The kimono: for once, we don’t need to worry about how to wear a trend. This Kate Moss favourite – check out her Top Shop collections – is just so versatile.
Kimonos come in all lengths, designs and colours, with long or short sleeves or none, but for summer 2014, the floral varieties are floating our boat. Whether it’s swirling outsize blossoms or intricate patterns, they just shout the bohemian credentials of this most adaptable layer of all.
We make no apologies for slipping a wardrobe staple into the conversation here. Denim – really, what would we do without it? Wear your floral kimono over ripped shorts, or distressed jeans. Skinnies sit well with the loose, floaty style, teamed with chunky heels or ankle boots, and a dark, wide-brimmed hat.
Mix contrasting textures to ground the flimsy nature of the article, or choose one in sturdier cotton. If, however, you do long to float away, don’t hold back – chiffon layers will fulfil your dreams, and can be dressed up for evenings, too. For those of you who love layers, and there are many, a kimono is just perfect.
Bring out your inner gypsy – you’re already halfway there, we suspect – with a fringe, and the longer it is, the better. Kourtney Kardashian stepped out in a green floral fringed version over a white t-shirt, and got the look perfectly with her green-lensed sunglasses.
Throw the short version over a white jumpsuit or romper. Slip a long one over white shorts and a bikini top, and you’re perfect for the beach, but ready for the bar, too. Pack it with shorts and a crop for your next festival, but then, we’re sure you’ve thought of that already!
Match a black background to a tee of the same colour. Dress down by using it to cover a white tank, or jazz up the same with a long chain necklace. Go boho with a maxi skirt in the same shade as your kimono, and top with a headdress of meadow flowers. Pull a dark robe over a pale shiny slip-dress; a border of lace will complete the look you’re after here.
As we’re sure you know, the kimono is a traditional Japanese item of clothing, but were you aware that the word means “a thing to wear”? We don’t think the description does justice to your beautiful floral kimono!
The featured photo is of Mafalda Castro wearing a floral kimono from In Love With Fashion and a white bikini from Motel Rocks
Alana Ruas is wearing a floral kimono from Blackfive, ripped jeans from Sheinside and shoes from Schutz
Helen Janneson Bense is wearing a floral/tropical kimono from Planet Blue and the hat is from Child Of Wild
Angela Blick is wearing a floral kimono and bag from Zara, shoes from TopShop, top from H&M and skirt from Monki
Magdalena Ilic is wearing a black ruffle top, boyfriend jeans and floral kimono from New Yorker
Flávia Desgranges van der Linden is wearing a floral kimono, top and skirt from Turquoise Shop, bag from Amaro and shoes from Haute & Rebellious
Nika Huk is wearing a floral kimono from Missguided and shoes from ASOS
Valeriya Volkova is wearing a floral kimono with tassels from Choies
Angela Blick Goes Street Style July 2014
Jazmine Rocks is wearing a black and white floral kimono from Brandy Melville, bag from whistles, hat from Miss Selfridge and jeans and shoes both from TopShop
Katerina K. is wearing a floral kimono from Sheinside and denim cutoffs
