What To Wear With a Kimono: 10 Fresh Looks With Jeans & Dresses

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Aside from the scarf, one of the pieces we love throwing on is the kimono. Jessica Alba, Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani all know it’s easy to wear, and it instantly glams up a simple outfit.

Normally, we put it over a tank or tee with jeans or denim cutoffs and we’re all set. But did you know that you can actually rock the kimono in so many other ways?

Most people think of the kimono as a spring-and-summer piece, but you can actually wear it across seasons. Layering is the key. Of course, you do have to remember that what you wear it with, plays a huge role as well.

Today — with the help of some stylish bloggers, we’re going to help you achieve a multitude of looks using the kimono. Check out these fresh ways:

1. Layer under another topper

Sure, kimonos are meant to be layered over your outfit, but nobody said you can’t layer it under another topper. Give your kimono a different look by wearing it under a jacket.

We recommend long jackets or coats that are about the same length as your kimono, but short jackets will work just as well. Here’s a look from Amber of Lilies of the Field. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online.

Amber styled her floral kimono with a leather jacketAmber styled her floral kimono with a leather jacket

She gave her floral kimono a tough chic spin by wearing it under a leather topper. A cropped top, some skinny jeans, and boots to go with will work best with this particular ensemble. Or, if you feel like it, a super short dress with some tights and boots will do too.

2. Wear with your office dress

Take your office look to the next level by topping it with a printed kimono instead of the usual blazer. This works best if your dress fits close to the body and if it is short (a few inches above the knees).

Priscila shows how to wear a kimono to the officePriscila shows how to wear a kimono to the office

If your dress has a full or swingy skirt, try belting it on the waist to give your look a more defined shape. Fashion bloggers, Priscila of Look At Me Br (blog offline) and Leticia of Leticia Neidl Modeblog, demonstrated this combination flawlessly with their printed kimonos.

Leticia shows how to wear a printed kimono with a dress and stockingsLeticia shows how to wear a printed kimono with a dress and stockings

3. Layer over double denim

Here’s a really fun and fresh take on the kimono — wear it over double denim — this can be over a denim shirt and shorts, or, over a denim shirt with denim skinnies. And if that’s not enough for you, top the combination with a fur vest as well.

Luna Lovebad is a Latina trans woman who lives in ComptonLuna Lovebad is a Latina trans woman who lives in Compton

We got this fashion tip straight from stylish blogger, Luna of Luna Love Bad. Don’t you just love how she put it all together?

Luna shows how to wear a kimono with double denimLuna shows how to wear a kimono with double denim

4. Layer over long-sleeved tee and shorts (or short skirt)

You can also give your printed kimono a different spin by layering it over a fitted long-sleeved tee and shorts (or short skirt). If you want to infuse a little bit of preppy flavor, choose a striped tee instead of a solid one.

Make sure you let the sleeves peek out of the kimono. Don’t forget to use a belt for definition. Here’s a take from Amy of Salted and Chic to give you a better idea:

Amy styles her kimono with stockings and sexy shortsAmy styles her kimono with stockings and sexy shorts

5. Layer and mix with other prints (or patterns)

Most kimonos are printed and already offer enough look-at-me factor. But if you want to make your outfit a whole lot more eye-catching, try mixing the kimono with printed or patterned separates.

Katia Nikolajew is a fashion blogger born and raised in Montreal, Canada, with Ukrainian, German and French descentKatia Nikolajew is a fashion blogger born and raised in Montreal, Canada, with Ukrainian, German and French descent

A great example of this print-on-print combination would be the looks put together by Katia of Katia Nikolajew Blog. Don’t you find her outfits fascinating to look at?

Katia shows how to wear print-on-print with a kimonoKatia shows how to wear print-on-print with a kimono

6. Over slouchy boyfriend jeans

You know, up until we saw this look from Claudia of Clueless, we never thought you can actually rock a printed kimono over slouchy boyfriend jeans and still look good.

Apparently, the trick lies in that white crop top, and we thank Claudia for helping us figure that out. We’re loving this getup. What about you?

Claudia shows how to style a printed kimono over slouchy boyfriend jeansClaudia shows how to style a printed kimono over slouchy boyfriend jeans

7. Sexy denim cutoffs and gladiator sandals

If it’s really hot in your city, then take a cue from Mariel of Wicked Ying by pairing your printed kimono with sexy denim cutoffs and strappy knee-high sandals.

It’s a very Cali-girl style with a touch of bohemia to it. Mariel is a social media junkie who loves to paint her nails and is addicted to shoes. Visit her blog for more outfit ideas like this one.

Mariel styled her printed kimono with sexy denim cutoffsMariel styled her printed kimono with sexy denim cutoffs

8. Textured bustier and lace shorts

If you want to take your printed kimono to the next level this summer, then do so by playing with textures. Follow Laia by pairing your flowy floral topper with lace shorts and a textured bustier. Her blog, Let Me Feel Like a Doll, is unfortunately no longer available online

And don’t just stop there; offset all that feminine drama by capping off the look with edgy ankle boots and a studded shoulder bag.

Laia styled her kimono with lace shorts and a sexy textured bustierLaia styled her kimono with lace shorts and a sexy textured bustier

9. Skinny jeans and tank top

Aside from being a fashion blogger, Allison Ramirez is also a style guru at The Stylish Soul. It’s easy to see why, of course. The self-professed lover of the 60s knows exactly what extra to use to create an outfit that is simple but one that offers major impact.

Take, for example, the outfit below. If you think about it, she’s just wearing a simple tank and a pair of skinny jeans, but adding a printed cover-up really made a huge difference.

Allison shows how to style a kimono with skinny jeansAllison shows how to style a kimono with skinny jeans

10. White Sunday dress

You can also wear a printed kimono with your favorite Sunday dress — that’s a tip from Dani of Mermaid Waves. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online.

The result is a concoction that is feminine, sweet, romantic, yet also a little bohemian. Will you give this look a try?

Dani made the wise choice of styling her white dress with a kimonoDani made the wise choice of styling her white dress with a kimono

Well, there you have it — several fresh ways to wear the oh-so-versatile kimono besides pairing it with the usual (jeans and tee). So which of these look will you be trying out today?

Some are quite easy while others are tricky. We think the double denim layering technique is a great way to start. What about you?