Zara - The Preppy Bohemian Look

After having delivered a fall collection perfectly in tune with the Louis Vuitton atmosphere recently seen in the magazines, Zara turns now to the adolescent cause, delivering a series of 70s looks as preppy as there are bohemian.

Thrown off by the knee-length skirts and flannel jackets having very little to do with their normal dress code, many young girls did not see themselves in the latest Zara collection. What they did not count on was the Spanish company's casual line, which this season proposes a bohemian wardrobe composed of multiple outfits full of youthful audacity and cool girlitude.

Minimalism may be holding sway with the 30-somethings, but it is out of the question for the teenagers to go for a monochrome wardrobe without a twist of something funky. Without technically going against the 70s trend, Zara proposes an image of a college girl with Woodstock dreams over that of Annie Hall.

This young, Woodstock wannabe is fond of thigh-high socks worn with cigar-colored moccasins. She also likes to warm up her outfit with a hand-knitted mustard scarf, or her lightweight dresses -- belted high waisted -- with a thin cardigan (in order to give a chic touch to her wool stockings).

As for flare jeans, they seem to be indispensable to the 70s casual looks. Worn with a pair of heeled moccasins, a short blazer and a large-knit cap, they are part of the perfect look for the times.

The more daring girls will continue with one of summer's must-have's by mixing diverse prints in the same ensemble. The made-in-Zara photos show vests and flower combinations coming together, for better or worse, whereas the flowered dresses and other long printed skirts are worn one on top of the other, with varying degrees of success.

To tell the truth, the only proposition that was truly inspiring and well-executed was the twist on the sensible leather shorts presented with a Tyrolean pullover and a Peruvian poncho.

It is also possible to use prints singly, a choice that allows taking full advantage of its folk aura, by matching them with either military style pieces or large knits (be careful not to risk a bad mix).

Also noteworthy - the liberty pants from last spring have taken on a fall aspect by being paired with brogues, a backpack and a wool blazer.

This collection, very Urban Outfitters, will help lessen the absence of the American brand in France, at least until they decide finally to move in...

Click here to see the lookbook: http://www.zara.com/lookbook/woman