Fashion: Tips on bohemian chic

It’s all about a free-spirited attitude as we turn towards autumn. Stephanie Smith has tips on bohemian chic.
Keeva silk blouse, £79.Keeva silk blouse, £79.
Keeva silk blouse, £79.

for true lovers of fashion, the autumn is when it all really happens, but this run-up period, what we now refer to as “transitional” or “trans-seaonal”, or simply “trans”, gives a wonderful preview of all the excitement that’s waiting to burst, just around the corner.

Boho has become a trans-season tradition in recent years, because its basic principles of layering, blending and mixing up a variety of different shapes and textures work so beautifully as the sun turns pale and meets the season of mists.

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Boho chic style icons include Stevie Nicks and Marianne Faithfull for old school, Blake Lively and Daisy Lowe for modern uptown bohemian fashion spirits.

Capes and ponchos are an outerwear staple, but lightweight knitted versions have seen them translate into indoor/outdoor easy cover-ups, perfect for lounging about at, taking a walk, and especially for dining out at restaurants, meaning you can sit out on the terrace for a precious while longer before the cold puts a stop to all that (there are ponchos for men too, if he would like to dine and keep warm in similar style).

The Mexican style patterned woven poncho is a new season must, by the way.

Look out too for paisley print tunic dresses in silk, brushed cotton and velvet or brocade style fabrics. Boho has gone upmarket for this year, given an opulent twist that brings embossed, richly printed looks with a luxe touch, perfect as a base for blending textures by over-layering suede and suedette, faux fur, leather, tweeds and plaids and especially knitwear of all types, from fine and sleek to sumptuous and chunky.

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Try Marks & Spencer, which has really pinned the look with its Elegant Bohemia themed collection of beautifully patterned dresses to team with suede and textured jackets and knits, knee-high boots and fringed suede bags – classic boho chic but the rich and harmonious blending of inky, damsony shades give stylish depth and easy sophistication.

Monsoon always excels at boho, and try La Redoute too.

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