velvet kimono styled 2 ways, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

How to Style a Kimono 2 Ways &#SpreadTheKindness Link Up #169

April 21, 2020 / 59 Comments
velvet kimono styled 2 ways, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways

My well of inspiration is running dry these days spent in lockdown mode. Since I draw my inspiration and motivation from human connections and my experiences in the world, it was only a matter of time before I ran out of things to say and topics to discuss that I haven’t already discussed a million times over. I have been digging through my old journals and finding lots of gems in there that have inspired a few pieces of writing, the most recent being Sunday’s post, Sunday Sillies: The Diarrhea Song. As much as I enjoy potty humor, it is not always appropriate and it can get tiresome very quickly. So let me shift gears to a good ole basic fashion post.

If you know me at all, you know how I love a good kimono. Any kimono will do but I have a preference for longer ones as well as more dramatic ones. This velvet burnout kimono seemed to be perfect for the transitional season. You get the easy flow for a warm weather vibe combined with a heavier fabric because the warm weather has not yet arrived.

kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
colored opaque tights, clogs, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways

I took these photos about 6 weeks ago when there was still snow on the ground in Northern New York. While the ground is no longer snow-covered, the temperatures have not been much warmer than they were in the beginning of March. It is still really gosh darned cold here with temperatures hanging around 35-50 degrees during the day and dropping back into the 20’s at night. I do believe these are the last of my snowy photos for the season, but you will still see me wearing layers and blanket scarves and cozy hats at least for the next few weeks. We won’t experience that sweet spot of 65 to 75 degrees until the middle of May at the earliest. If we are lucky! It did snow during the first week of June last year, so I don’t get all that optimistic any more.

But I digress. The weather is a rather boring topic, but it seems to be the only thing I have to discuss at the moment! Ah, but that is not at all true. I have the topic of styling a kimono 2 ways to share. This post idea sort of happened by accident. I initially styled my kimono over a black sleeveless dress layered over a long sleeve tee shirt, added matching tights, funky clog-like shoes, and a moto jacket and dashed off to the park to take some photos. I got so much snow inside my shoes, I don’t even know how I am smiling. Despite my poor choice of shoes for the weather, I still think they were the perfect choice of shoes for the outfit.

kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways

I have been shopping my closet much more often recently as I am trying not to spend so much damn money on clothes. I am also focused more on pre-loved items these days than acquiring brand new fast fashion pieces. We need to be more considerate of the environment and buying pre-loved clothing is one great way to do that. With tomorrow being Earth Day, now is a great time to shift your shopping habits as well. You can find some really amazing pre-loved items either in local thrift or consignment shops or the multitude of online resale sites like Poshmark. My dress and earrings are the only thrifted items I am wearing here, but everything else has been hanging around my closet for quite a while.

Now for the styling part…If I wear a kimono over a dress, I try to choose a dress that defines my waistline and has a bit of structure to counterbalance the inherently less structured nature of the flowing kimono. A kimono over a loose fitting dress has a tendency to add way too much volume to be flattering on my frame. You can solve that issue by adding a belt over either the dress or the kimono to taper in at your waist. Or simply opt for an A-line skater style dress with a defined waist like the one I am wearing.

kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways

Upon returning home after taking these photos, I found myself shivering like mad and my tights were just not keeping me warm. The fact that my feet were also immersed in the snow didn’t help either. So I quickly changed into jeans in preparation to spend the day sitting at my desk…warm and comfortable. But then I liked the kimono with my slouchy ripped denim so much that I headed out to the driveway to get some photos of it. This is where the idea for this styling post was born.

All elements of the original outfit are exactly the same except I ditched the dress and replaced my tights with velvet ankle socks in the same color and my favorite, most comfortable pair of jeans. The tee shirt is the same one that I had layered underneath my dress.

kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
distressed denim, velvet socks, clogs, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways

I have also styled this exact kimono over cut off shorts, a tunic, and ankle booties in an outfit that was inspired by my fave boho icon, Debbie of Fashion Fairy Dust. You can see that outfit here in a post from nearly 2 years ago, which helps to further illustrate the versatility and staying power of a fabulous kimono. You really cannot go wrong by throwing on a kimono with just about any outfit combination. It adds interest, drama, elegance, and maybe even a little bit of funk to a plain old outfit.

Are you a fan of kimonos? How do you style yours? Which of my styles do you prefer?

kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways
kimono, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, styling a kimono 2 ways

And now your featured favorites from last week.

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style shared her beautiful light and energy with us in her post, How Are You? Can You Still Stay Positive? I am always so inspired by Nancy’s positive energy!

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

My Favorite Fashion Post

Ashley of Le Stylo Rouge left me in a complete swoon over her Mixed-Print Outfit: Floral Silk Suit. These floral patterns are so much fun and the combination of the contrasting prints is absolutely brilliant. This outfit makes the best statement of personality ever!

Ashley of Le Stylo Rouge

My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Nanchi of Nanchi.blog shared a book review that has really piqued my interest in her post, Something Different-The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. The contents of this book include some wonderfully inspirational and motivational ideas such as you are what you think-good or bad and you have the power of choice, so choose wisely: happiness, gratitude, and joy over sadness, jealousy, and anger.

Nanchi.blog

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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I want to take one final moment to remind you that I have joined forces with Smile Brilliant to give away a complete at home teeth whitening system to one of my readers. Click here and enter your name and email address for a chance to win. Easy peasy!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Kimono-Torrid / Dress and Earrings-Thrifted / Tee Shirt-Target / Jeans, Tights, and Jacket-Old Navy / Socks-DSW / Belt-BedStu / Beret-TJ Maxx / Necklace-Michal Golan / Shoes-Online Somewhere

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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