A Kimono-style maxi dress is a must-have piece of attire. Why? Because it is elegant, stylish, and comfortable. A Kimono maxi dress is also perfect for any mood, weather, and occasion, which explains why it transitions so perfectly from day to evening.
Whether plus-size, medium-sized, or small, you can dress up a Kimono-style maxi dress for comfort and sophistication.
So, without further ado, let’s look at exactly what a Kimono style maxi dress is.
Kimono Style Maxi Dress Definition
If you are still new to the concept, you may wonder what a Kimono style maxi dress is.
A Kimono style maxi dress is a long outfit that reaches the floor or ankles and has a deep V-neck in the front and back. It also has wide flutter sleeves.
The modern Kimono dress also features a waist belt that accentuates your body’s shape. The Kimono Maxi dress’ empire waist and wide sleeves often give your body the right coverage while showing off your figure in a flattering way.
With sizes up to 4X, a kimono-style maxi dress is perfect for women with all body shapes. Kimono maxi dresses are also ideal maternity dresses!
Kimono maxi dresses are a woman’s favorite because they provide elegance and comfort in a single piece. The maxi dress’ waist belt or elastic waist design gives women a feminine vibe, while the wide sleeves and unique fabrics enhance comfort.
The History of the Kimono Style
The Kimono style originated in Japan in the 1600s and was influenced by Chinese fashion. Kimono means “thing to wear” and is made of the Japanese terms: Ki, which means “to wear,” and mono which means “thing.”
Originally, Kimonos were worn by commoners and as undergarments by the aristocracy. In the sixteenth century, the Kimono became the principal dress item for both sexes and classes.
The Japanese Kimono is a straight-seamed garment that is wrapped left side over the right one. It is then secured using a sash referred to as an Obi. The Kimono features massive square arms and distinct patterns.
The garment’s decoration and colors indicate the wearer’s identity, cultural sensitivity, and social status. The wrap style of the traditional Kimono outfit allowed for ease of movement because most activities were performed while sitting on the ground.
Apart from securing the dress, the Obi could also be used to alter the garment’s length to suit the wearer’s preference. You could also pull the garment’s collar to reveal the woman’s nape sensuously.
The modern Kimono style maxi dress draws inspiration from the Japanese Kimono and is designed to enhance comfort and elegance. You can check out there Kimono style maxi dresses I saw in Istanbul. The Japanese Kimono has also inspired contemporary kimono cover-ups worn with jeans and bikinis. You could also wrap a kimono cover-up sides together to make a dress.
Unlike the modern Kimono style maxi dresses that can be worn for any occasion, the Japanese Kimono is reserved for special events such as weddings, Tanabata, and the Shichi-Go-San Festival.
How to Style a Kimono Maxi Dress
Like most maxi dresses, a kimono-style maxi dress is a statement piece by itself. However, based on the weather, occasion, and preference, there are various things you could do to make your Kimono-style maxi dress stand out.
Below is a guide on how to style a Kimono Maxi Dress.
1. Layer Your Kimono Maxi Dress
A Kimono maxi dress is made of lightweight materials such as silk or satin, making it perfect for warmer weather or day events. However, you can still rock your Kimono maxi dress for an evening event or in Winter. All you have to do is wear it with other clothes.
Before choosing the best clothes to add to your outfit, keep the function, you intend to attend in mind. Consider pairing your Kimono-style maxi dress with a lightweight jacket for a casual or fun look at home or at the beach.
For a formal or professional look, rock a blazer. A blazer will likely give your shoulders structure and add a masculine touch to your feminine outfit. Avoid bomber jackets and hoodies when rocking a Kimono-style maxi dress.
2. Choose the Right Footwear
Complete your look with the right pair of shoes. However, keep the occasion in mind when choosing the best footwear.
Consider pairing your outfit with sandals or sneakers for a casual event or when pregnant. These shoe types enhance comfort, allowing you to move around quickly.
If you get an invite to a formal event, opt for high heels or wedges. High heels give the illusion of a slimmer body. If you are petite, pairing your Kimono maxi dress with a high-heel shoe can make you appear taller because they add a few inches.
Do not pair your Kimono-style maxi dress with chunky stompers like Uggs and moon boots.
3. Rock Your Favorite Jewelry Pieces
Rock your Kimono maxi dress with your favorite jewelry pieces, including necklaces, earrings, and bangles. But remember to consider the material, occasion, and dress’ pattern when picking suitable jewelry pieces.
If your Kimono maxi dress features bolder colors or has abstract patterns, or you are headed to a professional or formal occasion, stick to minimalist or neutral jewelry. This prevents you from appearing understated.
4. Wear Your Hair Up
Allow your Kimono maxi dress to shine by putting your hair up. If you have shorter hair, you can just leave it down.
To make your hair prettier, accessorize with cute barrettes, clips, and hair beads, to mention a few.
A Kimono style maxi dress is a long outfit that reaches the floor or ankles and has a deep V-neck in the front and back. It also has wide flutter sleeves and a waist belt accentuating your body’s shape. A Kimono maxi dress is a women’s staple because it is comfortable and elegant.
Traditional Kimono-style maxi dresses were restricted to special events like weddings, Tanabata, and the Shichi-Go-San Festival. However, you can wear your modern Kimono maxi dress for any formal, casual, or professional occasion.
Kimono maxi dresses are perfect for running errands, weddings, lunch dates, parties, and even family get-togethers.
