Kimonos have been a popular number this year, one that I have underestimated in the past in terms of versatility. It works from day to night, whether you're in the city or escaping on a holiday of sun, sand and cocktails. A big factor to working a kimono is choosing the right style, one which you feel you can work into your wardrobe easily.
The one I have chosen today is a bargain find from Primark. It ticked all the boxes from colour, length and that beautiful soft silk like fabric which is particularly soothing to the skin in the heat.
For the first look, I kept things simple whether you are meeting the girls after work or perhaps you are just looking for a comfortable yet smart outfit for an evening out.
Light wash skinny jeans are ideal for this look to give shape to your body and balance it out from the top half. You can pair the top with a casual cotton vest and denim shorts for a dressed down feel if you prefer. Here I'm wearing a white silk vest to keep in line with more of an evening feel. For accessories I didn't stray too far away from the colour choices in the kimono as there is a lot going on, so I opted for a faux crocodile clutch in fuchsia and kept the shoes interesting yet understated in a neutral tone.
Look 2:
A fresh look of pristine white is always a summer favourite of mine. These high waisted shorts work an absolute treat as they sit nicely on the leg and around the waist giving quite a tailored feel. Up close there is some beautiful embossed detail on the shorts and when paired with this silk vest as seen in Look 1, the two work exceptionally well giving a playsuit effect from certain angles.
For some finishing touches to something like this I used a 3D floral statement necklace ( also seen in Look 1) to bring out more summer colours, a pastel mint clutch which is a soft and easy to wear accessory along with wood platform shoes for a smart and comfortable summer feel.
Look 3:
For the last look I wanted to show a way to wear a kimono easily for an event or a sophisticated evening. Choosing one of the bolder colours within the print is a great option to help you change up a look. I opted for this beautiful pink shift dress which is also from Primark making it a very cost effective summer find.
The length of this dress sits just right as too much length and layers will make you look shorter and sometimes wider than you are.
Photography by Aaron Hurley
I paired the look with a pastel pink clutch and some simple, fuss free strap heels which will elongate your legs. By doing this it will make you appear taller and give more of a toned, streamlined shape to your legs and frame.
Details:
Look 1: Kimono £11, Vest £6, Jeans, last season, similar hereShoes: New Look: Sale £12 Clutch: Primark £7
Look 2: Shorts: Littlewoods Ireland £15 , white top £7, necklace £8, clutch £7 all Primark, Shoes: Miss KG: Littlewoods Ireland £40 - on sale, Sunglasses - Asos £16
Look 3: Dress £10, Shoes £12, clutch £8 all Primark, Necklace: Next similar here £10.
Kimono alternatives :
- Asos Curve - £30
- Motel - £45
- A wide variety from New Look - here
You can check out more fashion inspiration over on Louise's blog Style Me Curvy