Back to Boho

(MSN.lifestyle)
Updated: 2007-08-01 15:39

Looking for the free and easy alternative to all that body conscious clothing and hard-edged fashion? Hippy chicks rejoice: Boho is back. But before you go rummaging around for past season gypsy skirts and gilets, the trend has undergone a hip new revival. The fashion world have dubbed the look LA Boho, New Boho or even 'Foho'.

Reincarnated with a pretty folk edge that'll make you look like an extra from Little House On The Prairie, this understated new take on Boho is all about washed-out denims and pale crochet dresses.

Wipe out all association with the 'oh-no Boho' trend sparked by Sienna Miller circa 2005. Even the actress tired of the very look she inspired, moaning: "I just don't want to wear anything floaty or coin-belty ever again. No more gilets, or cowboy boots."

So how can Sienna - and fellow fashionistas - achieve the updated look? Think 70s silhouettes, crochet trims and trippy hippie prints and you'll be a fully fledged Boho babe in no time at all.

Foho fashion must-haves

Stocking up your wardrobe LA Boho-style? Pop these must-have stylish pieces on your shopping list to see you through the summer.

Gucci and Chloe both stepped up their Boho style credentials for spring/summer with cute folksy printed mini dresses. It's easy to pull off the gypsy-girl-turned-glam look with a printed dress, but go either super-long or daringly short.

"If you have considered buying a maxi dress this summer, you are already into the LA Boho look," says Grazia magazine's Claire Newbon. "You just need to take it that step further."

Take the trend to the max-i in ASOS' tiered printed maxi dress, £28, Miss Selfridge's Festival maxi dress, £45, or Wallis' brown ditsy print maxi dress, £45.

Going short and sweet? Seek out pretty prints, delicate frills or crochet detailing.

Get the look in Monsoon's Honolulu crochet dress, £55, Primark's sheer purple hippy dress, £10, Topshop's patchwork dress, £40, or Oli's peach satin tunic dress, £35.

Dress down

You don't have to don a dress to flaunt this season's 'Foho' fashions. Dreamy washed out floral smock top prints paired with denim flares will fare just as highly on the Boho barometer.

This season's folk aesthetic wouldn't be complete without super-cool flares. The faded, flared jean as sported by Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz and Kate Moss this season has sent skinny jeans packing this summer.

Look to Topshop's K jeans, £40, inspired by Supermodel Moss herself, Miss Selfridge's wide leg jeans, £35, or raise those hemlines in Matalan's washed out denim crop, £14.

A crochet edge cami top or Boho-inspired smock top is an instant LA Boho lift for your summer wardrobe. Try Primark's border print smock, £6, Miss Selfridge's LA pansy print top, £40, or F&F's cutwork white smock top, £20.

Boho trimmings

Loading on the Boho accessories can make or break your laidback hippy chic. Daring fashion followers can get a head start by embracing the new trend for headband-across-forehead a la Kimberly Stewart or Nicole Richie. Not a fan? Opt for a hat for breezy Boho days in the sun. Try on Dune's Derex floppy hat, £25, or Miss Selfridge's straw porkpie hat, £15.

"Clunky accessories allow you to indulge your whimsical side," says Claudia Croft, Style magazine's fashion director.

"Finish off your look with chunky, wooden-heel platforms and fringed suede bags."

Beyond Retro have a great selection of vintage 70s wooden platform sandals, from £28, or try French Connection's wooden patent wedge, £70. Complement the ensemble with ASOS' chunky wooden bangles, £10 each.

Climb aboard the New Boho bandwagon with a retro chic bag - almost as though you've spotted a rare vintage find at your local charity shop. Fringed or patchwork-style bags work best. Pick up Accessorize's Marsha tapestry tote, £40, Next's laser scoop bag, £22, or Oli's fringed patchwork bag, £40.