Latest Trend: The Kimono

The latest trend that has been making an appearance on the high-street lately has been the kimono. On most online shops, there is now a section dedicated to the kimono. "Kimono" is a Japanese traditional garment. The word "kimono" literally means a "thing to wear", just in case you didn't already know!

I am loving the kimono trend at the moment and am a proud owner of one myself. I feel that it is a summer staple this season. The great thing about investing in a kimono is that it can literally be worn with anything. Either shorts and a crop top with a kimono thrown on for a more relaxed, beach vibe, or with a cute summer dress to add a pop of colour. As well as using it for this purpose, I am going to be mostly wearing mine on holiday over my bikini (as sometimes you just want the sun off your shoulders for a couple of minutes and this still makes you look fashionable at the same time!)

When I think of a kimono, I think of a long-sleeved, wrap-around, maxi dress which is tied around your waist, however this season, kimonos have been spiced up, giving the perfect festival/boho look.

Below are some of my favourite kimonos that I found on the high-street, in a range of different colours and patterns...

1) ASOS Curve Exclusive Kimono with Embroidered Back - £45.00  

If you are looking for a subtle kimono this summer, then this is the perfect one for you. I think this kimono is so cute and it seems to have a vintage feel to it as well, which makes it even more gorgeous. I love the embroidered flower pattern on the back, as it adds a little bit of colour to the kimono. 

Furthermore, on ASOS they have created a section called "ASOS Curve" which presents a collection of plus-size clothing in order to complement the fuller figure. Each piece in the collection is cleverly adjusted for the most flattering fit for each body type. This kimono comes in a range of sizes from 18-28. 

2) Ebba Flower Trim Paisley Kimono - Boohoo.com - £20.00

I am in love with patterns, literally, anything that has a pattern on I will probably wear, and that's why there doesn't appear to be any neutral or plain kimonos. Also, the traditional Japanese kimonos are full of colour and pattern, so therefore I tried to search for traditional, stylish and modern kimonos. This kimono has a range of colours and tribal print which I think is perfect for a festival this summer. I love the length of the kimono as I prefer the over sized effect rather than something tight and exclusive. Personally, I think that you should buy a kimono that is a bigger size than your average size as it just looks much better baggy and loose. 

For a extra boho/festival look this summer, why not add a tassel bag and fedora hat, teamed up with some little boots or wellies. 

3) White Tropical Print Embellished Kimono - River Island - £45.00 

I think that this kimono, in particular, captures the traditional Japanese look, however adds a modern twist to it. The clear-cut pattern isn't too overpowering or garish. The black lining makes the kimono stand out more against the soft and slightly washed out pattern. This kimono is perfect flung on over a bikini while lying stretched out on a sunlounger, reading a good book and sipping on a ice-cold drink. Or you could team it up with strappy heels or wedges and a black dress for a night-time look.

4) ASOS Kimono in Navy and White Florals - £38.00

Again, this kimono is perfect if you prefer a more neutral colour - like navy - however, has a little bit of colour and pattern. I think this kimono will look perfect all year round. In the summer with a little skirt and crop top, sandals, fedora hat, sunglasses and tasselled bag. Or in the winter, like the model in the picture above, you could pair it with jeans, a grey/white top and converse. This kimono is versatile and although it is a little pricey, you are guaranteed to get the wear out of it. 

5) Embroidered Kimono - Topshop - £55.00 

When I first saw this kimono on the YouTuber Zoella (if you don't know who she is, first of all, where have you been?? and secondly, go and check her out right now!) I fell instantly in love with it. I love the fact it has a vintage look to it with the washed-out flower pattern on, how the sleeves are mid-length, the tassels hanging down from the kimono which makes it appear more boho and how it is in my favourite colour - mint! I think this gives a subtle bit of colour to any outfit but keeps you looking great and keeping in touch with the latest trends. Again, I know it is quite pricey but I think you would probably wear this a lot and is perfect for when the weather turns cloudy (which we are prone to in England) but still quite muggy, this will keep you cool without looking too exposed.  

6) Tan Suedette Tassel Ankle Boots - New Look - £24.99 

For my last two items, I figured I could show you some potential ways to style these on-trend kimonos. I thought instead of wearing sandals, heels or wedges with your kimonos, why not try out some little boots. After browsing all of the shops I could think of, I finally came across a pair of shoes that I actually liked and wouldn't mind buying for myself. These tasselled boots are perfect for the summer and winter. You could pair them with little socks, high waisted shorts, crop top and your kimono and you would look perfect. Or for the winter, why not wear them with some thick tights, skirt, blouse and a cute coat. If you are not keen with the boots in brown, then they have another pair in black. 

7) Red Racer Crop Vest - New Look - £5.99 

My last item is this block-coloured crop top which you could wear underneath your kimono. Again, I have chosen a bright colour as opposed to black or white, as I personally think it adds more boldness and brightness to your look. I would probably pair this with the centre kimono or the cream kimono as it would just open the outfit up a bit and make it stand out. Plus, I would add the boots with the look as well. They have this top in a range of colours which include White, Gooseberry and Blue, so make sure to check them out! 

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and let me know if you are liking the kimono trend. 

All images in this blog post are from Google Images.