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 incorporate it into your wardrobe?

You’re in the right place.

As someone who is passionate about bohemian fashion, I see kimonos as iconic pieces in my wardrobe. They effortlessly transform an outfit and add a touch of style in no time!

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

Trendy and feminine, the kimono is a light jacket that can be worn daily to enhance any outfit. It pairs beautifully with a plain top, skinny jeans, and heels. You can elevate your kimono by accessorising with bohemian-style pieces. Make 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, that's definitely possible by opting for a smart jumpsuit or an elegant little black dress.

Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover:

• Where the kimono comes from and what it's all about,
• Tips for choosing a jacket that suits your style and body shape,
• What type of top and trousers to wear on a daily basis 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?

The kimono made a comeback a few years ago on the runways, but defining this garment isn’t always straightforward. To better understand 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 on oneself, to be dressed in",
• Mono, which translates to: "object, thing".

A kimono literally means "a garment you wear". However, this term does not refer to all Japanese clothing but specifically 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 stunning colourful patterns. In medieval Japan, exceptional kimonos were worn by geishas, who were companions trained in the arts and conversation.

Even today, Japanese people still wear kimonos, especially for traditional festivals, New Year celebrations, or significant anniversaries. It is a cherished garment that is passed down within families and is treated with great care.

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 usually falls to mid-thigh and is worn open. It is quite lightweight and often features beautiful prints.

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

👉 Japanese kimonos have also inspired top designers to create unique patterns. For instance, Christian Louboutin has designed shoes based on kimono prints. 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 have a special occasion coming up, here are some tips to help you pick a kimono that flatters you.

Based on Your Body Shape

As this is a long jacket, the kimono naturally flatters women of medium to tall height. If you are petite, you can certainly wear one, but opt for a length that’s not too long. It can also be short at the front and longer at the back, creating a lovely asymmetry that will enhance your look.

Lastly, if you're looking to flatter your figure, a kimono can be a great choice as it conceals the upper thighs and backside while remaining open at the front, highlighting your neckline beautifully.

Depending on Your Skin Tone and Eye Colour

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

Furthermore, if you have a dull 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 a piece of clothing because they couldn’t match it with their wardrobe? To avoid this kind of mishap, here’s a simple tip: when you’re shopping for a new item, make sure it can be styled with at least three outfits that you wear regularly. This advice definitely applies to kimonos: that way, you’ll be sure to wear it often and make the most of it!

Trust Yourself!

Lastly, and this is crucial, trust your instincts when purchasing a kimono. Since it's a unique garment that adds character to your outfit, you shouldn't just settle for any old one. Take your time to choose and be patient: wait until you have a genuine love for a particular kimono design!

How to Style Your Kimono Effectively?

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

Choose a solid top in a matching colour

This mainly concerns patterned kimonos with prints. To showcase them, choose a very simple top in a colour that matches one of the hues in your kimono's pattern. To avoid a too-matching look, I recommend selecting the most subtle colour from your kimono.

👉 Most t-shirts pair really well with kimonos. If you're after a slightly more sophisticated outfit, a nice blouse could also do the trick. Want a trendy look? Go for a crop-top!

Go for a pair of jeans!

Slim and skinny jeans pair exceptionally well with kimonos. The fitted nature of the jeans contrasts beautifully with the loose fit of the jacket, creating a flattering effect that elongates your silhouette!

In summer, for a relaxed and chic bohemian style, you can wear a lovely denim shorts!

👉 You can also match your kimono with a simple, plain little dress (like a skater dress) for a look that is both chic and feminine, and a bit more dressed up! 😉

Dress it up with heels

Like skinny jeans, high-heeled shoes help to elongate your legs while accentuating them. In summer, you can wear your kimono with wedge sandals, which will give your look a boho vibe. In winter, you can team it with lovely fitted ankle boots.

Embrace 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 really well with a relaxed, ethnic style that has a touch of hippie chic. Here are a few examples of accessories in this trend that will elevate your outfit:

• golden bracelets, to be worn mismatched and in small sets of at least 3 to 5,
• a long necklace, like a sautoir, with a pendant,
• a fringed bag,
• a bohemian-inspired messenger bag made of natural leather,

➡️ On the hunt for that rare gem? Take a look at our range 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 on our online store!

How to Style a Chic Outfit with a Kimono?

So far, the advice provided in this guide has mostly focused on outfits you wear on a daily basis, whether they are formal or more casual. However, you can definitely wear a kimono for a wedding, a 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 perfectly fitted to your size. You can pair this with high heels in a different colour from your jumpsuit, but one that is featured in your kimono. This will give you a truly star-studded appearance!

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

Finally, to complete your outfit, go for a stylish make-up look and accessories that match each other and the rest of what you're wearing.

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

And to complete your look, be sure to check out our online store dedicated to the bohemian world! You'll find a wide variety of dresses, skirts, and blouses that would pair perfectly with a kimono.

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

Tunic and blouse