Currently Crushing on: Kimonos

By
Camille DiPaola
-
29
2146

 The Inspiration

alexa-chung-kimono

I saw this image a while back and haven’t been able to get over it since. Not only do I dig Alexa Chung’s funky-geeky style that she shares fearlessly, I also love a kimono. Like a lot.

We talk a good bit about simple combinations and ways to up your style game without having to work too hard here on TME. This, ladies, is one sure fire way to look and feel awesome…without having to lift a finger. Okayokay, so you have to lift one finger to click ‘buy’ and you may have to lift your entire arm (or two) to put the kimono on, but seriously. A kimono should be in the dictionary under ‘effortless’ – it’s that easy to style and wear.

It does all of the heavy lifting for you, really. Meaning, you don’t need to add much else to an outfit when a kimono is involved. I wouldn’t go all birthday suit with it, but be a basic B underneath. Let me show you…

The Formula:

styling-a-kimono-spring-summer

It’s as simple as throwing on a tee, jeans, sandals (or booties) and a kimono…and girl, you are done.

I feel crazy good with a kimono on. Every single time I throw it on. It makes me want to dance through a field of sunflowers to the sound of ‘If You’re Going to San Francisco’, while braiding flower crowns. Cams, you’re weird. So I don’t really do that, but you get the idea. It’s a feminine, freeing, relaxed style that needs. to. be. on. you.

Don’t believe me? Wear one. You’ll feel like flitting around like a weirdo too…or not, but you’ll love it. Promise.

How I Wore it:

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Shop Kimonos

 

 

 

 

wearing:

kimono: TJMaxx find, so won’t be able to find it online. Free People has some very cool options, as does Forever21.

necklace: Necessary Clothing Sequoia Necklace – love this thing…gives me just the right touch of boho.

top: Everlane’s Ryan Tank (wearing size Small for reference)

jeans: Banana Republic Indigo Skinny Anke Jean, cuffed for more fun. I’m all about that fun. They have a higher waist which equals happiness for mamas everywhere.

belt: old thrift find. Nordstrom has a similar braided style.

booties: Sole Society fringe bootie, no longer available. Steve Madden’s Ponccho bootie is all fringy and cute.

bag: Forever21 cross-body bag, old old old. Here’s another steal from F21 , but if you’re looking for better quality…check-out this one from Fossil and this Sanctuary bag (I mean, crazy awesome).

Cheers,

Cams

images: Brandon Brown Photography

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29 COMMENTS

  1. I picked one up at walmart this week so I could try out the kimono thing without a big cash commitment. My spring capsule comes out in two weeks but if the weather keeps being amazing I might just break it out early to celebrate!

  2. I picked up a kimono from TJ Maxx at the end of last summer. I wholeheartedly agree that it ups the style ante on a basic tee and jeans combo! These are a solid recommendation and there is an option to fit every price point 🙂

  3. You look great! I’ve been causally hunting for a kimono for a long while, but have yet to find one that works for me. (Short and curvy (and now pregnant) — it can get unflattering pretty quickly because they take my waist away and make me look shorter.) Then I found one I liked a lot — but realized the sleeves were really gonna hamper me — they were kinda like droopy bolero style — but they didn’t allow my to pull my arms in front of me very much. I was bummed because I just couldn’t see myself picking up baby (soon) with it on and not going nuts. My search continues! (I just hope I find one before I miss the trend boat! lol)

  6. I am a longtime ANMJ reader and love TME! Cam, I love that you shop thrift, Thred Up, and TJ Maxx. It would be amazing to hear some tips on how you find things! More pressing– Piperlime sent out a 40% off coupon! Help!!! Spring must-haves! Go!

    • This is my question as well. I’m short (5’2″), DD-cup, with not much of a waist… I love the way this looks on tall skinny folks but I’m worried it will just make me look like I’m wearing my grandma’s housedress. Any tips?

    • I’ve seen it on busty/curvy gals and it has looked awesome! I think the trick is what you wear underneath…and then also wearing a shorter kimono. I would go with long flares/wide leg jeans that you can wear a heel with (a small one at least -wedge, clog?). That will help to lengthen the look. I’m not an expert though, so… 😀

  11. Aww, yer so pretty! I’ve been convinced this is not for me until this post when I suddenly thought, “Hey, maybe for nursing this summer?” I’m also short and (7mos-prego-extra) curvy, so I’m interested in any input on that. Also- if anyone happens across an INSANELY cheap short-sleeve version, I’m thinking this could work instead of a horrible hospital gown for delivery. Ladies?

  12. Cami, this post is STUNNING! You are ROCKIN’ Mama!!

    I have been addicted to kimonos as of late. And like you, I scored two of them at TJ Maxx. Yours is absolutely lovely. You’re making me miss a quick little jaunt to TJs. One of my kimonos has been perfect for when I need a little Asian flare. The other one is black lace with fringe, and I wear it with jeans, over an LBD, and even as a swimsuit coverup. It’s PERFECT! I’m not kidding.

    My two favorite pics are the 4th and 5th ones. The flow and length of this kimono is ideal, and that necklace is to die for–linking to it momentarily;D

    You’re a cutie and such a cool part of TME!

    Ann of Kremb de la Kremb

  14. Okay I got the one with the fringe in the last photo. I busted it out to show to my husband and he said it looked like I left the house with my robe on…in 1978. I’ll try again soon, though! 🙂

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