How to: Stray from Y2K
‘Y2K’ fashion has died a death of over-saturation. So what’s next? Boho Chic…
Tired of Y2K and crave something new?As seasons change, there is a correlative shift away from “Y2K", although Indie Sleaze is a reasonable prediction to snatch its place in popularity, “Boho Chic” has been overlooked. Headed by the likes of actress Sienna Miller and supermodel Kate Moss, from circa 2005 the ‘boho chic’ style enticed attention. Although characterised by peasant skirts, leather boots, “hobo bags”, gilets, studs and chunky belts, it is important not to be fooled that this style is ultimately hippy and non-conformist. Boho Chic is intentionally tousled and ‘unconventional’. Visible bra straps, dishevelled hair and ‘worn’ looking clothes as pictured above on Sienna Miller, are all styling traits of Boho Chic. The style was even coined in Paris as “Bobo” style, which stood for bourgeoise-bohème, that described the costly vintage designer pieces that were incorporated into these bohemian looks, and namely the affluent women who sported them. For a more relevant reference, socialite Serena Van Der Woodsen’s style on the HBO Show ‘Gossip Girl’ was based on Kate Moss’s “Boho Chic” wardrobe. Boho Chic is bohemian for those who scavenge the Real Real for the rattiest vintage leather DKNY bag, drink Kir Royale but don’t brush their hair, bronze their skin exquisitely like a Slim Aarons model whilst never removing their kilograms of jewellery and accessories, and for those who like to think of themselves as “a professional free spirit who, annoyingly, seems to have more fun than anyone else” as Miller was described by the Sunday Times in 2008.
Here is a step by step guide on how to move on from Y2K and achieve “Boho Chic"…
Step I: The Boots
Boots-the functional footwear-the Boho’s go-to for strenuous activities such as window shopping, dancing in bars (Boho Chic was once described as ‘cocktail grunge’) and running vital errands like fetching cappuccinos (Miller) or fending for the airport lounge (Moss). The scruffier the boot, the better, embellIshiments such as studs, straps, buckles really add to the Boho Chic like Kate Moss’s tassled Minnetonka high boots or Sara Carbonero’s studded boots. For the ideal ‘worn’ boot, it’s better to shop vintage on sites such as Vestiare, Vinted and TheRealReal, but we’ve also listed some brand new boots you can shop now…
Step II: The “Hobo” Bag
The “Hobo” bag is a slouchy large handbag typically made of soft or flexible materials such as leather or suede. The size of the “Hobo” bag is an essential for the butterfly that the Boho is, storing items such as hand cream, sunglasses, old birthday cards, corner shop lighters, a passport, receipts, a singular earring, fossilised tampon wrappers and keys. The slouchy material is also ideal for the haphazard lifestyle of the Boho, the handbag should be able to weather public transport, staying the night at your boyfriend’s, shop changing rooms, meetings, airport security etc. The very trending Balenciaga City Bag epitomises this in all it’s strappy and slouchy glory, but we’ve also listed some other worthy bags for a non-city bag budget…
Step III: The Floaty Skirt
What could be more perfect for frolicking than the floaty skirt? Midi, maxi, peasant style, however you wish to describe it- the key is too look like you’ve just been plucked from a fairy community, when in fact you’re just running errands in St. Germain/Lower Manhattan/Ibiza wherever your stomping ground may be. The idea is to look like you don’t walk- you float instead- this emulates the free spirited Boho mentality of ‘floating through life'- NOTE: Parisian brand, Marithé & François Girbaud (which can be found vintage on any second hand site too), have the most incredible bohemian floaty skirts- very ‘Bobo.’
Step IV: Accessorise
Accessories and styling including chunky belts, stacking bracelets, studs, oversized sunglasses (merges boho-chic with hangover chic ) etc. are the perfect way to style a '“Bobo” wardrobe…