where can I find decently bohemian clothes?!

[Pheasantlysurprised]

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?

Sezane- this is what i imagine cool french/arty girls/women wear
Maje- a bit less ‘boho’ but still lots of boho pieces
Free people- some bits are a bit ‘younger’ but they currently have lot’s of beautiful boho things, or quite unusual choices like for example a ‘victorian denim jacket’

Jigsaw- some really nice quality clothes, this is a bit of a British version of Sezane

Bash- another boho chic gem, quite expensive but sales are good

No really individual style is ever bought in one shopping trip.

I understand, this is a good point. I am also guilty of impatience and that's not how it works, as can be evidenced by the small offerings of my current wardrobe - there's sod all but I love it, and need to cultivate a few more....precious things.

Sondeflor?

One thing, Im a small size but I much prefer flowing, loose lines. A lot of stuff nowadays is nipped in at the waist or slightly cropped to fit the high waist trend. I am happy with M&S cashmere but all of their jumpers tend to go in at the waist to suit trouser styles. I'd like the back of a garment to be lower than the arm cuffs if that makes sense.

I prefer something that flows over my hips and barely touches, without being oversized.
It's like trying to find rocking horse shit!

Thanks for starting this thread OP. Some great links here including my own holy grail: harem pants in a natural fibre from Forgotten Tribes. I'll definitely be checking all these links, just as well It's pay day today.

Noa Noa

Has anyone mentioned Nicole Farhi? Sounds like the kind of thing I used to get from her sample sales in the 90s (those were the days...). Just had a look at her website, and some of it still might fit the bill.

Also vintage Fenn Wright & Manson, maybe not so much the new stuff. And you can strike lucky with some own brand or lesser known stuff in John Lewis.

I buy woolovers v neck jumpers from the mens section, longer that the womens v neck jumpers and slightly less fitted whilst still having a non baggy shape

The Vampire's Wife ... if it weren't for the prices.

I'm another who'd say secondhand. I think this sort of style was around much more 10-20 years ago. Lots of boho things have gone a bit weird and ugly now. Sandwich was great for this sort of style to about ten years ago - try looking for older Sandwich on Ebay, etc, OP.

Nothing to add, but placemarking for inspiration.

Look for a charity or dress agency shop closest to a very posh area, if you lived in or near Manchester you would look at Alderley Edge, if you can't find clothes, look for accessories, leather handbags & shoes, jewellery, hats, scarves etc. My mum's friend had a dress agency in the 80's & I used to buy Chanel & Prada handbags, statement jewellery, pure silk blouses & tops, Lyle & Scott jumpers, then mix & match it with things from Next & M & S. If you are wanting a country look go to an agricultural merchants, you can pick up quilted coats etc a lot cheaper than in normal shops.

Monsoon usually have some, not cheap but not as expensive as some of the designers mentioned above.

I know you have said "not loud like Gudrun". But not everything she does is loud and you don't have to wear the clashing layers.

Lots of great suggestions. I have one to add, if you have the budget: www.eileenfisher.com/?country=GB&currency=USD

You might find some pieces here that will help build your new wardrobe. Frankie in ‘Grace and Frankie’ wears some Eileen Fisher. I have a couple from Fenwick sales, my favourite is a gorgeous boiled wool coat.

Aspiga and Peruvian Connection. I get a lot of things from the latter. They are pricey but last for ages and don’t look dated or out of fashion even after several years.

You might find some bits at Avoca , although their collection may be generally a bit hippy for you.

Learn to sew and get your fabrics from merchant and mills.

I used to have a velvet coat like this, and I adored it. Bought it second hand - long sleeved, slight puff in the shoulder, button through. Fitted bodice (but not tight) and then subtle A line from the waist. I lived in it as both a coat and a dress.

I still have a beautiful vintage dress in the same shape, which is worn with a pair of heeled loafers.

I adore the look you're describing. It makes me hanker for afternoons spent queuing for tickets at the proms and quietly shuffling through libraries.

Try John Lewis Kin. Look at Stories for silk shirts.

Look for vintage Yoji Yamamoto too. You can pick things up for around £100.

Ha! Last night I was looking at the Yamamoto S/S22 show - and it occurred to me that the 21c version of your idealised woman very well might be wearing Yamamoto. If she can afford Oxford she can certainly afford the clothes …

Oh this thread gives me life! I’ve never heard the look I love so perfectly described. I’ll be spending the day checking out all of those links.

I’ve struggled with my “look” since having kids and even more so since hitting middle age. A lot of people I know dress fashionably or smart and sharp - that “rich” look you often see threads about here. They’re all very samey whereas I love a more individual arty boho look but alas, I’m plump with a matronly bosom that just doesn’t work with flouncy drapes and layers. I’m also not confident enough to stand out.

There’s food for thought here though and I’m going to enjoy dreaming up some outfits! Maybe I can distill a few key ideas to add to outfits that work for my shape.

Oxford woman is likely to pick up a few bits at the Ashmolean shop
and also buy things from other museum and gallery shops on her visits...
shop.ashmolean.org/fashion/clothing.html
www.vam.ac.uk/shop/jewellery.html
shop.tate.org.uk/jewellery

Jo Edwards has lovely scarves - first saw them in the Royal Academy shop.
www.joedwardsretail.co.uk/