This is what I was planning to wear to a festive, formal dinner on New Year’s Eve. But I didn’t. However, because I really like this outfit, I wanted to post these pictures nevertheless.
This silk kimono is one of my favourite pieces. It was also the favourite piece on my Instagram account (@elegance_revisited) as it was featured not once, or twice, but 3 times in my collection of top nine posts for 2019. Talk about a statement piece…
Anyway, as much as I love the kimono, I always struggle finding ways to style it. I can’t wear it as a dress as it’s a bit too short (above the knee). And I never wear dresses shorter than knee-length. It’s not a question of modesty (I don’t buy into that bullshit); knee-length (or longer) is simply more flattering on someone with wide hips and heavy thighs.
It’s also challenging to find a top that is simple and minimalist enough to suit my personal taste yet feels luxurious enough to be matched with a silk kimono.
And let’s not even talk about trousers… OK, finding trousers that flatter my body is almost impossible. But these (very) high-waisted viscose trousers are perfect.
So, I really like this outfit, yet I chose not to wear it to a fancy New Year’s Eve dinner? Am I out of my mind?
Well, as I mentioned, the trousers are really high-waisted. While that is usually a good thing, the prospect of a big, 7 course dinner made the trousers feel a bit uncomfortable. Especially as at that point of the holiday I had already a few of those big, multi-course dinners under my belt, literally… In fact, if I was the type of person to make New Year’s resolutions, I might say that going on a diet would be a good idea…
Anyway… I’m sure you’re curious as to the outfit I eventually decided to wear to that big, fancy dinner. All in due course, my dear reader, in another blog post…
Outfit details:
kimono: Klaus Haapaniemi / t-shirt: Pieces / trousers: Marimekko (old) /
bag: Chanel / shoes: Clarks / sunglasses: Woobs
location: hotel Quinta da Casa Branca (Funchal, Madeira)
Tiina
What would you like me to wear with this kimono?
Linking up with:
Not Dead Yet Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge, A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Away from the Blue, Mummabstylish , Living on Cloud Nine, Mutton Years Style and I
It is a beautiful kimono and I love those pants on you! Love how you styled this outfit. I was just mentioning that I really want to add a kimono to my closet this year. Just have to find one that I love.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thanks, Mireille. Yes, a kimono is such a fun piece. Before I bought this one, I kept going back to the shop to try it on, for months… But I plan to wear it forever. Or till it falls apart.
I say this every time you show this kimono —- I covet it BIG TIME! Love the way you styled it, will definitely be trying to duplicate that look! Thanks for the inspiration.
Author
Thanks! You know, you can still find the kimono at http://www.klaus.com website. It is quite pricey, though (that’s why I kept going back to the shop and trying it on for at least 3 months before I finally bought it).
I totally understand that this kimono has become one of your favourite pieces and also a favourite of all of us!. It’s stunning and it looks perfect with your viscose trousers and cute top, with the lovely accessorizing!.
But you’re totally right about wearing anything minimally tight when you’re going to sit at table and have a fancy dinner. I love a elastic waist trouser!
It’s lovely to see you in your beautiful kimono!
besos
Author
Thanks, Monica. I bought the kimono as a birthday present for myself, and decided that it would be one of my ‘forever pieces’. And I definitely need a pair of elastic waist trousers!
this all looks lovely. Girl, you’re wearing my colours, too. I’m only 156 cms high and sadly, all kimonos look really unflattering on me. Ridiculous actually. Sigh.
Author
Thank you. You know, I’m just 162 cm tall (or short). I find that a shorter kimono (like this one) does not overwhelm me. On the other hand, I also wear maxi dresses…
Lovely kimono and the tee shirt colour brings out the pattern very well. I’d love a kimono but I’m like a unmade bed. Handbag, shopping bag, scarves, necklaces glasses on a string if I don’t keep it simple I’m like a bag lady 🙂 I like your curls too.
Author
Thanks, Flora. I know what you mean: I feel like a bag lady, too, when I have to carry a work bag and a shopping bag, and then all the winter clothes (a big coat, a scarf, earmuffs etc) to boot.
I had not realised that those kimonos have Klaus’ art in them! And it sure suits you beautifully.
-q
Author
Yep, he makes great kimonos, and silk dresses. Thank you!
Tiina, I think you styled this kimono beautifully! It is such a gorgeous piece and I love the rich colors on the black background. The lines created with the high waisted wide legged pants are so good. And the leopard flats add the perfect print mix to keep it super modern. Now I am trying to think of other ways to style your kimono…I wear my kimonos all sorts of ways but I think the ways I wear them are just not your style (over cut off shorts with booties, over mini dresses with cowgirl boots, belted over bodycon dresses). I do love a fancy kimono paired with jeans for a bohemian style or perhaps belted over a maxi dress. I look forward to reading part 2 of how to style a silk kimono! Thanks for linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thanks! This kimono is one of my favourite pieces, but I don’t wear it often enough. I’ve also worn it with both jeans and a denim skirt, but I prefer something a bit less casual. Oh well, a blogger shouldn’t be afraid of a a sartorial challenge, right?
i love the kimono. I get that it could be tricky to style, but you did it! What you chose to wear with it works beautifully. Arlene from NJ
Author
Thanks, Arlene.
That kimono is gorgeous! And you’ve styled it beautifully. I hope you get the chance to wear it soon. This is a very attractive outfit, and you look fabulous!
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
Author
Thanks, Michelle!
I think you did a great job styling the kimono! I love that peacock! The wide leg trousers look wonderful !
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Author
Thanks, Jess!
It’s such a beautiful kimono, it’s a shame you did not wear it but great you could still take pics of the outfit idea you had 🙂 Kimonos are my most worn category of clothing in the warmer months for sure, they are the best! :0
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! A new link up is live on my blog now, I’d love you to join again.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend! We went to a theme park yesterday with family visiting from Western Australia and it was so fun 🙂
Author
Thanks, Mica! Oh, I did wear the kimono, just with another pair of trousers…
A theme park sounds like fun. I hope you and your family are safe. We’ve been reading about the fires in Australia quite a bit in the news, and it’s so sad and scary.
What a gorgeous piece of art – that kimono I would display when I wasn’t wearing – it it is just beautiful, I guess that level of beauty creates its own issues so I have to say I love the simplicity and elegance of the outfit as well as the beauty of the garment
Author
Thanks, Juliet. Yes, it’s a real piece of art, and the print is beautiful, but it Is quite challenging to style. In my opinion, it looks best with something rather plain and simple.