I recently took a trip to the wonderful and fabulous Miami Beach and was able to experience all that it is known for – its beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring mansions and its unforgettable nightlife. What I did not expect to see was the intriguing and refreshingly unique style that graced this city of diverse culture and ethnicities.

While New York City has always been known as the epitome for all that is fashion, Miami has created its own modern hippie bohemian style that is sure to knock the simple sundress and heels right off the runway.

You can see the modern flower child fashion almost everywhere you look in Miami – multiple arrays of girls with unbelievably long hair sporting sheer flowing tops and tribal printed shorts or jeans. The light and airy look is usually seen accessorized with a worn leather across-the-body satchel, multiple stacks of hand-woven bracelets and, of course, a few flowers or feathers woven into beachy hair.

The entire look gives off a very casual vibe while still looking very attractive and feminine. The modern bohemian is a way to be able to call forth the hippie spirit from the 1960s and 1970s through the medium of fashion.

Although the concept of recreating vintage fashions from previous time periods is not a new, mind-blowing concept in the world of fashion, it is how the look is taken and morphed into a new, and maybe even greater, rendition of the original statement.

This post-modern hippie style differs from the now laughably mainstream “hipster” look in the way that it strives more toward simplicity with light colors and flowing fabrics, rather than attempting to make a statement with bold glasses and shirts printed with band names that no one has ever heard of.

The modern bohemian style can be pulled off with a sense of effortlessness and should always give off the feeling of comfort and freedom. Feminine floral fabrics are the way to go, along with baggy silk or cotton blouses and sweaters.

While buying new pieces of clothing can be easier and more convenient, remember that the older the better. Looking at thrift shops can be the key to really be able to achieve a genuine vintage look, and it may be friendlier on your wallet.

During my trip to South Beach this spring, the best fashions came from independent boutiques, but after asking a few of the locals where they go to achieve their style, they pointed me in the direction of Urban Outfitters and Anthropology near the local mall to achieve the bohemian style. At these retail establishments, one could easily fit into the South Beach scene without looking like they are from another town. The fabrics, colors, textures and designs allow one to walk right in step and style with the locals.