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Is Bohemian The Same As Hippie?

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Many people use the terms hippie and Bohemian interchangeably these days, but you may be surprised to find that there are some clear differences between the two. 

After all, it can be tricky to know the difference and leaves many of us using the terms interchangeably or incorrectly, and no one wants that! 

In this article, we’ll explore what Bohemian means and how it differs from hippies. We’ll also take a look at what both have in common.

What’s Bohemian?

The word Bohemian has multiple meanings. In general, it refers to a person who loves nature and enjoys simple pleasures such as music, art, poetry, and dance.

Bohemians are often associated with artists, poets, musicians, and writers. They enjoy living in a simpler way of life and being surrounded by nature.

These days, the term Bohemian is used to describe a lifestyle, as well as a fashion style. For example, a Bohemian may have an artistic style of dress, a love for music, and a dislike for materialism.

girl on the beach wearing a boho style outfit

What’s Boho Fashion?

Boho fashion is a type of clothing that includes loose-fitting clothes, bright colors, flowers, and other natural elements. It can be casual or formal depending on the occasion.

It was first popularized in the 1960s, and Boho fashion became very trendy during the 1990s when designers began using it as a trendsetting style.

Today, you can find many stores selling Boho clothing. It has seen a great revival in recent years.

What’s Hippie?

Hippies were people who lived during the 1960s and 1970s. They enjoyed free thinking, peace, and love. They were known for their long hair, beards, and colorful clothing.

They were inspired by the beat generation and psychedelic drugs. The hippie lifestyle is often said to have included smoking pot, drinking alcohol, and listening to rock ‘n’ roll music.

They believed that they could change society through nonconformity, and they wanted to live without rules or restrictions.

Many hippies became involved in political movements and protests against war, racism, sexism, and consumerism.

three cute hippie ladies laying on the grass watching the sunset

What’s Hippie Fashion?

Hippie fashion is similar to Boho fashion. However, hippie fashion tends to include more earthy colors like brown, black, gray, and olive green.

You can see hippie clothing everywhere today, especially at flea markets and vintage shops.

For more inspiration, you can see hippie fashion in movies like Easy Rider (1969) and Woodstock (1970).

The Similarities Of Boho And Hippie Fashion

While both Boho and hippie fashion are good choices for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd, each style has its advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some things that both Bohemian fashion and hippie clothes have in common.

Easy To Wear

Both Bohemian and hippie styles are easy to wear. You don’t need any special skills to look fashionable. All you need to do is put your favorite outfit together.

Colorful

One thing that makes both Bohemian and hippy fashion so appealing is the fact that they feature lots of colors. If you want to make a statement, then go ahead and choose brightly colored clothing.

Simple Design

Another similarity between Bohemian and hippie fashion is that they tend to use simple designs. This means that you won’t have to spend much time thinking up new outfits.

No Rules

Another reason why both Bohemian and hipster fashion is so popular is that they allow us to express ourselves freely. There are no rules when it comes to dressing yourself. 

Hippies on a road trip

What’s The Difference Between Boho And Hippie Fashion?

If you’re looking at fashion magazines, you might notice that there are two different types of clothing which have become very popular again: hippie clothes and Boho clothes.

Both these types of clothing are based on the same principles. Both are about freedom and simplicity. But there are a few major differences.

Motivation

The hippie movement grew out of a political drive to make significant changes to people’s lives in the 1960s. This is often expressed in sandals, long hair, and colorful beads.

Fashion became a political statement for hippies. On the contrary, Boho has not been inspired by a political movement but a more artistic and aesthetic drive.

Gender

While the hippie style often embraces women and men alike with its unisex simplicity, traditionally Boho has attracted much more women.

Bohemians are more focused on expressing femininity than hippies. It is also more concerned with comfort and practicality.

Boho is more likely to be associated with creativity and imagination in an aesthetic sense.

back view of a lady in bohemian style dress on a boat in the lake

How To Wear The Bohemian Style

If you want to wear Bohemian style, try wearing brightly colored dresses and skirts. Try adding some flower patterns and accessories.

If you’re feeling bold, you can add a few feathers or beads to your outfit. Bohemian fashion is about expressing yourself and having fun.

Try dressing up your outfits with a pair of funky shoes. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing high heels, then go for flats instead.

Bohemian fashion isn’t just limited to women. Men can have a Bohemian style too!

How To Wear The Hippie Style

The hippie style is also called “flower power” because of its popularity with floral prints. This style is usually worn by men and women.

Men can wear this style by pairing a shirt with jeans, a button-down collar shirt, and a tie. Women can wear this style by choosing from a variety of options including T-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses.

Both men and women can accessorize their outfits with beads, buttons, and scarves.

group of hippie friends on a road trip

Bohemian And Hippie Styles Can Be Fun

If you’re not sure what kind of style you’d prefer, then you should consider both styles. Both styles are easy to create and are suitable for any occasion.

You can choose between these two styles based on the occasion. For example, if you’re going out to a party, then you’ll probably want to wear something more casual than if you’re going to work.

When it comes to shopping, you can find many stores selling hippie and Bohemian items. These stores sell everything from clothing to home decor.

Conclusion

Boho and hippie fashion share many similarities. They are almost identical. But there are also differences between them.

So if you’re interested in wearing either Bohemian or hippie fashion, just remember that it’s all about your look.