This spring, meet the ugly Christmas sweater's easy, breezy, and more luxurious but just as comfortable (albeit a tad more well-traveled) cousin: the kimono jacket. It may seem too good to be true, but if you (like myself) have a penchant for loungewear, the kimono jacket really is the perfect merging of both comfy and chic - even better, it can be worn both indoors and outdoors!
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| I first fell in love with Elle Apparel's 100% home-made take on the kimono jacket (and if you, like me, are a sucker for rich, dark fabrics that are hard to find in-stores, and have a semblance (unlike me) of coordination, check out her site for a stellar guide on how to make your own!) |
Kimono-what?
If you own an actual Japanese kimono at home (They're great for lounging around in indoors, and the silk make feels absolutely divine!) think of the kimono jacket as the outside-friendly equivalent. Inspired by the Japanese kimono, kimono jackets usually feature bright, unique patterns (although some come in solid colours, rendering them more office-appropriate) in a light material that can be draped and worn as a cover-up, or in place of a cardigan or jacket (in other words, say goodbye to the hassle of transitioning between bouts of sweating and shivering in the spring and summer!)
The first time that I saw a kimono jacket, I absolutely fell in love with the vibrant, fun, bohemian-esque feel that they evoke:
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| Nikki F., top contender of the Bachelor series, wearing the Arlene Kimono Wrap from Tobi.com, as shown above (*now sold out. LE SIGH). Who watches the Bachelor? Um...I certainly...don't ;) |
The kimono top that I own (you'd literally have to peel it off of me, I just can't part from it) is from H&M, and features a dark black print with a beautiful pink floral pattern. However, as we all know how difficult it is to track items down at the ever-circulating H&M, below are also a few more of my personal favourites:
One of the most important things I would recommend when shopping for one is the quality: be weary of cheaper materials, or ones that look like they wrinkle easily. While a lot of kimono tops are made of polyester, it's important to purchase a durable polyester that doesn't fray at the edges (unless that's the look you're going for.)
How to Wear It:
You can never go wrong with a simple, solid-coloured tank top to balance out of the vibrant pattern of a kimono top. Because of its less structured, drapey nature, I would also recommend pairing the flowy kimono top out with a pair of skinny jeans, shorts, or leggings (voila - it really is that easy). For a casual day out, finish the outfit with a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals, and to transition to a night out, simply change the shoes to a pair of heels for a more sophisticated look.
What are your thoughts on the kimono top, and which is your favourite? Let us know below!
Until next time, loves!
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