Flou Flou and Free: the Lasting Charm of Boho Chic

Photo from Pinterest.com

Clothes — in their most basic form — exist to protect the wearer from the elements. At its best, clothing serves as a form of expression, allowing the wearer to liberate themselves. There is perhaps no other style that best encapsulates liberation and freedom of expression than boho chic. This spring/summer 2025, the beloved style shows once again, that it has stood the test of time.

Boho chic is not just a way of dressing, it’s also a way of being.

The call of the bohemian lifestyle made its way into the mainstream in the early 20th century. The style was loosely inspired by the Romani, who lived seemingly nomadic and unconventional lifestyles. Some of the first adopters of the lifestyle were European elites who sought to align themselves with the liberty and apparent eclecticism associated with artists and free thinkers.

French designer Paul Poiret was among the first to introduce trends inspired by this lifestyle, discarding the corset in favor of draped fabrics and taking notes from traditional Asia and Middle Eastern clothing.

A Timeless Look
Photo from Pinterest.com

Several decades later, Egyptian-born designer and founder of Chloé, Gaby Aghion, revisited the concept of liberation through her clothing. The brand is best characterized by the ethereal lightness of its fabrics, deconstructed silhouettes and fluid femininity. At the time of its inception in 1952, maison Chloé was revolutionary for several reasons. Not only was it one of the first luxury brands to offer a prêt-à-porter collection, it stood out from the rest for its relaxed silhouettes.

Chloé was one of the first to introduce flou to the uptight fashion market of the time. Flou is best described as ‘vaporous’ or ‘blurry.’ Aghion’s own designs hinted at the emancipation of women. A stark contrast to Christian Dior’s New Look and the return of the corset, Aghion’s dresses provided her female audience with a daring (read: casual and comfortable) alternative.

Photo from Pinterest.com

The 1970’s was perhaps the biggest decade to herald a rebirth of the boho look. The hippie movement in the United States (and worldwide) championed self-expression, self-liberation and embraced non-conformity. Bohemian clothing branded the wearer as forming part of a broader counterculture but without restricting them to a singular aesthetic.

Today, the style continues to evolve, borrowing from its past while continuing to create a future for itself. Labels like Isabel Marant have woven into their DNA a similar appeal to the boho look. Heavily influenced the bohemian lifestyle, Marant’s designs explore elements of the American West in the rock-studded leather bags and boots. Embroidered blouses and playful jewelry recall global influences.

Finding Your Flou
Photos from Pinterest.com

While boho chic has become a widely accepted style among fashion’s largest icons and the world of couture, its biggest strength is its inability to conform. Boho favors flow, freedom — and above all else — creativity. Clothes can be easily manipulated to function in all seasons.

Layering is most central to this style. Layer everything: fabrics, jewelry and outerwear. The key is to let things flow. Fabrics should be light and airy. Ruffles, lace, chiffon or silk add movement. You’ll want to hear the flou-flou of fabrics as you move about.

Photos from Pinterest.com

For a contrasting and rebellious look, pair feminine silhouettes with structured pieces: suede jackets, rock-studded boots and oversized belts to reign it all in. A brand like Zadig&Voltaire borders on glam rock chic. It plays with elements of boho, merging rock inspired styles with an air of bohemia.

While high fashion brands like these offer audiences a luxurious dip into the bohemian lifestyle, don’t be afraid to scavenge second-hand shops for vintage pieces. Boho chic is also distinguished for referencing the natural world. Natural fabrics and up-cycled pieces breathe life into a look.

Photos from Pinterest.com

Born out of a need to feel free, boho chic has endured decades of trend cycles. It continues to be ever-evolving. Perhaps the appeal of the bohemian lifestyle has not dampened, and the human need to explore and break free from societal constraints will keep us coming back for more.

Let us know how you style bohemian fashion on Instagram @VALLEYmag!

Related

The Subversive Subcultures of Alternative Fashion

The Unexpected Accessory

The Fashion Effect

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.