Two Kimonos ~ Styled Four Ways
Do you own a kimono top yet? It is the quickest way to level up, any outfit and kimonos are hot right now. A kimono is super versatile and easy to style. Stores offer both evening kimono jackets and fun florals for everyday. They come in a ton of different lengths, cuts and patterns. You can surely find one to fit your style and your budget. The great thing is they never really go out of style so you can keep adding to your collection every year. Heck, my robe is a kimono I bought at Sudara. I use it all the time.
Last summer we travelled to Italy. After several seasons of eyeing the kimono tops at Anthropologie, I decided to buy a couple for our trip. They are the perfect topper to any outfit that doesn’t meet modesty requirements. Italy is hot in summer and a kimono adds a delicate layer that is breezy and won’t cause added warmth.
This year, I have several I plan to wear on repeat. We are headed to La Paz in a couple weeks and my kimonos are coming along with me. I can bring them all if I want. They are so easy to pack. For this post, I decided to show you how you can style two different types of kimonos: one dressy and one casual.
One Dressy & One Casual
The two kimonos I chose are both from Anthropologie. The black and gold kimono, I picked up this winter. To get my hands on it, I stalked the Anthro web site as this kimono sold out almost immediately. A Small came back in stock and I snagged it. I figured I could get away with a small and I was right. I also had no idea where I would wear this dressy jacket but I knew it was something I need in my wardrobe.
The other top I purchased last summer for our trip. I wanted something a bit understated that worked well with black. I also purchased a bright colored one which I have featured often on my Instagram.
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Kimono, Tank Top & Shorts
Here, I paired both kimonos with some distressed denim shorts and a black tank top. I definitely could have added heels to the dressy look to glam up the look even more but the reality is, I am a flats kinda girl. The main thing to notice here is that both work well with this basic outfit. You can wear a longer kimono over your shorts (maybe even wear a shorter short) or one that is shorter than your shorts. Both work! I am tackling the denim short topic in an upcoming post so look for that soon.
Kimono, Tank Top & Bootcut Jeans
This time I swapped the shorts for my favorite AG Angel Flare Jeans. The are just the right amount of flare and give the whole look a boho vibe which I love to rock in the summer. I added some wedge sandals from Coclico I picked up a few seasons ago at Nieman Marcus.
Kimono as a Top
You can definitely wear the shorter kimonos as a top alone. I tucked mine into the J.Crew Cameron Crop (I wear a tall) and added kitten heels and I am ready for a night out. I definitely would pin the top strategically or add a camisole unless you want to flash the world. Nothing wrong with that; celebrities do it all the time. I am just more modest. Tucking works best when the fabric is thin and the kimono is on the shorter side. I wouldn’t tuck the gold kimono in as it would add too much bulk at my middle.
Kimono Belted Over Everything
I love the look of the gold kimono belted over all black. Scrounging around in my closet, I found this ruffled belt that looks almost like a tie. I liked the look of this outfit so much, I just might wear it to an upcoming special event (the BFF is turning 50!). You can belt a casual kimono as well. I added a brown belt and sneakers and felt cute when I took the photo. In fact, I almost wore it out that day except for the freezing cold weather here in San Diego (hence all the indoor photos). May Grey has become June Gloom and it is no bueno! But eyeing this picture, I think the look is a tad Obi-wan-kenobi. I think, it would look better if the belt was more muted or I wore this belt with one of my brighter kimonos.
Kimono Over Dress
Add a kimono to your favorite body-con dress. I am wearing with the alice & oliva Delora Spagetti Strap Fitted Dress. I also wear it with my favorite body-con dress by James Perse. You know I love my black dresses and I think every women should rock a body-con dress regardless of size. See other ways I styled the James Perse dress in my post “The Perfect LBD for Every Body“. If you like to be bolder try a kimono with a complimentary floral over a striped dress. Adding a kimono is an easy way to change up your look.
Kimonos are not just for the festival going crowd anymore. Concert style has definitely influenced main stream style this year and kimono tops are everywhere. A kimono can change up your look instantly dressing it up or adding color. They don’t add bulk and are universally flattering. Here is a round up of my favorites on the market now.
