Boho, the trend that encompasses all looks ranging from gypsy to hippie to bag lady, should be in the middle of a death rattle. After all, having been constructed by designers, deconstructed by magazines and then broken down and put together yet again by stylists, the fashion police should be about ready to cuff the next boho minx walking the street – or at least crucify the next celebrity to park her floor-sweeping skirted fanny on a red carpet in an unflattering paparazzi shot. Yet, the look continues to morph as celebs like Sienna Miller and Mischa Barton continue mixing and matching the gypsy and cowboy to create a look that’s slightly bizarre but still oddly alluring, as evidenced by the numerous photos posted on the covers of zealous celebrity-photo-lovin’ tabloids.
How else can anyone explain the madcap fashion sense that Mary Kate’s been displaying of late? Post-anorexia rehab has shown a Mary Kate Olsen that strays far from the Mary Kate and Ashley Wal-Mart line. Instead, she’s been photographed in loose pants, baggy tatty sweaters, oversized shades (a must-have for any starlet in search of paparazzi camouflage), dust-catcher skirts, distressed-to-the-point-of-gone denim minis, and leggings or boots.
The trend, many fashion analysts claim, is a result of the over-exposed styles of sexy skin-baring types like Paris Hilton and Cristina Aguilera or the straight-up excess of the Gucci-clad fur-wearing J.Lo. Fashions now fly in the face of convention: bellies are covered by peasant blouses, hips are draped with studded belts, and arms are decked in a variety of bracelets. What used to be revealed in its overly-tan glory is now shrouded in layers of chiffon, ruffles, prints and – gasp! – crochet.
The accouterments of boho style no longer simply include scarves and large earrings. Bangles, brooches, necklaces, feathers, wooden jewelry, pushcarts and trashbags – anything and everything has been embraced by the trend. Even Mary-Kate’s ever-present oversized lattes have achieved a sheen of boho gloss.
For those unsure of how to put together a boho outfit, not to worry. Even color-blind Madam Auring-lovers won’t have a hard time pulling this off. We at YStyle put together wearable versions of the boho chic trend, so even without a multi-million dollar mega movie and fashion brand behind you and an equally famous twin in tow, you’ll be looking like a major movie star on her down time – or, if Mary Kate has anything to do with it, like a bag lady on rehab. Talk about fun and fearless.