Yes, grown-ups can do boho chic too – just know your limits
SAY THE WORD ‘BOHO’ and images of women of all ages, riotous in fields wearing fringe, paisley and flowers in their hair spring to mind. The frippery of festivals may have changed the way some interpret bohemia but the true lovers of the look that has spanned decades – from Stevie Nicks’ caped kimonos to Kate Moss’s prairie blouses and heavily-embellished dresses – know different.
It’s a trend that re-merges pre-festival season every year – a look that’s become associated with headbands, naff waistcoats and highly flammable viscose floral prints. But those of you who lived through the free-spirited hippie playground of the 1970s will not only appreciate authethic bohemian attire, you’ll also know how to wear it well.
If you have parents who embraced the movement and kept their clothes to recount tales, consider yourself lucky as vintage bohemia is incredibly well made. Its origins are rooted in Spain, via Ibiza and the Balearic Islands, where designers created heavily-embellished cotton and linen before exporting it to markets and boutiques in Britain and here. The vibrant patterns and prints produced were exquisite, and the fabrics they used were often soft, lightweight cotton and linens, which were very comfortable to wear.
Designers now pick and choose seasons to take inspiration from bohemia. Whether it’s trending on catwalks or on high street mannequins, I’ve always been a sucker for it. The idea of a floorlength dress is comforting and although I have experimented, I always find sartorial refuge in it again.
I have, I guess you could say, mastered grown-up bohemia. I have a wardrobe of lookalike dresses, silky kimonos, wrap jackets and gilets – and I still have to rein in the urge to raid my favourite shops and vintage markets at the weekend. In London, Portobello Road is my favourite haunt for a one-off kimono or kaftan, while in Ireland, I always relish a trip to Cork so I can visit Miss Daisy Blue. In Dublin, the Cork Street market never disappoints nor does Boheme, Jean Cronin Vintage in Powerscourt or A Star Is Born on Drury Street.
On the high street, Mango is always a winner for romantic bohemia that is the right side of dishevelled, while Zara and Massimo Dutti aren’t far behind. Zara’s tasselled blouses and dresses cost from €39.95 and they tuck easily into – or work over – linen trousers and jeans.
Irish jewellery maker Juvi Designs’ nature-inspired pieces echo references of bohemia and are gorgeous layered with a floaty dress. For accessories, Monsoon has the strongest collection every season – embellished Jane Birkin-esque baskets, beaded clutches and wrap sandals. My one bit of advice would be to avoid headcrowns, feathery or floral. They’re best left back in the days of flower power...
The idea of a floor-length dress is comforting and I find refuge in it