Kimono jackets have a high longevity factor because they seldom look particularly trendy or dated, thereby holding their own as an arty piece with eclectic possibilities. Pull them out year after year and change up their mood with a different support act. It’s this change that will keep it alive and kicking.

We are probably most accustomed to seeing the soft and unstructured kimono jacket worn over dressy bootcut or wide trousers and a shell top with sandals. I vote to think further than that styling solution, and mix things up as a nod to the irregular outfit juxtaposition craze of 2013. Incorporate current trends into the outfit to modernize the piece.

Here are some ideas:

• Wear a kimono jacket over faded jeans with a silky shell top and dressy high vamped heeled sandals or pointy toe pumps.
• Layer it over a tank top, denim cut offs and throw in biker boots.
• Wear a long kimono jacket over a straight mini skirt/dress and allow the kimono jacket to give the outfit its length.
• Wear a short kimono jacket over a straight skirt/dress length of your choice and add trendy shoes.
• Wear it over white jeans or trousers with layering piece, and add feminine, metallic footwear.
• Or wear the arty piece with boyfriend jeans, a tee and gladiator sandals.

I love the way the kimono jacket takes “the sexy” out of body con frocks, short shorts, pencil skirts and skinnies. By wearing it open and flowing, thereby hinting at your shape under the unstructured piece, the effect is just as alluring, but a little mysterious. Kimono jackets also have three-dimensional appeal because the loose lightweight piece flows and flaps as you stride, thereby creating an interesting effect as it drapes in motion. Romantic. 

Kimono jackets are one way to wear unstructured structure, and a super layering piece for hot weather. Knee-length styles are best suited to gals with height, but the shorter versions are suited to us all. Make sure that you bare sufficient forearm skin to give the jacket some structure. Create further structure with lower necklines, shorter hemlines, formfitting underlayers, and tailored footwear. 

I’m recreating arty and slightly bohemian outfits with old kimono jackets for clients at the moment using the above ideas. We’re having overwhelmingly long lengths and sleeves shortened to keep proportions attractive. Although kimono jackets are not my style, I really like the look worn in the pictures below and am thoroughly enjoying the process of creating this vibe with clients. I’m particularly loving the mix of a soft kimono jacket worn over a shell with faded jeans, and finishing off the look with a strict angular clutch and severe pointy toe pumps with dainty ankle straps. Modern, playful and fun.