by Snow Vandemore

Created on: February 19, 2008

Bohemian fashion, or Boho for short, combines the organic, earthy elements from the late 1960's hippie era and the early 1970's peasant style for a relaxed, deconstructed, ethnic flair that is very popular today. Boho is chic and comfortable - finding your individual Bohemian look involves everything from hair styles, jewelry, clothing and attitude. Here are a few tips to bring all of the elements together without breaking your budget:

Hairstyles

Boho hairstyles are low maintenance. Short, medium, long - it doesn't matter, as long as it is free-flowing and easy to manage. Curly, wavy, straight or somewhere in-between - wash your hair and let it dry naturally. Try a nylon hair band or colorful bandana to pull your hair away from your face. Braids and corn-rows are a given. Or, wrap longer hair into a knot in the back with a few wispy side pieces framing the face - try to achieve an ethereal, earthy look. That is the essence of the bohemian hair style.

Jewelry

Accessorize your boho style with jewelry made from natural components such as shell, wood, glass, stone and hemp. Stay away from pieces made from man-made materials or precious metals like gold or silver. Simple hoop earrings with one or two glass beads threaded through the hoops is sufficient. Necklaces made from macrame hemp with shell or wood beads are inexpensive and attractive. Try wearing several hemp bracelets and matching anklets with a toe-ring or two. Anything that conveys a gypsy attitude will complete the look.

Apparel

The Bohemian clothing culture had its genesis from hippies scrounging items from thrift stores and co-ops. A lot of people wanting to adopt the boho style make the mistake of wearing too many second-hand pieces. The trick is to incorporate items that may be new or not-so-new, but do not look like they've been dug out of someone's trash barrel. Bohemian clothing apparel should be clean, fit relatively well, and go together. That doesn't mean everything has to match, because it doesn't. But individual pieces should complement each other. A peasant blouse, broomstick skirt, wide hip belt and a pair of flat, strappy leather sandals will look very attractive. Choose natural materials such as cotton, linen or wool in florals or small patterns. Earth tones are best brown, tan, beige and white - avoid bright or neon colors.

Makeup

The true Bohemian does not wear makeup, but unless you have a flawless complexion, that probably is not an option. Instead, keep it simple and minimalistic when choosing your makeup. Mineral powder foundation and blush and a light touch of sheer lipstick will enhance your natural assets effectively. Don't overdue the eye area, just apply a small amount of mascara and perhaps an earthtone shadow that is not too obvious.

Embrace your inner boho - and you'll discover a carefree inexpensive fashion statement that can carry you from dawn 'til dusk - and you'll look like a million - naturally.

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