How to Transition a Summer Kimono into Fall
So you know I am obsessed with kimonos, right? I just bought a new one yesterday. I simply couldn’t resist. I had been watching and waiting for it to go on sale. Not that it was expensive at full price, but I certainly did not need another kimono so I figured it was a little bit more fiscally responsible to at least wait for it to go on clearance. It started at $22.99 and I snagged it for $9.99. Here is a sneak peek.
I completely went off topic here. As will happen when the topic is kimonos. I could literally talk about them all day long on the subject of styling options for 12 month wear. Which is the topic I was hoping to get to with this post anyway…how to transition a summer kimono into fall. You may remember this pink floral kimono from earlier in the summer when I styled it with denim shorts, a white tee, and espadrille wedges.
With its vibrant floral pattern and airy chiffon fabric, this kimono is the perfect summer topper. But you know I don’t like to hide all the pretty things away when the weather starts to cool. So I am finding ways to keep my favorite pieces going into the chillier atmosphere of autumn. Of course, layering is the way to go. You could layer a long sleeve tee shirt, a turtleneck, or even a cardigan under a kimono for an extra layer of warmth to transition into the fall.
Or you can add an extra layer on top of your kimono. A coat or a jacket or a cardigan will do. However, when layering something on top of your kimono, you have to watch your proportions. A long trench coat over a duster length kimono is usually your best bet. But if you wanted to break some style rules, you could opt for a shorter jacket over a long kimono.
I shot these photos late in the spring when it was actually still snowing in northern New York. I was ready to break out my spring wardrobe, but as is the natural course of weather in northern New York, the temperatures are never warm enough until late May or early June. While I was actually transitioning from winter to spring with this combination, it works just as well as a transition from summer to fall.
Skinny jeans and magenta velvet booties keep me warm and still styled for cold weather while the bright floral print on my kimono and dusty rose color of my bomber jacket offer the splashes of color that are needed as the days become dreary. As the sun came out later in the day that these photos were shot, I was able to shed the jacket and remain sufficiently styled.
If you are not comfortable with layering your kimonos, an alternative option is to add some winter kimonos to your wardrobe. I am never opposed to adding new kimonos to my wardrobe to make sure that I have a decent selection for all year round. Long sleeve kimonos, kimonos that are constructed of heavier fabrics, and velvet kimonos are great for fall and winter. Another option for cooler weather is a cozy poncho, a ruana, or a super cuddly wrap. I think I may have an over abundance of all of those things, too!
What are you favorite summer pieces that you would like to continue wearing into the fall? How do you style them to make the transition?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
30 Comments
jodie filogomo
I love the idea of another layer over the kimono, Shelbee. It’s like a jacket over a dress!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jodie! Now if the weather just get below 80 degrees, I would be a very happy autumn-loving girl!
xoxo
Shelbee
Susan
I have a black constellation printed kimono, that I style all year long. I snagged a short sleeved velvet shirt on clearance, and I wear it underneath my black kimono. It keeps me warm and looks great. I pair it with my black fringe boots and get lots of compliments, and I look fierce, if I do say so myself. The kimono also works with a black sweater, but I like the velvet best. Come to think of it though, I haven’t worn my black kimono this summer.
You look great as usual Shelbee. Loving the pink boots.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Susan, this constellation kimono sounds amazing! I have been really into star prints lately. I guess I need to find a star/constellation kimono for myself now! Darn it, Susan, why do you tempt me so? I have a few velvet tee shirts and camis that I love for layering under kimonos, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
susan
I tempt you for the same reason you tempt me Shelbee. We are both addicted to kimonos, and the mere mention of one, spurs us on to new and greater shopping heights.
BTW, Torrid has a constellation print kimono on sale, atm, and it’s kinda nice. 😀
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Susan, I could seriously talk kimonos all day long and I love that I have discovered like minded women such as yourself! So much fun!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy Baten
Beautiful colours I a beautiful background!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! These photos were from my trip to Lake Placid, NY back in April. It was still cold and snowing and then it warmed up really quickly that I couldn’t use the photos on the blog because everything was summer themed! So I have a few more outfit shoots from that trip which I will be sharing in the fall.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cielo
Such creative styling! Love it!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cielo, thank you so very much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Great colors and way to bridge seasons!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Tamar! Now bring on the cool weather! I am ready.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Christensen
Gorgeous, girlfriend. I absolutely love those booties and that kimono is beautiful! Great transition outfit! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I am so ready for all the velvet things again and boot wearing weather!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
I love the look of kimono too. I am hoping to score one during the end of season sale when it happens. I did find one at F21 that I wanted to try but sadly was sold out in my size. This is a cute summer to fall outfit. I love at how all the different hues of pink just compliment each other in your outfit and that bomber jacket works really well for an extra layer. Adding that bit of comfort and chic vibe.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Maureen, thank you so much! I was a little unsure of all the different shades of pink when I put this outfit together, but then I was really pleased with outcome. The one nice thing about kimonos is that they are super loose fitting and flowy so you can often get away with the wrong size…going in either direction…too big or too small. The one I just bought was a size Large and I usually need plus size. I also have some that are way oversized but you can easily belt them to give more shape. I look forward to seeing what type of kimono you do end up with!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
We definitely share a love of kimonos. But I’ll tell you what, I think those booties are my favorite. I swear when I see you in them I want them so badly, I just love the color and style. They make my heart skip a beat, just like you sweet friend!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Kellyann, thanks so much! You are always so sweet! I just can’t get enough kimonos! Or cute booties, for that matter. The booties are still available at Shoe Dazzle! I can totally see you rocking out pretty magenta velvet boots.
xoxo
Shelbee
Osy osehie
Nice transitioning. Very pretty kimono
http://www.stylediarybyosy.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Osy! I do love my kimonos.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kim
What a great photo location! You are really working your kimonos, I look forward to seeing you style your new one, as it’s one of my favorite colors.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kim! These photos were taken in the Spring when I visited Lake Placid. I do need to get that new olive green kimono styled soon!
xoxo
Shelbee
Daydreams of a Mum
I always look forward to your posts Shelbee ,you put ideas in my mind I’d never have thought of as I’m quite dull in my usual fashion choices . Love a kimono #blogcrush
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Kelly, thanks so much! I really appreciate that! I do love taking style chances and keeping it fun and interesting. I am so glad that I could give you ideas! And I am sure you are not as dull as you may think you are…but remember, great things happen outside of your comfort zone. So don’t be afraid to take the chance and try something new and unexpected!
xoxo
Shelbee
michelle
THe bomber jacket & booties make this kimono look totally fall ready! Great styling!
michellespaige.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I wasn’t sure at first about the short bomber over the long kimono. But I do like the dramatic result.
xoxo
Shelbee
JTwisdom
Pretty Kimono and nice transition with the bomber jacket and suede boost. The burst of color is awesome.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, JT! I do love a good burst of color to brighten up a fall day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Karren Haller
I love your kimono, and how you are transitioning to take you into fall.
Be sure to stop by Live Laugh Love To Shop as you are being featured in the first week of my NEW Fashion Linkup called, “Make My Monday a Fashion Statement ” Be sure to Linkup your fashion posts and be sure to share to help me grow. Have a wonderful week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh Karren, you are so sweet! Thank you! I will certainly be there tomorrow and I will add it to my Fabulous Links Ups page and help spread the word, for sure. What fun!
xoxo
Shelbee