How to Wear the Boho Luxe Look

You are the wealthy gypsy. The successful artist who never sold out. The poet well-off. The high-end hippie. No, these are not oxymorons. These are all examples of personalities associated with the boho luxe (Bohemian and Luxurious) look, a popular and sophisticated style for Fall 2008. Here’s how you can achieve this rich, individual look:

Opt for a rich palette: Mix vibrant (not tacky) and neutral colors. Think ruby reds, emerald greens, true violet, black, and charcoal gray. Steer clear of garments with large quantities of fluorescent or pastel colors. The colors in your wardrobe are more reminiscent of a fine Persian carpet than a psychedelic shag rug. In your outfits, always consider the importance and impact of color combinations. Go for classic matches (like black and red), not garish ones (mustard yellow and pale pink). The point is not to shock but rather to turn admiring heads with the grace of a European independent film actress.

Stock up on tunics and peasant tops: These are your staple shirts and blouses so choose wisely. Look for pretty embellishments, like embroidery, sequins or rhinestones. Don’t make the mistake of buying bold-patterned Mod-inspired tunics or sloppy Woodstock frocks. Select delicate patterns and sleek cuts that accentuate your figure, not form a tent over it. Wear camisoles under the tops if they’re too thin and you’d like more coverage but keep the camisole simple if the tunic’s particularly decorated. Layer cropped cardigans, fitted jackets and other tailored classics over your tunics on cooler days.

Look for sophisticated denim: Dark, tailored jeans should always be your denim of choice. Dark skinny jeans look very nice tucked into tall boots. Avoid slummy light-washed jeans. As an alternative to jeans, try skinny or boot-cut corduroys in a color that matches your wardrobe: maybe camel, plum or forest green. You might also consider buying a pair of velvet lounge pants---they’re posh enough to wear to evening events, too!

Get scarves: The right scarf can make anyone seem like a member of the jet-set. Pashmina scarves made from deliciously soft goat wool thrown ever-so “casually” around your neck will stun a crowd every time. You can also try wispy silk scarves. Paisley and solid colors work best with this look, whereas polka-dots, stripes, and plaid generally don’t. Wear the scarf in your hair, in lieu of a belt or around your neck but don’t wear two scarves at once. One’s the tasteful limit.

Choose stunning jewelry: You don’t necessarily have to brandish diamonds and gold but definitely select beautiful, distinctive and high-quality pieces---whether it’s from a department store or a flea market. Collect beaded necklaces, cameos, chandelier earrings and cocktails rings. Turquoise and amethyst, or any other semi-precious natural stone, goes perfectly with this look. Classic pearls and other standard preppy wear don’t.

Go for sexy shoes: Dramatic and elegant shoes should be your mainstay. Boots and booties are musts but try to own at least one pair in a color other than black, perhaps dark brown or burgundy. Feminine stilettos, not girly ones, are excellent for special occasions. Buy a pair in faux crocodile in chocolate brown or olive green, for example, and you’re set. Stay away from clunky shoes, like old-fashioned clogs. You want a clean, streamlined silhouette. Remember that boho luxe is a different type of hippie than 1969 “earth mama.”