How to Wear a Kimono?

Are you looking for inspiration to create a stylish outfit with a kimono? Want tips on how to choose a kimono that flatters you and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fan of bohemian fashion, I see kimonos as iconic pieces in my wardrobe. They allow you to effortlessly personalize an outfit and instantly add a touch of style!

Today, I'm sharing everything I know about this lightweight and practical jacket, so that it holds no secrets from you anymore!

Trendy and feminine, the kimono is a lightweight jacket that can be worn daily to elevate any outfit. It's perfect paired with a solid top, skinny jeans, and high heels. You can enhance your kimono by accessorizing with bohemian-style pieces. Be sure to choose your clothing carefully to create colour coordination and select tones that flatter you. Lastly, if you want to wear a kimono with a dressy outfit, you can do so by opting for a lovely solid jumpsuit or an elegant little black dress.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Where the kimono comes from and what it is all about,
• Tips for choosing a jacket that suits your style and body type,
• What type of top and pants to wear daily with a kimono,
• How to pair a kimono to create a stylish and unique outfit,
• And plenty of examples of outfits featuring this essential fashion piece!

What is a Kimono Jacket?

Reappearing in fashion shows a few years ago, the kimono is a garment that can be challenging to define. To help clarify what we're talking about, let's take a moment to explore what a kimono can be.

Which country has a kimono as its traditional attire?

The word Kimono comes from Japanese. It is a contraction of the words:

• Kiru, which means "to wear, to be dressed in,"
• Mono, which means "object, thing."

A kimono literally means "a thing to wear." However, this term doesn't refer to all Japanese clothing; it specifically denotes a traditional garment worn since the 14th century.

This is a very long jacket that covers the body from the shoulders to the ankles and can be adorned with beautiful, colorful patterns. In medieval Japan, exceptional kimonos were worn by geishas, who were companions trained in the arts and conversation.

Even today, Japanese people wear kimonos, especially during traditional festivals, New Year's celebrations, and significant anniversaries. It is a cherished garment that is passed down within families and is carefully maintained.

What is the trendy kimono jacket?

Although it is directly inspired by it, the kimono we see in today's fashion is different from the traditional Japanese kimono. It is a simple jacket that typically falls to mid-thigh and is worn open. It is generally lightweight and often features beautiful prints.

It’s a very versatile piece that can be worn in spring and summer as a lightweight jacket. Depending on the pattern you choose and how you pair it, it can add a lot of style to a simple outfit, giving it a high fashion flair.

👉 Japanese kimonos have also inspired top designers to create original patterns. For instance, Christian Louboutin designed shoes using prints from a kimono. Other major fashion houses have also been known to reinvent the kimono in recent years, including Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.

How to Choose the Right Kimono?

Are you looking to embrace the kimono trend? Whether you want to elevate your everyday outfits or find the perfect piece for a special occasion, here are some tips to help you choose a kimono that flatters your figure.

Based on Your Body Shape

As it's a long jacket, the kimono naturally flatters women of average to tall height. If you are petite, you can certainly wear one, but opt for a style that isn't too long. It can also be short in the front and long in the back, creating a lovely asymmetry that will enhance your look.

Finally, if you're looking to slim down some curves, a kimono can be a great option for you as it covers the upper thighs and rear while remaining open at the front, showcasing your neckline.

Based on Your Skin Tone and Eye Colour

To create a lovely harmony in your outfit, you can choose a kimono that features details that echo the colour of your eyes.

Moreover, if you have a matte complexion, don't hesitate to wear a light kimono for contrast. If you have fair skin and are prone to redness, I recommend avoiding warm colours and opting for pastel shades like light blue or celadon green instead.

Based on Your Wardrobe

Who hasn’t regretted buying an article of clothing because they couldn’t match it with their wardrobe? To avoid this kind of situation, here’s a simple tip: when you’re shopping for a new piece, make sure it can be paired with at least three outfits that you wear regularly. This advice certainly applies to a kimono: that way, you can be sure you’ll wear it often and make the most of it!

Trust Yourself!

Lastly, and this is important, trust your instincts when purchasing a kimono. Since it is a unique garment that adds character to your outfit, you shouldn't settle for one just because. Take the time to choose and be patient: wait until you find something you truly love in a kimono design!

How to Properly Match Your Kimono?

With its cut and wide variety of patterns, this type of jacket will naturally complement a classic outfit, whether you're heading to work, going out with friends, or even dressing for a special occasion. Here are some tips for incorporating it into your wardrobe!

Choose a solid-colour top that complements

This is mostly about patterned kimonos with prints. To highlight them, choose a simple top in a colour that is similar to one of the hues in your kimono's design. To avoid a matchy-matchy look, I recommend selecting the most subtle colour from your kimono.

👉 Most t-shirts pair nicely with kimonos. If you're looking for something a bit more elegant, a nice blouse can also do the trick. Want a trendy look? Go for a crop-top!

Choose Jeans!

Slim and skinny jeans pair really well with kimonos. In fact, they contrast nicely with the loose fit of the jacket, helping to elongate and enhance your silhouette!

In the summer, for a casual boho-chic style, you can also wear a lovely denim shorts!

👉 You can also pair your kimono with a simple solid-coloured dress (like an A-line), for a look that is both chic and feminine, and a bit more dressed up! 😉

Pair it with Heels

Just like form-fitting jeans, high-heeled shoes can elongate your legs while enhancing your overall look. In summer, you can pair your kimono with wedge sandals, which will give your outfit a boho vibe. In winter, you can wear it with cute ankle boots that snugly fit around the ankle.

Bet on Boho Accessories!

No matter your style, accessories enhance your clothing and showcase your personality. They are a subtle and stylish way to express your tastes and what makes you unique.

Kimonos pair perfectly with a relaxed, ethnic style inspired by boho chic. Here are some accessory examples that fit this trend and will elevate your outfit:

• golden bracelets to be worn mismatched and in small groups of at least 3 to 5,
• a long necklace, like a lariat, featuring a pendant,
• a fringed bag,
• a bohemian-inspired crossbody bag made of natural leather,

➡️ Looking for that perfect gem? Check out our collection of bohemian bags!

• a hat,
• a flower crown…

➡️ Flower crowns are perfect for wearing on a beautiful summer day or for a special event. Check them out on our online shop!

How to Style a Chic Outfit with a Kimono?

So far, the tips provided in this guide have mainly focused on outfits for everyday wear, whether dressed up or more casual. However, you can definitely wear a kimono to a wedding, a baptism, or any other festive occasion.

To create an exceptional look, I recommend wearing your kimono with a sleek satin jumpsuit. Choose one that is elegant and fits you perfectly. You can pair it with heels in a color that contrasts with your jumpsuit but matches one of the hues in your kimono. This way, you'll achieve a true star look!

👉 If that's not really your style, you can swap the jumpsuit for a pair of flowy trousers (like cigarette pants) or a simple black dress.

Finally, to complete your outfit, opt for an elegant makeup look and choose accessories that match each other as well as the rest of what you're wearing.

I hope this article has inspired you to incorporate a kimono into your wardrobe to create unique and original outfits that reflect your personal style!

And to complete your look, don't hesitate to check out our online store dedicated to the bohemian universe right now! You'll find many styles of dresses, skirts, and blouses that would pair beautifully with a kimono.

You can even purchase some of the kimonos featured in the illustrations of this article! 😉

Tunic and blouse