If fashion is for followers, then there's a bit of a contradiction in one of the biggest trends emerging for spring: the bohemian look.

By definition, "bohemian" refers to someone who disregards convention in appearance or behavior. But what happens when it becomes trendy to be a free spirit?

"We're at a moment when a certain personal approach to dressing is at a premium," said Sally Singer, fashion news director for Vogue magazine. "I think of [the bohemian trend] as a kind of eclectic, noncommercial way of dressing. It says, 'I'm original and laid-back and interesting.' "

Sequins add a luxe look to this green tunic from Bindya Lula. Nordstrom, $78.

For those suffering flashbacks of those ubiquitous peasant tops circa 2001 or wary of looking like Mary-Kate Olsen's brand of bag-lady chic, fear not. In its new interpretation, this season's bohemian is feminine, sophisticated and even a little bit sexy.

"It's not a hippie look. It's not layers and layers of shapeless things," said Annie Sparrow, owner of Tulip, a downtown Seattle boutique. "I would label it as more of a luxe bohemian ... lots of gauzy tops and sequins and drops of gold mixed in. There's a little more body consciousness to it, which is nice."

From the runways of designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli and Marni, the bohemian influence is now making its way to the masses. In Seattle, shops are stocking colorful tunic tops, flowy tiered skirts, flat Grecian-style sandals and bold, gypsy-inspired jewelry.

Dresses swing in the breeze, like this Lauren Moffatt Grecian-look dress. $310 at Tulip.

Carmilia's in West Seattle has romantic bohemian tops in buttery yellow and apricot orange by Joie; Les Amis in Fremont is carrying novelty skirts embellished with beads and sequins by Wyeth. Sway & Cake is doing dip-dye babydoll dresses and tiered skirts by Margaret Loves Peter. And the bohemian vibe has infiltrated nearly all of Nordstrom's women's departments, as well as accessories and shoes.

"I think this works really well for Seattle because we're such a casual city," Sparrow said. "This doesn't look like you're trying too hard. It's kind of an effortless charm."

The key to achieving the look is playing with proportions — in other words, don't just pile on.

"You only want to make one gesture at a time. If you're wearing a big peasant skirt, you should probably wear something narrow on top," said Singer, the Vogue editor. "You might do a looser blouse with a cropped jacket or a shrunken cardigan."

It's also an opportunity to get creative — you can adapt the trend to your personal style by mixing and matching different textures, patterns and shapes.

Get stoned on turquoise. Bracelet by W.A. Studio, $98 at Nordstrom; Bonnie J bead necklace, $22 at Nordstrom.

"A great aspect of this trend is that it can be dressed up or dressed down," said Keith Wagner, Northwest fashion manager for Nordstrom. "You can take that tunic top and pair it with jeans or put it under a suit. Or you can pair something that's a little more sheer with a denim jacket, so you're juxtaposing the hard and the soft."

Even an unexpected accessory can give a mostly tailored look a bohemian twist, like adding a chunky turquoise necklace or a pair of gypsylike earrings to a crisp white shirt and slim pants. Or take the look into evening by adding metallic accents like gold jewelry or sandals to a colorful tank top and sequined skirt.

Jewels pop up on footwear, too. This does not excuse chipped toenail polish, however. Franco Sarto sandal, $68.95, Nordstrom.

"I love the colors for spring — the fuchsia and turquoise and lots of greens and really pretty corals," said Tamara Donaghy, owner of Sway & Cake in downtown Seattle. "They're a little more bright, and it's something you can wear with all of the metallics, which are huge. I'm doing my whole gold vibe this spring."

And if the bohemian look is just not your thing, then sit tight. Fashion is fickle, and Vogue predicts the flip side for fall 2005: Rigorous and restrained European chic.

Pamela Sitt: 206-464-2376 or psitt@seattletimes.com