Fashion notes: How to wear a kimono

It’s there in the window of practically every high-street store – the trendy kimono, often flaunting an incredibly appealing tropical print. Patterned with palm tree fronds, flamingos and botanical florals in bloom, you may be tempted by the fabulous print, but weary about actually wearing it outside the house. Though the pyjama trend may certainly be stylish, the last thing you want to do is look like you have mistakenly left home in your loungewear robe.

Often, we can overthink the stying of an outfit. Our brains work on overtime, envisioning the various other items in our wardrobe that the design will match, as we attempt to create mental images of potential outfits. But with kimonos, this is absolutely the wrong strategy to take. It’s quite simple really, requiring the most basic attire: a plain T-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans.

Add more layers than that, and you risk looking like your outfit is overly layered, over-thought and overall, the opposite of effortless. Kimonos, in my opinion, should look like they were thrown on haphazardly; an afterthought, if you will.

Kimonos come in various lengths, so choose the one that you’re most comfortable with. If you don’t want to look too theatrical, avoid ankle-length versions and choose calf-length designs instead.

Footwear-wise, your instinct may be to give yourself some height, and to give some breathing room between your kimono hem and the floor, but I find that simple white trainers, stylish slides and Gucci-style slippers look more natural.

If you want to tap into the kimono trend, this is the best time, because Ramadan is only a short time away. Whether you’re a Muslim looking for an alternative to the abaya to wear to the mosque or while praying, or an expat looking for ways to respect the culture with a more conservative ensemble, a kimono will undoubtedly come in handy.

hlodi@thenational.ae

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