Bohemian Androgyny

HOW A POPULAR AND TIMELESS FASHION AESTHETIC IS PUSHING GENDER NORMS Written by Manon Bushong, Fashion Editor Photographed by Bela Orzechowski, Staff Photographer Makeup by Riley August, Makeup Director Modeled by Margo Wyatt

When I consider the term bohemian, my mind travels to my carefully curated 2015 Pinterest board, titled “boho fashion.” My 14-yearold self’s infatuation with long floral skirts and suede floppy hats certainly stemmed from my time observing what different A-list celebrities had donned at Coachella, a music festival I seemed to think was more oriented around outfits than performances (I could describe in detail exactly what both Hadid sisters wore but please do not ask who headlined). If you had asked me six years ago what bohemian means, I would have probably given you a jumbled response alluding to desert festival fashion—a response that barely scratches the surface of this expressive and rule-challenging style. By definition, bohemian means “a person, such as a writer or an artist, living an unconventional life.”1

The bohemian aesthetic signifies a sense of individuality and a lifestyle that strays from the beaten path. In a more fashion-oriented sense, it connotes a freeing look that draws inspiration from western, prairie and vintage ‘60s and ‘70s fits. It is also an extremely malleable and inclusive genre of dress. The fashion industry has been making exponential strides in terms of minimizing gender expectations and how we perceive what was traditionally such a significant classification. The boho trend stems from people who do

not go about their lives in a conventional manner, which is why androgyny has become such a prominent aspect of it.

Saint Laurent’s pre-fall 2021 womenswear collection certainly incorporates more masculine bohemian garments. The 19th look in this collection consists of dark jeans, a brown belt, a minimally buttoned, long-sleeve, brown button-down and a thin black vest. It is western and more representative of a traditional menswear look, yet designers eagerly cross these lines. The androgynous theme in modern bohemian fashion is not limited to “cowboy” garments in womenswear lines. The long, flowy, prairie-style dresses typically worn by women have become statement looks for daring men who want to push gender boundaries as well, a notable example being Harry Styles. Bohemian looks are also not limited to hot summer music festival outfits. This aesthetic can transfer to any season and can act as a major staple in anyone’s fall wardrobe. One bohemian piece that is taking fall 2021 by storm is the dramatic collar. Paired with blue jeans, a floral print scarf, a belt and brown boots, this is the ultimate hybrid of boho and contemporary—one that does not appear particularly gendered. Another way to incorporate bohemian themes into your outfit rotation this fall is through the suede vest. In black or perhaps brown tone with fringe, this piece is timeless and classy but also evokes that western ‘70s feel that is so characteristic of what the bohemian style is built upon. When the weather cools down, this piece looks great over a white collared shirt, but until then, experiment with wearing it on its own. Cowboy and cowgirl boots have been in the spotlight for awhile, and there is no doubt these fun shoes will continue to reign in popularity this fall. Try combining your favorite pair with a fun bohemian patterned statement piece, whether it be a long dress, kimono or silk flare pants. The fun potential of bohemian fashion combined with the roots of the aesthetic makes it clear why this style is so popular and timeless. Given the rapid changes in how society is starting to view fashion norms in terms of gender, it is not surprising that the bohemian way of dress is only going to grow in dominance. ■