Kimonos aren't just for festivals; these lightweight, airy throwovers are surprisingly versatile for your everyday wardrobe. Read on for seven ways to rock this spring must-have
Festival season is coming. Yep, that’s right: Glastonbury and Coachella are on their way and so’s the onslaught of gorgeous boho chic looks, with a key piece being the kimono jacket. Inspired by the age-old Japanese robe, the kimono of today has clawed its way to mainstream fashion thanks to its myriad of designs and easy availability. Despite its popularity with festival goers and sunseekers, it’s an effortless work-to-weekend style staple – and easily translatable to cocktail nights and lazy brunch dates. Not convinced? Here’s a week’s worth of outfits featuring the lightweight kimono jacket.
Monday
Whether you’re still hung up on last weekend’s shenanigans or dreading your workload for the week, Mondays just aren’t meant for fussy outfits. But that’s no excuse to be sloppy. Throw on a chic knit kimono over your cosiest basics – including that worn-to-death white tee and super soft ripped skinnies – and keep accessories to nude tones. Don’t leave home without a fab pair of giant, hangover-hiding sunnies.
Mango Embroidered Linen Kimono, $89.90
Zara Extra Long T-shirt, $35.90
Topshop Moto Blue Ripped Joni Jeans via Zalora, $76.90
Common Projects Achilles Low Top Sneakers, US $362
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashil Medium Satchel, $1,217.83
Tuesday
Got a day full of meetings? Show ’em who’s boss with a clean power suit. Pair a sharp, cream kimono jacket with loose, palazzo pants in a similar shade. Add a subtle pop of colour with iridescent rose gold accessories and shoes.
Donna Karan Belted Stretch Cotton-Blend Canvas Jacket, $2,241 via Net-a-Porter
Mango Palazzo Trousers, $69.90
Brooklyn Matte Black Metal Frame, £265
Giuseppe Zanotti Sophie Heels, available at Pedder on Scotts
Dune Slouchy Handbag, $152.12 via ASOS
Whistles Howlite Crescent Earrings via ASOS
Wednesday
Happy hump day – you deserve a tipple or two with the girls. Not in the mood for a figure-skimming dress? Let your shoulders take centre stage instead. Bust out your strapless jumpsuit and layer with an off-the-shoulder style kimono for a subtle, sultry look. Finish off with a ’90s-inspired black choker, a slick of dark lippie, and strappy stilettos.
Donna Karan canvas and wool-blend jacquard kimono jacket, $4,250 via Net-A-Porter
tnfc Strapless Jumpsuit, £32.00 via The House of Fraser
Urban Outfitters Alix Opal Choker Necklace, US$24
Kate Spade New York Initial Clutch, $386 via Shopbop
River Island Strappy Heeled Sandals, $71.65 via ASOS
YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats Lipstick in Prune Virgin
Thursday
Thursday’s said to be the new Friday, so shake up your work wardrobe with a kitschy ode to #throwbackthursday. Rock a retro, ’70s-inspired look with denim flares, and a breezy embroidered top. If you’re feeling bold, throw on a folksy tassled kimono and chunky wooden platforms for a full-on retro ensemble.
ZARA Folk Style Kimono, $109
Rag & Bone Bell Flared High-Rise Jeans, US$113 via Net-A-Porter
Mango Embroidered Cotton Top, $55.90
Forever 21 Layered Tassle Necklace, US$9.90
Perllini & Mel Bucket Shoulder Bag, $36.70 via Zalora
Miss KG Pedro Wedge Sandals, US$70
Friday
Friday’s finally here, which means date night with your sweetheart. Forget the femme fatale look; instead, knock his socks off with a girly, feminine look reminiscent of your fave rom-com stars. Channel your inner romantic with soft, pastel hues, lace and slinky fabrics.
Dorothy Perkins Mela Cream Lace Kimono, $53.90
TIBI Silk Dress, $1,163 via Net-A-Porter
Daisy Street Blush Pom Ghillie Lace Up Heeled Sandals, $77.14 via ASOS
Nana & Bird Yuka Oval Bracelet, $85
Jonny Loves Rosie Bea Nude Box Jewelled Clutch, £22.50
Saturday
You’d think the bands and DJs would be the stars of any music fest, but at these outdoor concerts and raves, fashion is king. The aim is to make a statement, so keep jewellery chunky and eye-catching if you’re keeping to basic crop tops and shorts. Throw on a colourful, airy kimono and a pair of cute wellies (they’ll keep you safe from accidental mud-baths and soggy feet) and you’re good to go.
AEO Printed Cocoon Kimono, $26.90
Topshop MOTO Black Ripped Mum Shorts, $69.90
Michael Kors Cropped Stretch Crepe Top, $165 via Net-A-Porter
Hunter Women’s Tall Original Wellington Boots, £90
Forever 21 Coin Statement Necklace, $14.90
Newlook Multi-pack White Tassel Bangles, £5.99
Glamorous Wool Blend Floppy Hat with Skinny Band, $48.50
Saint Laurent Anita Toy Fringed Suede Shoulder Bag, US$665
Sunday
The weekend’s almost over, but don’t let that dampen your style. Sunday’s all about casual chic, so keep to looser fabrics and foolproof accessories. Pair a loose kimono-style dress with neutral accessories and makeup to let your statement bag be the star of the show.
Topshop Kimono Wrap Dress by Boutique, $159
Andik Batik Tiadoro Pouch, $250 via Shopbop
ASOS Sleek Mink Rose Gold Watch, $48.50
Chloe Knotted Leather Heeled Sandals, US$795
Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette, $55 via Sephora