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SoHo, short for South of Houston, is one of New York City's most desirable neighborhoods and prime shopping spots -- located South of Houston Street in lower Manhattan. The SoHo chic style has embraced the artistic, bohemian roots of the neighborhood and paired them with a big-city sophistication that has come to characterize New York.
History Of SoHo
To really understand the SoHo chic style, you need to understand the place where it was born. The area of New York City between Houston Street, Canal Street, Lafayette and Sixth Avenue, known as SoHo, was an impoverished stomping ground for artists and their followers in the 1960s and 70s. By the 1990s, SoHo's spacious brick lofts began to draw in wealthier renters and buyers looking to move out of uptown. Today, what was once an artist slum teems with some of the city's best fashion boutiques, hip bars and multimillion-dollar lofts.
Boho To SoHo
SoHo chic fashion has deep roots in the Bohemian-chic, or Boho chic, movement. The maxi dresses, paisley prints, ponchos and copious accessories that became staples of the Bohemian hippie style of the 60s and 70s artistic community in SoHo fused with the sophisticated, urban style of the city, transforming Boho chic into a sleeker, more urbane fashion.
Urbane Eclectic
Take the clean, classic lines and dark, muted colors that lend an air of sophistication and elegance to New York fashion, throw in a few quirky accessories or outlandish embellishments and add a little edgy street-style, and you've got the SoHo chic look. SoHo chic is all about the marriage of chic and refined with a few distinctive twists thrown in. For example, actor and heartthrob Johnny Depp once had a double-breasted suit made at a SoHo tailor, but instead of sticking with classic black, he injected his own personal style by opting for a two-toned blue fabric.
Get The Look
To get your SoHo chic on, start with a few basic pieces. A little black dress or tailored jacket with a pair of jeans give you the cultured, urbane look. Now jazz it up with a pop of color, like a bold clutch or pair of colorful pumps. Add your favorite funky accessories, such as a paisley scarf, chunky gemstone ring, layered necklace or wooden bangles. SoHo chic is about expressing yourself through fashion, so let your personality shine through.
