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BN Style: How to Rock – The Uber Stylish Modern Kimono

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My Designer Dreasm Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015

The kimono is a definite Summer must-have. It’s easy, comfy and can add the perfect dose of chic to your look.

When we first heard the trend had hit the Summer streets we were a bit concerned – the traditional kimono usually comes in soft fabrics and a big & thick belt that looks quite uncomfortable. But that isn’t the case.

The modern twist on the kimono is quite the opposite. Coming in mostly light fabrics, the new and improved kimono can go from the beach to a casual day without the wardrobe change hassle.

We absolutely love this trend and that’s why we are here with a few tips to help you rock the trend well into the Summer days ahead.

Check them out!

1. Keep your outfit items to a minimum
One way the kimono is proving to be worth buying is its ability to add some ‘umph’ to your outfit. It comes in a number of lengths, colours, patterns and prints, so your outfit takes on a life of its own. With this kind of addition, you don’t need to do too much underneath so as not to overwhelm your look.

You can rock anything from a tank top to a sleeveless jumpsuit under your kimono and still look great. The key is minimalism.

Check out Sayedero Enytan of the Fashion Engineer and this lovely fashionista from the Cassie Daves.com Kimono inspiration feature showing you how.

The Fashion Engineer Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015 Cassie Daves Kimonos - BellaNaija - March 2015002

2. When hitting the beach, a shorter length is best
Kimonos come in different lengths, and this can help vary your outfit options for any occasion. But when it comes to hitting the beach, we suggest a short kimono.

As fabulous as this fashion item may seem, the kimono can be overwhelming too. With all that sun, sand and water, the last thing you want is to drag around wet sandy fabric. So keep it short for ease and comfort.

Check out beach perfect outfits on fashion bloggers – the fab Nifesimi of The Skinny Hipster and the stylish Fisayo Longe of Mirror Me.

skinnyHip0066-2558100823-OFisayo Longe Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015

3. Get creative with colours
Even though kimonos usually come in prints and patterns, that should not be a limitation to what colours or prints you rock it on. You can add a pop of colour like the fashionable Sai Sankoh, or rock black and white underneath like makeup artist and stylista Dodos Uvieghara of IAmDodos.

BNMyStyleSai SankohTunde K. Mason for iamdodos.com

3. For a boho-chic look, the longer the better
We all have different looks we love – so when it comes to pulling off the boho-chic look, it is better to go for length and accents. The wide/long kimono will most likely fall down your shoulders which will give off a layered look; and a long skirt finishes the look.

You can also achieve this by adding accessories like a wide-rimmed sun hat for that Indie vibe.

We love how Agatha Ashi of Irony of Ashi made this look stand out in her black kimono and Tamika of My Designer Dreams in her red and white print kimono and long blue skirt.

IronyofAshi Kimono - BellaNaija- March 2015Cassie Daves Kimonos - BellaNaija - March 2015003

4. When it comes to jewelry, make a statement
Your kimono isn’t the only thing allowed to stand out. Make an even longer lasting impression with a bold statement necklace or some dainty jewelry that pack a punch to add more fab to your look.

The jewelry will balance out your look making your look complete.

We love the print on this Zanjoo kimono, and Patricia Bright looks laid back and stylish with her double accent necklace.

Aim for the Stars Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015Patricia Bright Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015

5. Cover up some more with a kimono
You know those times you want to show some skin but not too much? Well, the kimono is great for that. You can use it to reduce the parts of skin shown when rocking a cropped top or short skirt like Raschele from Cha Cha The Fashion Genius in this chic white kimono at the beach and this fun print kimono at the poolside.

Cha Cha The Fashion Genius Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015Cha Cha The Fashion Genius Kimono - BellaNaija - March 2015001

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Is the kimono a Summer fave for you? Share how you style it with us!

Photo Credit: IAmDodos | MomentsofStyle | TheFashionEngineer | CassieDaves | MyDesignerDreams | StylePantry | Ironyofashi | Blog.zanjoo | ChaChaThefashionGenius

Jennifer is the Beauty Editor & Style Representative of BellaNaija.com. Get in touch - Send an email to: beauty(at)bellanaija.com or style(at)bellanaija.com | Follow us on Instagram: @bellanaijabeauty OR @bellanaijastyle | Follow us on Twitter: @bellanaijastyle

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