It’s really quite simple to take on a trend. Just follow this smart advice from InStyle Fashion Director Cindy Weber Cleary.
“Rich hippie” has been a recurring theme in fashion ever since Yves Saint Laurent set eyes on the young, stunning Talitha Getty in Morocco in the late ’60s. He described “Talitha and Paul Getty lying on a starlit terrace in Marrakesh, beautiful and damned” as an indelible memory and inspiration.
With not one but two biopics of the designer out in 2014—this summer’s Yves Saint Laurent and Saint Laurent, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival—perhaps it’s not surprising that bohemian styles appeared in runway collections such as Burberry Prorsum, by Christopher Bailey, and Etro, by Veronica Etro (pictured above, left). Star inspiration (pictured, above, right): Emma Stone in Valentino.RELATED: Age-Wise Style: In the Trenches
Why I Love This Look…
1. Getty’s style—djellabas, boots, boatloads of ethnic jewelry—represented a break from society’s rules. Who doesn’t love a chic rebel?
2. The sex, drugs, and rock and roll spirit of these clothes may have been born in the ’60s, but it continues to resonate with women of many generations. It’s a natural look for young concertgoers, for example, but it can also speak to those who lived through that freewheeling era. Why? It’s comfortable, glamorous, and more forgiving than sharply tailored pieces. Plenty of older women look amazing in a caftan—or at least in bold, exotic jewelry. So let’s raise a glass to la vie de boheme.
How to Pull It Off…
1. The mix of textures and patterns is key. Think fur (real or faux), chunky knits, embroidery, lame, paisley, and prints reminiscent of Moroccan tiles.
2. I adore a furry or knit vest over a long, fluid dress. Bonus: A vest adds warmth without much bulk.
3. Nothing should restrict your movement. Stride like the free spirit you are in flowing layers, sturdy boots, and long tassel earrings that could’ve come from the top of a fez. But no floppy hat or you’ll look ready for a costume party.
RELATED: Age-Wise Style: The Fashion Industry’s Ambivalence
Build your own luxe boho-inspired wardrobe, starting with these key pieces:
Above, from top: Isabel Marant par Oliver Peoples sunglasses, $365; oliverpeoples.com. Guess faux-fur vest, $111; guess.com.
Above, from left: 10 Crosby Derek Lam dress with scarf, $695; shopbop.com. Eddie Borgo earrings, $195; neimanmarcus.com. Antik Batik bag, $356; shopbop.com.
Above, clockwise from top left: Iro sweater, $340; iroparis.com. Quinn scarf, $238; quinnshop.com. Reiss belt, $145; reiss.com. Figue pants, $350; figue.com.
Above, from left: Michael Michael Kors boots, $285; michaelkors.com. Apiece Apart poncho, $420; apieceapart.com. Cleobella dress, $218; cleobella.com. Rag & Bone bag, $1,195; rag-bone.com.
For more features like this, pick up the October issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now.