Skip to main content

A Quick Look at the History of Boho Style: The 1800s Origin

 

When we talk about boho style today-crochet shawls, flowing skirts, earthy tones-it’s easy to think of festivals, fashion, or fiber art. But the roots of bohemian style stretch back much further, to early 19th-century France. Long before “boho” became a Pinterest buzzword or a section at your favorite craft store, it was a way of life. Love all things boho? Get on the Boho Crojo waitlist! It's a free digital magazine due mid August!

Where the Term “Bohemian” Began

In the early 1800s, the term bohemian didn’t refer to a look-it referred to a lifestyle. French society used the word to describe artists, writers, musicians, and creatives who rejected the rules of mainstream life. These individuals often lived modestly or even in poverty, not because they were lazy or unsuccessful, but because they prioritized their art and freedom over money or social status.

These early bohemians were deeply unconventional. They believed in living authentically, following inspiration, and blurring the lines between life and art. Their values were a direct contrast to the growing industrialism and rigid social expectations of the time.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Interestingly, the word bohemian itself comes from a misunderstanding. At the time, many people in France believed the Romani people (often called “Gypsies” then) had migrated from the Bohemia region in what is now the Czech Republic. Though this wasn’t accurate, the name stuck, and “bohemian” became associated with a nomadic, outsider lifestyle.

Over time, that association shifted away from ethnicity and toward ideology. By mid-century, calling someone a “bohemian” meant they lived creatively, non-traditionally, and often on the fringes of polite society.

Fashion as a Form of Rebellion

As these bohemian communities grew, so did their visual identity. Their clothing-often secondhand, handmade, or inspired by folk traditions-stood in stark contrast to the stiff, formal fashions worn by the wealthy classes.


Instead of corsets and crinolines, bohemians wore flowing garments, shawls, and layered pieces that allowed for movement, comfort, and personal flair. Many incorporated elements from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa into their wardrobes, drawn to textiles and patterns that felt more earthy and expressive.

What they wore wasn’t about following trends-it was about freedom, practicality, and creativity. It was fashion that told a story. 

I've got a whole playlist dedicated to personal style, fashion and crochet, CLICK HERE to watch.

The Foundations of the Boho We Know Today

By the end of the 1800s, the idea of the bohemian artist had spread beyond Paris and into the wider world, influencing writers in London, musicians in Vienna, and painters throughout Europe. The aesthetic had become a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and independence.

Though boho style would continue to evolve in the decades to come, its core values-individuality, art over status, comfort over conformity-were already well established by the close of the 19th century.

Boho Culture Starter Kit: Inspiring Picks from the 1800's Bohemian World

Family-Friendly Movies & Shows

  • “La Bohème” (Puccini’s Opera)
    A timeless classic telling a heartfelt story of love and artistic life in 19th-century Paris. The music is beautiful and the themes, though emotional, are suitable for all ages.

  • “Desperate Romantics” (select episodes)
    While it has some mature themes, many episodes focus on the art, camaraderie, and lives of the Pre-Raphaelite artists

Accessible & Classic Books

  • “Scenes from Bohemian Life” by Henri Murger
    The foundational stories of bohemian artists in Paris, told with warmth and humor, and free from modern explicit content. A great literary doorway into boho history.

  • Selected Poetry by Arthur Rimbaud and Charles Baudelaire 
    Choose poems that focus on nature, creativity, and beauty to inspire without discomfort.

Inspirational Music

  • Classical Composers: Chopin, Debussy, Satie
    Their evocative instrumental music perfectly captures the artistic atmosphere of the 19th century without any content concerns.

  • “La Bohème” by Charles Aznavour
    A romantic and nostalgic song celebrating bohemian life in Paris-lyrically gentle and melodic.

Cultural Experiences

  • Virtual Visit: Musée de Montmartre (Paris)
    Explore the home and studio of many famous artists online-immersive and educational for all ages.

  • Pre-Raphaelite Art Collections (Online Galleries)
    View stunning, detailed works by bohemian artists in a way that’s visually rich and family-friendly.

Popular posts from this blog

Don't Panic! Here's An Alternative Yarn

Perfect Replacement for Big Twist If you’ve been a fan of yarn brands like Big Twist and K&C but are now worried about finding suitable replacements, I have great news for you! While these brands may not be as easily accessible as before, there’s a fantastic alternative that offers an incredible variety of yarns at competitive prices— Herrschners . Why Herrschners? Herrschners is a well-known name in the crafting world, and while they have only one physical location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, they ship nationwide and even internationally! Whether you’ve shopped from them before or are completely new to their selection, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the yarns you love from Joann’s can be found through Herrschners, often at similar or even better prices. Exploring Herrschners Yarn Selection Herrschners offers an extensive range of yarns, including well-known brands like Premier, Lion Brand, Yarnspirations, and Red Heart. They also carry their own house brands, which can ...
Read more

How I Modified A Hexagon Cardi for Mid & Plus Size

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...
Read more

Big Twist Yarn Finds a New Home

What You Need to Know Hey, fiber friends! If the news of Joann’s impending closures had you panic‑adding Big Twist to every cart in sight, breathe easy. Herrschners just swooped in with the rescue we didn’t know we’d get and it’s official: “Big Twist Yarn – Coming soon to Herrschners! Herrschners.com is thrilled to announce that we will soon be carrying your favorite Big Twist Yarn, bringing you an even wider selection of colors and textures for all your knitting and crochet projects… Sign up for our email notification list today, and be the first to know when this popular yarn arrives.” Why this matters Same beloved yarn, new storefront. Big Twist will no longer be tied to Joann’s shelf space, so once it lands at Herrschners, supply should stabilize. Read the BLOG POST on why I think Herrschners is the best replacement for Joann or watch this video:  Color possibilities. Herrschners hinted at “even wider” options; fingers crossed for the return of discontinued shade...
Read more