5 Ways to Style Colorful Kimonos
According to Stylecaster: “Inspired by traditional Japanese robes, contemporary kimonos have been given a modern update—prints, fringe, varying lengths—and will give any outfit a cool, boho vibe. And if you think they’re only appropriate for music festivals, think again: Kimonos can be worn with anything in your closet, from skinny jeans and heels or layered over a mini dress for some serious ’70s vibes.”
Kimonos are here to stay. They’re the perfect thing to wear on a summer day that’s not too hot—or a spring/fall day that’s not too cold. They flutter through the breeze oh-so perfectly, and let’s be honest, they’re so darn pretty. There is no real right or wrong way to wear them.
Full Disclosure: Today’s posts includes looks from my closet that I’ve had for some time and pictures I had previously taken for social media posts, etc. My hair is looking pretty horrendous from months of outgrowth. However, I have an appointment tomorrow! Relief is in sight! Can you relate?
Look 1 Kimonos with White Jeans
The colors, satin trim, light and airy nature of this kimono was so appealing to me. It pairs perfectly with white jeans (or you could pair with white pants) and my beaded handmade belt from Costa Rica. Because a kimono is loose fitting and flowing, I opt for a fitted tank underneath to give some shape to my body. Styling tip: when you wear something loose fitting and flowing on top, pair it with more fitted bottoms! A kimono is a great option to cover up your arms and behind if those are areas of concern for you. I wore this look to work but it could be worn almost anywhere…think a lunch date with girlfriends, shopping, running errands, dinner date with the hubby. The options are endless!
Tank: Shopped My Closet (Chico’s)
Beaded Hand-Made Belt: Vacation in Costa Rica
White Jeans: Shopped My Closet
Citrus prints are trending especially all things lemons! I liked the color combination of pink and yellow and the interesting crocheted detailing in the back of this kimono. This is also a look I wore to work but like the look above can be worn almost any where. You can easily switch out the jeans and wear it with pants or even white shorts. I’ve seen many bloggers wear kimonos with shorts. Since colored jeans are trending, I’d even pair this kimono with pale pink or yellow jeans. To see a previous post on colored denim, click: HERE
Pink Ruffled Slides: Shopped My Closet (J. C. Penney’s)
Look 2 Kimonos with Blue Jeans
This is my newest kimono, which was actually purchased last summer while on sale. I liked the fringe on the bottom, the bright colors (which don’t show as bright as they are) and how it pairs great with neon colors! The t-shirt is actually more of a neon orange than it shows. In order to give the t-shirt a more fitted look, I knotted it in the center. You could also do a half or full tuck. The capri jeans have an interesting detail/hem with similar colors and some beading. Throw on some jewelry and you’re out the door. I actually wore this look when I was meeting with my local blogging friends for the first time this past summer. We met or appetizers and drinks. Looking forward to when we can do that again!
Peep Toe Booties: Shopped My Closet (Amazon)
All but one of my kimonos have been purchased at Chico’s. The next two are reversible and it’s such a great idea since you’re able to to get so many looks out of one item! The material on this kimono. is heavier than the others adding some more warmth (for this cold gal)! There are many colors that can be paired with this kimono. The embellishment on the jeans match the pattern in the kimono and that a win for this matchy matchy girl! Plain jeans would pair well as well as colored denim or shorts.
The reversible side has the cutest elephant print! I opted to wear a fuchsia colored tank with the elephant print. It also wears well with a cream colored tank. The other great thing about kimonos is that no matter your size you can continue to wear them. The picture on the far left and right is during my weight loss journey and the middle picture is at goal weight. To read about my weight loss journey click: HERE. I can continue to wear the kimono. However, you probably notice that in the middle picture I used a small rubber band to create a knot and flipped it under. This is a styling trick to create a more fitted look.
These pictures were taken recently as opposed to my opening statements about previously taken pictures. I hadn’t worn this kimono since I was very heavy and wanted to try it at it my current weight. I’ve styled it similarly to how I originally styled it with the exception of different jeans. This kimono is also reversible although I have yet to wear it on the other side. I think I’m not as fond of the print but should push myself to figure it out. What would you wear it with?
Peep Toes: Amazon
Look 3 Kimono with Shorts
Pairing a kimono with shorts is not a look that I’ve worn previously. As mentioned, I’ve seen many others wear kimonos with shorts and I think it looks super cute on them. In all honesty, I’m not particularly fond of how this outfit turned out. In hind sight, I think the material is too heavy to be paired with shorts. I think a thinner airier kimono would pair better. Think my first three kimonos would be a better match for shorts. What do you think?
Showing you the reverse side to this kimono. It’s a golden yellow with fuchsia design. I’m thinking a fuchsia top with black jeans might work well.
Look 5 Kimonos with Swimsuits
Kimonos make great swimsuit cover ups! I have several that were purchased for that sole purpose. However, they’d be easy to pair with pants, jeans and shorts. This first look was inspired by a favorite blogger of mine!
Sandals: Shopped My Closet (Steve Madden DSW)
While this look is now several ears old, I would still wear it exactly the same today. The sunnies I crafted myself to look like a very expensive pair. I don’t wear jewelry to the beach or pool but wanted a glammed up look for these pictures! This kimono would be cute with a white cami and black jeans or black jean shorts! It would also pair great with white jeans.
Kimono: Shopped My Closet (Maurice’s)
SHOP KIMONOS
Colorful Kimono Styling of My Fellow Lifestyle and Fashion Blogging Friends from Around the World
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/eleganceandmommyhood/
Late Spring is a great season to transfer and transition your kimonos into Summer. And that’s exactly what I did. A Beautiful Japanese-inspired Floral Silk Kimono over a simple white tank top…accessorized with a little soft mustard yellow via my March Fisher Espadrille Wedges & Loft Sunglasses.
“I love to dress up my graphic tees by adding a fun kimono, like this leopard print one, to the mix.”
I bought this kimono at a boutique in Blue Ridge, Georgia several tears ago. I love the soft, feminine colors.
In the Netherlands the kimono style isn’t as popular as it is in the US. Therefore, I used a wrap dress in a silky fabric as a Kimono. Also the print reminds me a bit of Japanese kimonos!
This kimono is actually a beach coverup, but as I’m not going on holiday any time soon. I decided to wear it over a top and trousers instead.
My white kimono is thrifted. I tied the ends for a different way to wear it.
I’m veering off kimonos this week because I styled a kimono three ways last month when we shared florals, I’ll share a special link for that! And because It’s BLOG-A-VERSARY MONTH at Sharing A Journey, we have give-a-ways of my favorite things, gift cards and you can also grab My Free Picnic Planner with social distancing tips from Erin Bromage.
“Changing times have inspired me to change up my wardrobe. A switch up to a jacket or cardigan, I find I’m living in kimonos these days. The kimono I’m wearing can be worn multiple ways; tying her in the front as I did here, adds shape. The kimono belt doubles as a head wrap!”
Let’s Chat
Hopefully you’ve gotten some styling tips and ideas on wearing and styling kimonos! Did you have a favorite? How do you like to style your kimonos? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you!
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This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
Let’s Link Up
We’d love for you to share your style with us! Link your look or blog post in today’s Stylish Monday Link-Up Party below!
I’m so happy that you came to link your post- it’s such a fabulous read xx
Thanks Lucy! I was happy to join and appreciated your invitation! Thanks for your kind words!
Julie xo
Love this so much! I don’t think there’s anything more versatile than a kimono. Probably the one piece that you could wear with anything for sure. Please come link your posts over at my blog too for my Friday Link up Party- I would love that! Thanks
Hi Lucy,
Thanks so much for your kind words! I totally agree. Kimonos are so versatile and can be worn with everything! Thanks for you invite to link up! I’d be happy to do just that!
Julie xo
You have a fabulous collection of kimonos! I love the lemon print and the reversible one with elephants on. There really isn’t much choice here in the UK, I’m hoping that changes soon because they’re so versatile!
Emma xxx
Hi Emma,
Yes, I guess you could say I’m a fan of the kimono! I appreciate you stopping by and your kind comments! It’s so interesting that while it’s been trending here in the US for some time it is not in the UK. You can be the one to set the trends there! I always look forward to seeing your interpretation of our monthly themes!
Julie xo
What an awesome set of kimonos! And you really know how to style them. Beautiful!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your kind words! I truly appreciate you stopping by, reading the blog and leaving a comment!
Julie xo
I was having problems finding your comment box. You are the Kimono QUEEN….
Hi Hilda,
Yes, I have been trying to figure out how to move the comment box with no luck. UGH! Thanks for hanging in there until you found it and leaving a comment! I appreciate you kind words!
Julie xo
Love all of your looks and style tips here Julie. We should shop each other’s closets some day! I enjoyed this month’s collaboration!
Hi Andy,
I appreciate your kind words! I would love to shop your closet or trade clothes! Too bad we don’t live closer! I always enjoy our collaborations!
Julie xo
You have such a great collection of Kimonos!!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for stopping by and being a faithful follower! I truly appreciate you! I do have a nice collection…no need to go out and buy more! Although easier said than done! LOL
Julie xo