Remember how excited you used to get to buy new clothes for school? Well, at least I did! Fall was a chance to start the school year in a brand-new way. New classes, new teachers and best of all-new clothes. I remember thinking "If I just find the right outfit, Justin C. will notice me" and proceed to do a slow-motion ‘80's movie head turn in the hallway. Glancing in awe at my fabulous self, of course.

Although I never did get that "Say Anything" movie-style moment, I still had that excitement and confidence that came from dressing up for a new school year. Fall has that feeling that no other season can quite match.

Fall is a chance to start afresh, to make yourself into something else if you wish; or maybe to just let your unique personality shine through.

You might not be going back to school this fall, but the Bohemian trends exploding on the cover of every Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle magazine give you the chance to dress up and "be" almost anything. These Bohemian looks go far beyond the peasant skirts and brightly colored scarves that might first come to mind, and a luxurious element dominates every aspect of footwear this season.

The Inspiration

Of course Gucci is a headliner and trendsetter in every aspect of fashion and shoes are no exception. The autumn collection from Frida Gianini is an exceptional example of all things Bohemian-luxe.

Imagine the characters of Rent shopping at Calvin Klein or Donna Karan. Unique, trend-setting and very much offbeat; that's the feeling of the Bohemian trend this season.

Footwear styles marry folk-inspired fringe with rocker-chic leather and Russian Cossack details. Far from "earthy-crunchy" the ethnic trend this season is made for the strong assertive woman.

The Fabrics & Details

Leather & Suede

Traditional elements of suede and leather still dominate as they do every fall season. What I noticed in several collections, including those from Balmain and Anna Sui, are the wide variety and uses of each of these materials. Leather is at times smooth and supple or cracked and distressed. Suede comes in every color imaginable, (and sometimes unimaginable), as well as taking on unusual shapes such as leaves.
While these leathers are indeed traditional fall elements, they can take a unique twist this season when paired with peasant skirts or fur-trimmed Russian doll-styled dresses.

Rivets, Metals & Studs
The peasant-style may not usually bring these details to mind, but unique accents like metal strapping on the backs of faux-croc heels or large buckles mingled with deep purple suede knee-high cowboy boots somehow make this rocker-chic trend a lot more wearable. It's not just for those on the runway!

Fringe
So, I’m not exactly sure how I feel about this one. My first thoughts were admittedly a bit traumatic when I saw a picture of Mischa Barton wearing fringe with more fringe FRINGED boots. Pocahontas? Wow. Gut reaction? Where’s the freakin’ boot?! Granted, Hollywood starlets are usually given a wider window for fashion errors than the typical woman, but I'm not so sure if I can pull of the Mischa Barton look when I’m not so sure SHE can! So the moral of the story is, fringe this season can be taken over the top, (if you so desire), and can mimic the old school western chaps worn by Billy the Kid in those old westerns…but in bright blue!

If being that bold is not quite your style, (or your office frowns upon knee-high blue boots with 3-inch fringe), fear not. Fringed looks this season are also available in more subtle black suede ankle boots or as a sassy accent on knee high black leather.

Writer’s note: When looking at fringed boots-go for quality. Nothing says tacky like cheap suede that is peeling off!

The Styles

Boots!!
Knee-high boots. Ankle-boots. Robin Hood styled boots. These staples are coming far away from the mainstream styling in falls’ decidedly Bohemian trend. Donning short black suede boots paired with a crinoline skirt, metal-riveted belt and a cropped biker jacket gives you an instantly unique downtown and quirky appeal.

The unique styling of the Bohemian trend is not limited to boots though. Chunky heels, squared toe shoes and stilettos are all also rocking this unique trend.

Color
Of course, colors can never be discounted. Inspired by nature’s own kaleidoscope, all of your favorite styles can be found in just about every color a designer can dream up. Traditional browns and blacks keep company with jewel tones like Royal Blue, Purple and Aqua.

All in all, the Bohemian trend is definitely quirky. What I really like about this trend is that it can truly suit almost anyone. Lovers of full-on fringed stilettos can keep company with those who possess slightly more sedate fashion senses like myself, wearing black boots with just a touch of fringe or a few metal rivets. The lesson here is that you don’t have to go to the far edges of the fashion limits to feel like you are up to date with the latest in footwear. So this fall, when you’re walking to the beat of a different drummer, don’t forget to conjure up your very own character from Rent. Complete with individuality and unique details, make the Bohemian trend your own.