If you ever need to throw a cute outfit together in under a minute, have a kimono in your closet. I’m telling you, it instantly transforms an outfit with little effort. Kimonos are a combination of a cape and a scarf. There’s something about their flowy, whimsical material that make you feel confident and gorgeous. They’re a great accessory for summer outfits and can elevate your look from simple to boho chic instantly. One of the best things about kimonos is they can be worn with just about any outfit from super casual outfits to dressy. In this post, I’m sharing tips and tricks on how to wear a kimono in the summer.

How To Wear A Kimono In The Summer

Transitioning from Spring to Summer

You know when the weather is pure perfection around low 60s, where it’s hot enough to wear short sleeves, but not hot enough that you’re melting like a snow cone? Those are the perfect days to wear kimonos. Because at that point, you want to ditch your sweaters and boots and bring out your light, bright spring and summer pieces. Kimonos give you that added layer, but definitely don’t add more than what you need. A great spring look is pairing white jeans, with a tank top and platform sandals with a kimono.

Adding a Belt with Your Kimono

If you’re not fan of the flowy look of the kimono, you could put a belt around your natural waistline. This belt is neutral enough to go with most any outfit. Put the belt around the kimono and loop right at your natural waistline. You’ll still get that flowy look from the bottom of the kimono, but with a little more definition on top.

Wearing a Kimono as a Coverup

Utlitizing a kimono as a coverup is not only chic but you get more out of your money too. If you want to completely cover up, just make sure to buy one that has a built-in tie waist and not an open front silhouette. You could also make sure the kimono isn’t sheer, for added coverage when you’re making your way to the beach or pool.

Cute Kimono Outfits for Summer

Style a Kimono Over a White Dress

This cheetah print kimono adds such a fun twist to a neutral, white dress. This specific kimono is sold out but any type of print would work with this color pallet. This would be the perfect look to wear to your bridal shower. If you’re looking for more white dress inspo, I have a post with lots of white dress options here. I wore tan wedges with a neutral bag to finish the look. But if you wanted to add a pop of color, wearing a vibrant colored shoe would be fun. Maybe the color of your bridesmaids’ dresses. I love incorporating fun little details like that into wedding festivities.

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Style a Kimono with White Jeans

This color combination is one of my favorites – muted pink with white. That’s the thing about kimonos is you could have a very basic outfit on like white jeans and a white basic tee, and then add a fun pop of color with a kimono to instantly add depth and texture.

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Style a Kimono with Denim Shorts

My love for these denim jean shorts runs deep. I’ve found that their quality and fit is what summer fashion is all about. They’re so comfortable and feel amazing on. I love wearing a kimono with denim shorts and tank tops because it’s just an easy summer look to throw on for all the casual events the summer brings. Crop tops with denim shorts would work well too. Finish the look with strappy sandals and a straw hat.

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Kimono Styled with a T-Shirt Dress

Here’s another way to style a floral print kimono with a dress. Dresses can make the best casual outfits by simply pairing them with sneakers. This floral kimono gives the dress a pop of color and added texture. It’s a fun outfit to wear to lunch with your friends.

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Kimono Styled with a Swimsuit

This long white kimono is a great alternative to a traditional coverup. Unlike some of the other outfits we’ve talked about so far, this kimono balances out the print of this adorable floral print bikini. The good thing about having a kimono as a coverup is that you can wear it with other outfits, so you’re utilizing it for many different looks. If you’re headed to a beach vacation, this look can easily take you from the beach to lunch.

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Kimono Styled with a Bodysuit

This high-neck bodysuit pairs perfectly with a kimono because they each bring balance to each other. The bodysuit is form-fitting, while the kimono is light and airy. Bodysuits are a great staple to have in your wardrobe, especially a white or black one because you can pair them with denim shorts shown here or with trousers and a blazer for a workwear look.

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Kimono Styled with Mom Jeans

Mom jeans are just a win-win because they’re so comfortable yet very on-trend. I’d recommend wearing a more form-fitting top like this bodysuit because the mom jeans have a looser fit as well. Layering a kimono over the top of the bodysuit gives it a dressier look. These brown braided heeled sandals warm up the look a bit. You could also pair this look with mules or white sneakers.

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Kimonos are a great staple to have for your spring and summer wardrobe because they can be worn with a variety of outfits. What type of outfit do you like to wear a kimono with best? Let me know in the comments below!

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