How to Style a Kimono

A kimono is one of those wardrobe pieces you can never have enough of, and is always in style. Not just in spring and summer. I wanted to share the top ways on how to style a kimono so you can always have some fresh ideas in your arsenal to use the clothes you have or might invest in. I usually toss one in my bag when we go to dinner because the girls get cold inside with the air conditioning.

Yes, I said invest because when I buy something, I want it to stay around a long time and have multiple uses out of it. A kimono is one of the pieces you can wear year round, and with multiple outfits, so I consider them a major closet staple and investment piece. They are super easy to layer and add to an outfit as a statement, even in the fall and winter.

What is a kimono?

If you are unfamiliar with what a kimono is, here’s a little background on it. The kimono is a traditional piece of clothing in Japanese culture that is a T shape. It is flat and has square sleeves and a rectangle body. Think of the attire Sumo Wrestlers wear – this is a Kimono robe. This traditional Japanese garment is meant to be worn with a belt, but in modern times, they are flowy and often worn unbelted and open. There are many different length kimonos, and they come in any type of fabric. Earning them the title of: great layering pieces. I generally think of them as a boho piece of clothing, not as much as I relate them to Japanese culture. Below, we’ll talk about the different ways you can wear a kimono if you are new to this clothing trend.

Are Kimonos Still Fashionable

The short answer? YES! Kimonos are in this season (for both men and women!), and if the fashion experts have predicted correctly, they will be in style for a least a couple more years. Fashion is fluid, but Kimonos are here to stay for a while.

And no wonder, because they are comfy and stylish all at once. Although the traditional Japanese Kimono is meant to be worn on special occasions like weddings and tea ceremonies, Western culture has adapted this style and continues to pay homage to this unique look..

Ways to style a kimono

The first and probably most used way I wear a kimono is as a swim cover up. Living in Arizona where it’s hot more than it’s cold, having a few to rotate is best. On the cooler days and nights, a graphic tee, a pair of ankle high leather boots, and a kimono with jeans is perfect!

But, of course, the girls always want to have a swim day. So I want to focus on some summer outfits that you can add a kimono too. And in summer, anything more than a light cover up kimono and swimmie will cause severe sweating!

As A Kimono Swim Cover Up

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This goes for one piece suits as well as bikinis. I like to pack extra kimonos when I travel because they usually double as a cover up and towel, as many have fabric which can tie into a bow/knot.

Sometimes, as a mom, I don’t always get to wear the kimono, because a child gets cold, or needs head cover, so they work well in this case. I do love to have a variety of lengths for a cover up depending on where we are. I generally wear maxi kimonos because they usually are pretty and can double for a dress.

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As A Kimono Wrap Dress

It may seem like a theme here, but we have to get creative when the heat comes in summer. A traditional kimono is a cover up dress. Therefore, many kimonos are thicker, have enough fabric and a belt to tie, or something similar that makes a dress.

An easy way to make a dress out of a kimono is to wrap one side of the opening across your body to the other and close the open side to make it a wrap dress and secure closed with a belt. These work the best with long kimonos, but if you are brave and want to try it with a shorter one, go for it! Generally, I wear a bandeau top or a bralette and bikini undies in case an accidental wardrobe malfunction happened 🤪

As A Kimono Jacket

When the temps are warm outside but cooler inside, or vice versa in the spring/fall a lightweight

kimono is a perfect layer to keep you warm or cool without being too much. If you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time and want to add an additional layer to protect from the sun, a kimono is a great jacket since it generally covers a large portion of your body.

As I mentioned a bit ago, these also work great for when you go to dinner and need a sweater or jacket to throw or on your bag for warmth or sun blocking. You can find short and long sleeved kimonos to make it work for almost any weather.

Best Kimonos

Here are a few of my favorite types of Kimonos. While they’re not the exact one’s I’ve featured in the outfits below, they are all really similar!

Dreamy Island Vibes Chiffon Kimono

I love this Kimono from Windsor. The light and flowy material means you can wear this on your next brunch outing, as your next bathing suit cover up, or even an adorable nightgown that makes you feel beautiful and confident. You can find Windsor products online, or at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. More on my favorite places to shop in Scottsdale, here.

Floral Print Chainjoy Kimono

This Kimono is perfect for Summer and Spring, overtop any white tank top or t-shirt. But, don’t count it out for Fall and Winter just yet. Throw this floral kimono over a long-sleeve top of any floral color, then add your leggings and knee-high boots and you’ve got the perfect outfit for the cooler weather.

Black Bsubseach Kimono

Now here is a kimono that can go anywhere and do anything. From a beach coverup to a cardigan to a dress, this black Kimono is a super versatile peice. One you want to add to your wardrobe asap, because it makes creating outfits that much easier.

Black Tie-Dye Bsubseach Kimono

Here’s another kimono from Bsubseach because it just love the length and style of these. Not to mention, they come at a great price! Black and white are such classic colors, it makes it even easier to pair this Kimono with your other wardrobe staples. For an added pop of color, add a colored belt to your Kimono outfit. Think pink, baby blue, yellow, or red.

Vintage Floral SweatyRocks Kimono

I love the almost tribal print look of this Kimono. Not only is it super cute, but its warm and its the perfect mix of Fall colors. Pair with high-waisted white jeans and your favorite matching top for a perfect Fall outfit. Now theres an outfit fit for anything from errands to your next family gathering.

Kimono Outfit Ideas

Now that you know my favorite ways to wear and style a kimono, let’s take a look at what those ideas look like as an actual outfit. Don’t be afraid to wear your kimono as a street style, with a pair of skinny jeans or denim shorts, or as a kimono jacket. You literally can’t go wrong with a kimono!

Get summer-ready! Add a kimono to your style ASAP!

Well, there you have it – my top tips for styling a kimono!

Whether you’re dressing it up for a special occasion or throwing it on over jeans and a t-shirt for a casual day out, a kimono is a versatile and stylish addition to any wardrobe. I hope these ideas have inspired you to experiment with your own kimono outfits and find new ways to make this classic piece your own.

How to Style a Kimono