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where can I find decently bohemian clothes?!

263 replies

Pheasantlysurprised · 01/10/2021 16:47

I don't mean the hippy look exactly, it is difficult to describe, but I will try!

Simple colours, good fabrics, flowing designs, but not architectural or scandi (definitely not Cos or Arket and not oversized like Toast) Nothing bulky. It isn't something on the regular high street but it is not loud like Gudrun either.

Think antique dealer in a nineties episode of Midsomer Murders. It's neither hippy or gothic but something elegantly in between. It isn't work focused either, so lovely and comfy with unfussy lines.

It is not conservative, but the colours will be muted...cashmere scarf, wrap, long skirt, good boots, flowing coat, some velvet maybe.....at the risk of sounding like a complete arse I would describe it as perhaps bohemian academic, classical music, middle/upper middle, soft, long wavy hair and perhaps rounded glasses, wool coat almost touching floor, shawl, sort of autumnal spires of Oxford or semi rural.
It isn't eccentric exactly but it is not 'on trend'.

Everywhere I look I just find trendy floral-polyester-overpriced shite. Even brands that used to cater to this aesthetic are pretty much selling thin, unlined tat for over £100 now. I don't mind spending but never do as I can't find anything I like.

Poetry (sleek cashmere tunics) and Plumo (long velour gown) are the closest I can find but neither quite fit the bill.

How would you describe this look and where could I search?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
27
Anyoneforcoffee · 01/10/2021 18:03

Jigsaw or Sézane?

mrssmiling · 01/10/2021 18:05

Beatrice Von Trescow’s velvets are expensive but beautiful.
beatricevontresckow.com/product/light-jade-grace-velvet-nehru/
Possibly affordable for the antique dealer after a particularly good sale? 😁

Pippapet · 01/10/2021 18:05

House of Bruar, along with some well-chosen accessories (gloves, beret etc).

You're welcome Smile

snowspider · 01/10/2021 18:06

www.wearethought.com

Thought might have something

MapleMay11 · 01/10/2021 18:13

I like a slightly more modern take on what you've described and buy a lot of pieces from Etro mixed with vintage and the occasional bespoke item. It's very rare to get the quality or cut you're looking for on the high street.

mrssmiling · 01/10/2021 18:14

The Seamstress of Bloomsbury may have a few things….including interesting blouses.
theseamstressofbloomsbury.co.uk/
Love this thread!

BoozeHound · 01/10/2021 18:16

Do you mean like cate blanchett in note on a scandal?

EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues · 01/10/2021 18:18

I’d forgotten Etro!

FayCarew · 01/10/2021 18:20

I came on o suggest Sahara and Masai. Rundholtz are worth a look too.
Two Danes, Margaret Howell, Carrier Company

snowspider · 01/10/2021 18:21

I rather like this

www.cordings.co.uk/charcoal-velvet-and-tweed-reversible-cape.html

FayCarew · 01/10/2021 18:22

Poetry, Made in Italy

FayCarew · 01/10/2021 18:22

East, Monsoon, Wrap London, Anthropologie

scottishnames · 01/10/2021 18:23

Secondhand, I would say. Takes a lot of time but worth it when it works. The quality is so much better. I would say 90% of my clothes come from there. For example, I was in local hospice shop the other day and saw a old-style tweed coat for £60. A lot of money but fab quality/all wool and modern equivalent would be x 10 more.

I don't personally like Brora style but the quality is very good.

Having said that, for thin, delicate 100% merino tunics (mostly black only) try Mountain Warehouse and other sports shops base layer several sizes up. A real bargain.

I buy nice real wool and real silk scarves from EBay. I buy old-style Barbour jackets in various country/sports shop sales.

Seasalt Lamledra cord jeans used to be good but the quality has plummeted in recent years. I used to buy Rohan jeans (mostly otherwise mega-frumpy for heaven's sake, though excellent quality) but they have recently changed their cut and have been criticised for it. They don't fit me anymore, but may fit others better, of course.

Boots from Brora or Hoggs of Fife or Merrell for serious all-weather stuff. All-weather waterproofs from Didricksons (not Seasalt). Worth every penny.

Some of the other shops mentioned by previous posters sound interesting - I must investigate.

SpikeyFloof · 01/10/2021 18:28

Ooh, following because this is my style!

I have a few bits from free people. It's really hit and miss with the quality and massively overpriced. Etsy has some lovely stuff and you can find one off pieces from independent designers.

snowspider · 01/10/2021 18:31

Some nice things here maybe

www.helenmcalinden.com/pages/the-brand

Knittedfairies · 01/10/2021 18:31

I'm getting Diane Keaton/Annie Hall rather than Nicole Kidman.

snowspider · 01/10/2021 18:32

nice coat

www.helenmcalinden.com/products/c19408730022

FayCarew · 01/10/2021 18:33

Vampire's Wife

SpikeyFloof · 01/10/2021 18:33

Oh, and Spell and the Gypsy! Never been able to afford anything from there but I do enjoy drooling over the dresses!

Mykittensmittens · 01/10/2021 18:35

I get the ask.

I wear a lot of Masai, and a lot of something called LV Clothing, and a lot of Forgotten Tribes. www.forgottentribes.com/

It’s like a stylish hippy vibe, without extremes. I like Masai tops but I often wear with slimmer trousers.

I do like east too, but specifically the block printed stuff (anokhi) which they don’t do much of now.

Way back when it would have been Phool but they are long gone!

SpikeyFloof · 01/10/2021 18:35

I could happily get married in this (if I wasn't fat).

where can I find decently bohemian clothes?!
IamEarthymama · 01/10/2021 18:46

I love this style too and manage to pick up enough pieces to achieve it.
I love the look of Gudrun and Joe Browns but far too patterned for me.

Morgan-Cardiff&Wrexham is my ideal shop!
I can't afford anything from there but I search email, Vinted and charity shops.

There are a couple of shops in Cardiff and Cowbridge that sell this style. Hay on Wye and Edinburgh too.

More in my range is CocoBlush in Cardiff and Newport, I got 4 lovely pieces for £10 each in Newport this week.

Glastonbury town is not just full of tie dye, there is a wonderful shop called Haruka. I bought my wedding outfit there and everything I have bought lasts for ages and ages.
Janice Made This is good too You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.

I love wearing clothes that make me happy.

It's great when you meet someone who shares your style and swop sources and compliments.

Good luck OP, I hope you find some things that you love!.

Pheasantlysurprised · 01/10/2021 18:58

@BoozeHound

Do you mean like cate blanchett in note on a scandal?
not sure, will have to google as havent seen it - but he look definitely would suit the general vibe of what im going for!

A very young Helena Bonham Carter too, depending.

Thanks!

OP posts:
thedevilinablackdress · 01/10/2021 19:00

Hopefully now is a good time to get hold of some stuff that fits this aesthetic since the 90s are quite in. Good luck!
I often find mushed watching these programmes and going to eBay to try and replicate some lovely item

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