among the oversized, stirrup leggings and hideous polyester blouses, they just lack the class and funk of most vintage stores. These Haight Street vintage stores are just one example of the many places to pick up the ingredients for this season’s smoking new style.
One thing that most vintage stores do have the essential bohemian style shoe. The cowboy boot or Frye boot is one staple in every boho wardrobe.
You can often snag a pair of these beautifully broken in boots at a vintage store or flea market for an inexpensive price. Urban Outfitters also carries one of a kind vintage boots in store for about $100. Suede or leather slouch boots and beaded sandals are a dressier choice of shoe for this look.
If you’re not a believer in the idea that “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” you can snag new cowboy or Frye boots at Steve Madden or online at www.Zappos.com.
Jude Law and Sienna Miller show off their eclectic yet chic styles at fashion week. (Image courtesy Style.com)
