For background/context, please read this post.
The Bohemian (casual/fancy)
Key words: bold, assertive, idiosyncratic, DGAF
Vibe: boho, quirky, comfortable, dramatic
Style notes: sack dresses, chunky knits, bold colours/prints, bold accessories
Favourite colours: all of them
I struggled the most with the name of this avatar (more so than even the Artist), and I am still not entirely satisfied with my choice. Old Lady Who Doesn’t Give a F***k doesn’t quite trip off the tongue, though it captures the spirit better. The “old” is most certainly not a pejorative here, and it’s intentional. First, we have discussed at length my stereotypically grandma-ish hobbies and interests. Second, I find that age is a bestower of confidence, especially for women; it’s the trade-off for all those dewy perks of youth. And there is nothing more powerful than a woman with experience, who is not afraid to stand her ground.
The Bohemian is my inner badass. She doesn’t care what people think; she doesn’t cater to the male gaze. She will wear whatever she damn well pleases. She is a little bit ornery, maybe, but also has a great sense of humour. Experience has made her more generous – to herself and others. Everyone should feel happy in their own skin!
My icon? The legendary Iris Apfel of course.
And here is some of my inspo:
And some past outfits that kinda fit here (it’s a work in progress):
This concludes my series detailing my new perspective on personal style. I have been working within the parameters of my 4 characters for about a month now, and I am starting to see progress – in my closet, in how I feel in my clothes day-to-day, in my overall attitude. I feel like my wardrobe is much better aligned with my inner sense of my current self. I have re-discovered the joy of getting dressed, and feeling like I’m coming out of a rut I didn’t even know I was in.
What I like about this approach is that it avoids the pitfalls of trying to define your style within certain pre-determined aesthetics. Like “preppy chic” or “boho” or “classic” or whatever. What does that mean? Those categories are so generic and amorphous. Meanwhile, really specific aesthetics (“corporate witch going on a space journey”, or whatever) are too constrictive and one-dimensional, at least to me. Style is dynamic and reactive; my avatars are the embodiment of that. Some days, the Prince might be feeling a bit dark; other days, he might feel sassy – leopard print pumps, anyone? But the spirit, the inner core is consistent and it establishes guidelines that are clear yet flexible. I can ask myself: would the Prince (or the Artist, or the Adventurer, or the Bohemian) wear this? And I instantly know. Sometimes, I wish I didn’t because it means having to leave behind cute pieces. But I have also been having fewer purchase regrets.
If you have been following along, I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you considered what your style characters or avatars might be? Are you interested in this kind of experiment? And if you have tried it or are trying it, how did/is it coming along?
Quick programming note: a new Community Trading Post will be going up on the blog on Friday, so if there are things you are looking to buy or sell, this will be a chance to get your stuff out there.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! I might have gone through your instagram and tried matching each outfit to an avatar. Or maybe I didnt. 🙂
That said what really stands out to me is that your style has evolved so much that some outfits from say 2015/2016 cannot really be matched to these avatars. Would you agree? How would you map your colorful boden skirt or the Moulinette soeurs poppy field skirt etc. .to these personas?
Also, this series made me analyze and assign my own personas. I have six(WUT) : The Yogi The Beach-goer, The Ranger, The Tourist, The Producer and The Secretary. Not a fan of the name beach-goer but that sums up the style !
It’s funny you should mention those 2 skirts. I sold the Boden one earlier this year. The poppy one haunts me. I still adore it, but you’re right – it doesn’t really fit. The print is Bohemian but the cut is not. I can’t bear to part with it. So, for now, it’s sitting in closet purgatory. There are a few other pieces like that, but not many.
I totally want to start tagging my photos by avatar, but I figured that people who don’t read the blog might be confused. You can always let me know what you’re thinking in the comments on IG 😉
I’ve found this really interesting! I’m still tinkering around though with some of the avatars for my style. I have some thoughts–but they might be more fantasy than reality. On the other hand, there’s no time like the present, to live a little!
Hello there! I noticed you never buy/find Desigual brand. This is up the Bohemian alley that you mention in this post.
I have seen a few Desigual pieces but the ones I’ve spotted recently haven’t been quite my style – a bit more colourful than I prefer these days. They do make tons of interesting prints.
I love your writing and I’ve followed the blog for a few years – big fan. And…I kind of don’t like your new aesthetic – it looks sloppy and old ladyish to me.
But! But! The best part is – I don’t have to! You love it! And you are so excited about it which makes me want to keep reading the blog.
If you have a chance or are so inclined – can you talk a bit more about how people have
reacted to the transition to this new style? I
know you said before that you’re not dressing for the male gaze but how are women responding to your new-not-conventionally -beautiful clothing choices?
Honestly, there hasn’t been a reaction. At least no one has said anything about it. It could be that they are simply holding their opinions to themselves. I don’t know. I hadn’t even thought about it. I don’t talk to people IRL about my style/aesthetic decisions – I save all that for the blog. So I don’t think it’s a big deal for people either way.
To the extent that my aesthetic is more casual now, I think it fits in better with my current work environment.
I really like these fashion avatars. For the name (to the extent you are still luke-warm on Bohemian), what about, “The Vanguard” or maybe “The Matriarch”?
Ooh, intrigued! I’m going to sit with those suggestions for a while and see if either feels like a better fit. Thanks!