How To Wear A Kimono Jacket

by Sunna Naseer
How-to-wear-a-kimono-jacket

That moment between seasons can be a tricky time for dressing. Coats are too heavy but cardigans are too plain. If only there were an alternative… Enter, the perfect layer: a kimono. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese-wear, fashion kimonos are effortlessly cool and relaxed. They’re also very adaptable – think mesh or fringe for spring/summer and velvet or tailored for autumn/winter. With so much versatility, kimonos are an invaluable item to have in your wardrobe.

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How To Wear A Kimono Jacket

Kimonos can be worn with pretty much anything, so it can seem a little overwhelming if you haven’t tried the look before. Luckily, we’re here to help and have put together a few stylish kimono outfits that are sure to make you look good.

Spring/Summer

A kimono works perfectly for the spring/summer seasons. When the weather’s a little warmer and there’s more bare skin on show, a kimono style cardigan is a great way to cover-up if you don’t want to be too revealing, or simply thrown on if it gets a little chilly.

Add a colourful or patterned kimono on top of a plain vest and skirt and you’ve gone from basic to stylish in one swish of its flowing material. Or throw on a kimono over your summer dress to create a boho-inspired look – perfect for a festival, especially if it’s a fringe kimono jacket. And if you’re soaking up the sun in your swimsuit, look chic in a lightweight cover-up. Try a mesh kimono for a fashionable edge or a long kimono for ultimate glamour.

Kimono Jacket Outfit Inspiration Spring Summer

Photo Credit: Pinterest

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Autumn/Winter

In the right materials, a kimono can work just as well for the colder months. Besides, the festive party season is is a great excuse to play with textures: sequins, satin, embroidery… There’s a lot you can experiment with for your winter kimono look.

Keep yourself warm in a velvet kimono jacket – super stylish and comfortable too. Or go for sparkle when the skies get darker with a sequin kimono. Pair either with a little black dress or silk for a trendy party look. And for those extra chilly days, go for an actual kimono coat jacket that’s a little thicker than the usual styles.

Kimono Jacket Outfit Inspiration Autumn Winter

Photo Credit: Pinterest & Styled By Kristiana

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Day vs Night

If you’re wondering how to tie a kimono, don’t just think of the obvious. For a casual daytime outfit, tie your kimono at the front to create a draped, relaxed silhouette. Light colours, embroidery and prints work really well for the day.

Kimono Jacket Outfit Inspiration Day Look

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For night time, play with fabrics. Black kimonos can be super elegant as eveningwear. Go for sheer, sheen and sparkle or belt up a long kimono to create a dress. Or pair a satin kimono with a satin dress for an elegant look.

Kimono Jacket Outfit Inspiration Night Look

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You can even try going from morning to evening in an instant with a printed kimono over a fitted dress for the day, then simply taking the kimono off for the night.

Kimonos For Different Body Shapes

The great thing about kimonos is that they suit every shape – they’re body skimming and flattering. However, as a general rule, if you are particularly petite or have an hourglass figure, try belting your kimono at the waist. For petite women, this stops the kimono drowning you in fabric, and for hourglass shapes, this shows off your fabulous waist.

Kimono Jacket Outfit Inspiration Belted Waist

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Our Top 15 Kimono Jackets

From lace to velvet, long to short, our top 15 reveals the best kimonos to shop right now. There’s a style to suit every look. Choose a silky, flowing piece for a posh date, a bright pop of colour to stand out at your next event, or a lightweight cover-up for a holiday in the sun. You’re spoilt for choice.

We love the elegant satin kimono from Forever 21 and short kimono jacket from IRO – a slightly different take on the classic kimono shape.

Maxi White Kimono Jacket
Anna Kosturova £63
Velvet Blue Kimono Jacket
New Look £27.99
Oriental Print Red Kimono Jacket
Dorothy Perkins £22.40
Red Kimono Jacket
ASOS £95
Blue Floral Kimono Jacket
Oasis £30
Mustard Yellow Short Kimono Jacket
IRO £377
Green Kimono Jacket
Rosetta Getty £748
Satin Kimono Jacket
Forever 21 £19
Piping Kimono Jacket
ASOS £95
White Fringed Kimono Jacket
Forever 21 £27
Lilac Purple Kimono Embroidered
Anthropologie £88
Embroidered Yellow Kimono Coat Jacket
Bershka £44.99
Sheer Black Floral Kimono Jacket
Oasis £20
Embroidered White Kimono Jacket
Le Sirenuse Positano £205
Lace Kimono Jacket
Ganni £85

Celebs Wearing Kimono Fashion

If you’re looking for some great kimono fashion inspiration, just take a look at how the celebs do it.

Selena Gomez

Selena shows us how to do casual kimono fashion in style. Wear draped and slightly off-shoulder over a vest and jeans to ooze effortlessly cool.

Selena Gomez Kimono Jacket Fashion Style Jeans

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Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid looks stunning in this printed maxi kimono paired with a simple LBD and heels. A classy evening look for dinner or a date.

Gigi Haded Kimono Jacket Fashion Style LBD Heels

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Kendall Jenner

To give your kimono an edge, model yourself after Kendall Jenner and wear with leather leggings and stilettos.

Kendall Jenner Kimono Jacket Fashion Style Leather Leggings

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DIY Easy Kimono Tutorial

Kimonos can be made out of pretty much any fabric or any pattern. So if you’ve got an old shirt or scarf lying around at home, why not revamp it and create your own kimono from it? Here’s a very simple, easy tutorial to follow that shows you how to make your own kimono at home:

Make That Kimono Style Work For You

  • The flattering body-skimming style of kimonos work on any body shape. If you want to define your waist, just add a belt.
  • For day time and spring/summer wear florals, light colours and lightweight fabrics.
  • For night time and autumn/winter play with textures: sheer, velvet, satin, mesh, etc.
  • A kimono can take a basic t-shirt and jeans combo from basic to stylish.
  • Go from day to night by pairing a printed kimono on top of a fitted dress for the day and simply take off for the evening.
  • Use a fashionable kimono on the beach as a cover-up. Try a mesh kimono jacket for an edgy look or maxi kimono for a glamorous look.
  • Try turning an old shirt or scarf into a kimono by following a simply DIY video.

How to Wear a Kimono: Final Note

With so much variety, kimono fashion is a fun style to experiment with. Be bold with prints and colour, or go elegant in silks and sparkle. Use it as a layering piece, to cover up or keep warm – but, above all, to look effortlessly stylish.

Read more great articles on women’s fashion here at alexie.co

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