How to wear a vintage kimono

vintage kimono

I bought this 1920’s kimono in a vintage shop last year and have been wondering ever since what to do with it. I don’t really wear vintage, or second-hand for that matter. And I certainly don’t wear fancy silk dressing gowns at home (I’m more of a ratty old t-shirt and yoga pants girl..). But as soon as I saw this kimono, I just had to have it. Let’s call that a temporary mental disorder, shall we?

Anyway, I’m not a collector (as far as clothes are concerned, that is; books and art, now that’s different), so having something in my closet and never wear it is against all my principles. I had to find a way to wear this fabulous piece, if for no other reason than to justify the amount of money I spent on it.

Maybe I could wear it as a wrap dress? Accessorise it with a wide belt and pearl earrings, a retro evening bag and shoes that are a nod to the 20’s flapper style? Well, I’m not totally convinced, but this  is an experiment…

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vintage kimono

vintage

Outfit details:

silk kimono: vintage, from Annie’s Vintage / bag: L.K.Bennett (old) / 

shoes: Hotter (old) / belt: Andiata (old)

Any suggestions how to style this kimono?

Tiina
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36 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    24 July 2016 / 8:59 pm

    I've had the same feeling of intensely wanting to own something but having no clue as to when or how I could wear it. (E.g., pretty rain-boots) In the war between our practical mind and our desire, I side with you — just get it. Don't worry about justifying the purchase. In time, an occasion will arise, often to great joy. I think wearing this amazing kimono in a bucolic field for a blog post is reason enough. And the smiles these pieces give us make them worth the cost.BTW, I thought of you today before coming here. The NY Times has a book review today about a book just published by a woman from Finland. She moved to NYC to be with her hubby. After spending some time here, she compares America to Finland and finds her homeland to be far superior. I can't argue with her points. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/books/review/nordic-theory-of-everything-anu-partanen.html?action=click&contentCollection=review&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:25 am

      Oh but rain boots are a must!Thanks for the link to the review. Yes, Finns don't make good immigrants, we tend to be a bit too smug for that (not that the other Nordics were any better…). We don't usually move abroad for economic reasons (except maybe some IT specialists / game designers moving to Silicon Valley to get rich) as it's hard to beat the social security we're used to (and take for granted).

  2. Suzanne Carillo
    24 July 2016 / 10:34 pm

    Oh my gosh! What a piece! I'm so glad you decided to wear it. It is smashing! Have you considered wearing it as a jacket open? One of my favourites of yours for sure.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:26 am

      Thanks, Suzanne.Yes, I thought it might look good with skinny jeans and a simply top. Unfortunately, my thighs don't look good in skinny jeans…

  3. Natural Medley
    24 July 2016 / 11:26 pm

    You definitely need to hold your arms out the whole time you're wearing it. The sleeves are wild.Consider wearing it backwards…the back is stunning!Can you wear it as a glamorous dressing gown?Your posts on Brexit have been much mulled over in our family. Thanks for your point of view.Hope you come to some resolution for your own comfort.Xo Jazzy Jack

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:32 am

      Absolutely, must walk with my arms outstretched, or maybe walk around swirling as I go. That would be fun: dancing instead of walking, might get tiresome after a while, though.I think it's meant to be a dressing gown, maybe I should wear it at home. Nothing wrong with looking a bit more glam at home, I suppose…Thanks for you comment and kind words. Brexit has been quite a big deal in our household, as my husband lives and works in the U.K. and it will no doubt complicate our lives quite a bit.

  4. Nancy's Fashion Style
    25 July 2016 / 6:36 am

    I also find the back really gorgious! I think the belt goes perfect with it, I wouldnt know what kind of belt should look better. With a pair of jeans and brown long boots would be great too!

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:34 am

      Yes, jeans and boots might look nice. But I would never wear jeans and boots (I find that combination very uncomfortable, for some reason). I'm still not quite happy with the belt, I think the kimono needs something a bit tougher, maybe.

  5. Jill James
    25 July 2016 / 10:28 am

    This is one glorious piece, I can see why you had to make it yours.Both the sleeves and its embroidery are quite something.As a kimono is not something I own, I am not sure on the styling. I have seen others simply wear them open worn over wide pants or longer skirts.

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:35 am

      This is a very unusual piece for me, too. I am usually all about practicality, and this is anything but. Oh well, as a one-off piece it's OK, I suppose.

  6. Jasmine Rabuñal Barrientos
    25 July 2016 / 1:17 pm

    Too cute! This kimono looks great on you. It's amazing it dates from the 20s.Jasmine

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:36 am

      Isn't it? I don't often buy vintage (I prefer my clothes brand new), but I just couldn't resist this.

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:37 am

      Thank you!

  7. Garaytreasures
    26 July 2016 / 5:01 pm

    Gorgeous kimono, looks lovely on you!Rachel xohttp://garaytreasures.com

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:37 am

      Thanks, Rachel!

  8. Andrea
    27 July 2016 / 9:07 am

    Such a beautiful piece! I'm so glad you got it! I like Suzanne's idea of trying to wear it open as a jacket.

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 11:38 am

      Thanks, Andrea. Yes, I might wear it open, as a jacket, maybe over a dress. I'm so tempted to go for the all 20's look, with a flimsy dress…

  9. Jessica Jannenga
    27 July 2016 / 4:11 pm

    Wow this is amazing! I love the detail and the color. It looks amazing on you, love the last pic!Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesdaywww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      27 July 2016 / 4:17 pm

      Thanks, Jessica!

  10. Natalia Lialina
    27 July 2016 / 4:33 pm

    This is simply fantastic! And you look so happy wearing it – definitely a keeper. I loved the suggestion to style it with wide (I'd add white linen) pants as a light summer coat. I think it works as a dress too, I'd try it with open sandals. Lovely!

    • Tiina L
      29 July 2016 / 8:59 am

      Well, it seems I have to keep experimenting with this piece…

  11. Natalia Lialina
    27 July 2016 / 4:37 pm

    I don't know whether you saw this post last year, but I wore a (not as vintage or gorgeous as yours) kimono style garment here – http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/08/kimono-kimono.html I keep thinking to try a different way to style it, maybe with tall boots for Fall. They are so unusual that we just must keep experimenting with them. 🙂

    • Tiina L
      29 July 2016 / 9:01 am

      Oh yes, it would look lovely with boots!

  12. Laura Yoder
    29 July 2016 / 2:14 am

    Wow, exquisite! I bet it would also look great with a cute pair of basic open toe sandals!Laurawww.blackcoffeebeautiful.com

    • Tiina L
      29 July 2016 / 9:01 am

      Hmm, an interesting idea…

  13. Nicole Mölders
    29 July 2016 / 4:31 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.

    • Tiina L
      29 July 2016 / 9:02 am

      Thanks, Nicole.

  14. Anna Marcus
    29 July 2016 / 6:29 am

    Sometimes when you see something so beautiful, you want to have it no matter what. I am sure one day this unique kimono would come very handyhttps://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au

    • Tiina L
      29 July 2016 / 9:03 am

      That's true, sometimes we find those one-of-a-kind, special pieces. I suppose it's OK to have a few of those, just not too many.

  15. Alice Warren
    30 July 2016 / 5:07 pm

    This kimono is stunning. I have no idea how to wear it but I think you did well here.Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      30 July 2016 / 8:40 pm

      Thanks, Alice!

  16. Dawn Lucy - Fashion Should Be Fun
    31 July 2016 / 10:10 pm

    If you ever get tired of this, please send it to ME! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday & hope you had a fab weekend!OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      2 August 2016 / 9:19 am

      I will, but it might be a while…

    • Tiina L
      2 August 2016 / 9:21 am

      Thanks, Rania. It's a very unusual piece for me, so I guess I just have to explore the possibilities.

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