If you’re looking for ways to incorporate a kimono cardigan into either your casual wear or for special occasions, then you want to keep reading! I have already gone through a brief summary on the history of kimonos on the blog but just in case this is the first post of mine you are landing on, I’ll like to reiterate some information.
A kimono, or what is also referred to as a kimono robe, is a traditional Japanese garment showing the Japanese sense of fashion. Originally, “kimono” was the Japanese word for clothing. However, in recent years, the word has been used to refer specifically to traditional Japanese clothing.
Japanese kimonos were originally made by using what was called the straight-line-cut method. This involved cutting pieces of fabric in straight lines and sewing them together.
Nowadays, we even have the kimono cardigan, which is a cool sweater to wear during the colder months. Today, I would be going through different ways you can create warm and practical kimono outfits, right in time for Fall!
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1) With skinny jeans
Is there a sweater or cardigan that does NOT go with skinny jeans? A kimono cardigan is the perfect item to pair with a crop top and skinny jeans when it’s still early Fall and the air is just a little crisp. You could complete this look with a pair of ankle boots or even some knee-high boots for a comfy and cute Fall casual outfit.
If you’re not about the crop top life, feel free to go with a tank top or even a light sweater before layering it with a kimono cardigan. Either way, you’re still keeping things casual by going for denim jeans instead of pants/trousers.
Get the look HERE
2) With pencil skirts
If you’re looking to create a more elegant look with your kimono cardigan, I recommend pairing it with a midi pencil skirt. Wear a silk white blouse, which you may want to tuck in, and then add your kimono on top and you’ve got yourself a kimono look you could wear to the office or for a business meeting the cooler months.
Add a pair of high heels to really bring your overall look up a notch and voilà! Feel free to experiment with different colors of blouses, depending on the colors of your kimono. Use one of its minor colors and find a blouse in that color to really make your look stand out.
Get the look HERE
3) With maxi dresses
I have said many times on this blog that the onset of the colder weather does not necessarily mean you should put away your maxi dresses and remember I have this post showing you different ways to wear your maxi dresses in the Fall.
Well, another way to create the perfect look with a kimono cardigan is by wearing a maxi skirt underneath. I would highly recommend going with a maxi skirt in a solid color if you’re not comfortable with print-mixing.
Get the look HERE
This is because kimonos tend to come in eye-catching prints and if your maxi dress has for example a floral print, mixing the two could be overwhelming. A maxi dress in a neutral color would be much easier to work with and you could complete your outfit with either a pair of boots, flats or loafers for a stylish outfit.
4) With cocktail dresses
If you’re searching for new stylish ways to spice up your little black dress on a chilly Fall day, consider adding a kimono cardigan to your look. This works especially well if your LBD is simple in design because the kimono would do all the work. All you’ll need to add is a statement necklace and you’re ready for date night or happy hour with the girls.
Get the look HERE
The wide sleeves of the kimono would really add some nice volume and elegance to your classy look and so you definitely want to try it out at some point.
Image source here
5) With trousers
Another great way to style a kimono for a more professional setting is to wear a white shirt, a pair of black pants and then add your kimono cardigan on top. Such an easy way to elevate your daily ‘shirt and pants’ attire. If you love a little color, feel free to replace the white shirt with one in either a bright color, or neutral one, depending on the colors featured on your kimono.
Just remember that when dressing for a professional setting, you want to stick closer to neutral tones. It’s just safer. Headed out at night time, don’t forget your strappy heels!
Get the look HERE
6) With maxi skirts
How could we have maxi dresses on this list and not add maxi skirts as well? There are a number of sophisticated looks you can create with a maxi kimono cardigan and a maxi skirt. If you’re a pro at mixing prints, you could wear a long kimono with nice wide square sleeves over a bold maxi skirt with prints.
Add a simple shirt or sweater underneath and you’ve got yourself quite the high fashion look. I would suggest adding a belt on top to really cinch that waist and create even more of a dramatic effect.
Image source: here
For more of a casual vibe, replace your maxi skirt with a midi one and you can choose a short kimono over a long one. Short kimonos are generally regarded as more casual and work great for everyday wear.
I hope from this post you have come to see that kimonos are not just reserved for music festivals and part of summer outfits. You can wear this popular look year-round if you style it with the right pieces, which you most likely already own. Regardless of your body type, you should be able to rock any of these kimono outfit ideas to create looks that match your personally style.
Get the look HERE
Remember that a colorful kimono adds a lot of drama to an outfit and so you might be better off keeping your top and bottoms in solid colors.
Let me know which one was your favorite.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen