How to Wear a Kimono?

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

You’re in the right place.

As a fan of bohemian fashion, I see kimonos as iconic pieces in my wardrobe. They can instantly elevate an outfit and add a lot of flair!

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

Chic and feminine, the kimono is a lightweight jacket that you can wear every day to elevate any outfit. It pairs perfectly with a solid top, skinny jeans, and heels. You can enhance your kimono by accessorizing with bohemian-style items. Be sure to carefully choose your clothing to create color coordination and select shades that flatter you. Finally, if you want to wear a kimono with a dressy outfit, it’s definitely possible by opting for a beautiful solid-colored jumpsuit or an elegant 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 types of tops and pants to wear daily with a kimono,
• How to style a kimono to create a dressed-up and unique outfit,
• And many examples of outfits featuring this must-have fashion piece!

What is a Kimono Jacket?

Reappearing a few years ago on the runways, the kimono is a garment whose definition isn’t always straightforward. To clarify what we’re talking about, let’s take a brief look at 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 carry oneself, to be dressed in,”
• Mono, which means “object, thing.”

A kimono literally means “a thing to wear.” However, this term does not refer to all Japanese clothing; it specifically denotes a traditional garment that has been worn since the 14th century.

This is a very long jacket that covers the body from shoulders to 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, the Japanese wear kimonos, especially for traditional celebrations, the New Year, or 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 seen in today’s fashion is not the same as the traditional Japanese kimono. It is a simple jacket that typically falls to mid-thigh and is worn open. It is quite lightweight and often features beautiful prints.

This is a very versatile piece that can be worn in spring and summer as a lightweight jacket. Depending on the chosen design and how you style it, it can add a lot of flair to a simple outfit, giving it a high-fashion touch.

👉 Japanese kimonos have also inspired top designers to create original patterns. For example, Christian Louboutin designed shoes based on the prints of 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 adopt the kimono trend? Whether it’s to elevate your everyday outfits or for a special occasion, here are some tips to help you choose a kimono that flatters your figure.

Depending on Your Body Type

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

Lastly, if you’re looking to smooth out some curves, a kimono can be a great option for you because it conceals the upper thighs and bottom while remaining open in the front, highlighting your décolletage.

Depending on Your Skin Tone and Eye Color

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

Additionally, if you have a medium complexion, feel free to wear a light kimono for contrast. If you have fair skin and are prone to redness, I recommend steering clear of warm colors and instead opting for pastel shades like pale blue or celadon green.

Based on Your Wardrobe

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

Trust Yourself!

Finally, and this is crucial, trust your instincts when buying a kimono. Since it’s a unique piece of clothing that adds character to your outfit, you shouldn’t just settle for any kimono. Take your time to choose and be patient: wait until you find a true favorite among the kimono styles!

How to Properly Coordinate Your Kimono?

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

Choose a Solid Color Top to Coordinate

This is especially true for patterned kimonos with prints. To showcase them, go for a simple top in a color that matches one of the tones in your kimono’s design. To avoid a monochromatic look, I recommend choosing the most subtle color in your kimono.

👉 Most t-shirts pair really well with kimonos. If you’re looking for a slightly more elegant outfit, a nice blouse can work too. Want a trendy look? Go for a crop top!

Choose Jeans!

Skinny, slim, and fitted jeans pair beautifully with kimonos. In fact, they create a nice contrast with the loose fit of the jacket, helping to elongate and shape your figure!

In the summer, for a chic and laid-back bohemian style, you can also wear a lovely denim shorts!

👉 You can also pair your kimono with a simple solid-colored dress (like a skater dress) for a chic and feminine look that’s a bit more polished! 😉

Pair It with High Heels

Like form-fitting jeans, high-heeled shoes help elongate your legs while enhancing their beauty. In the summer, you can wear your kimono with wedged sandals, giving your look a boho vibe. In the winter, you can pair it with stylish ankle boots that fit snugly around the ankle.

Embrace Boho Accessories!

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

Kimonos pair wonderfully with a relaxed, ethnic style, drawing inspiration from chic bohemian vibes. Here are a few accessory examples in this trend that will elevate your outfit:

• gold bracelets, to be worn mismatched in small groups of at least 3 to 5,
• a long necklace, similar to a lariat, with a pendant,
• a fringe bag,
• a bohemian-inspired leather crossbody bag,

➡️ Looking for a hidden gem? Check out our collection of bohemian bags!

• a hat,
• a flower crown…

➡️ Flower crowns are perfect to wear on a beautiful summer day or for a special event. Check them out in our online store!

How to Wear a Chic Outfit with a Kimono?

So far, the advice provided in this guide has mainly focused on outfits suitable for everyday wear, whether dressy or more casual. However, you can absolutely wear a kimono for a wedding, baptism, or any other festive occasion.

To create a standout look, I recommend wearing your kimono with a solid satin jumpsuit. Choose one that is elegant and fits you perfectly. Pair it with pumps in a different color than your jumpsuit, but one that appears in your kimono. This will give you a true star look!

👉 If that’s not really your style, you can substitute the jumpsuit with a pair of flowy, tailored trousers or a simple black dress.

Finally, to complete your outfit, choose a stylish makeup look and accessories that complement each other and your overall ensemble.

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

And to complete your look, feel free to check out our online store dedicated to the bohemian style right now! You’ll find a variety of dress, skirt, and blouse styles that would pair perfectly with a kimono.

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

Tunic and Blouse