Petite Chic Mom

Kimonos are hugely popular among celebrity moms everywhere – from Chrissy Tiegen and Nicole Richie to Cindy Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker. These Asian-inspired tops have universal appeal as they are flattering for women of all ages and body types. They are sexy and stylish, yet provide coverage and modesty. They are the perfect hybrid between elegance and ease, and they single-handedly complement and complete our looks.

Black Bodysuit and Denim Cut-offs by Abercrombie, Crochet Kimono by Cleobella,

As the weather starts to cool, kimonos are a great transitioning piece for the fall season, which calls for lighter layers. These breezy, open wraps are perfect for layering as they provide casual comfort without the heaviness or bulkiness of jackets and blazers. They can be short-length to the hip, midi-length to the knee, or maxi-length to the ankle. The longer the kimono, the more dramatic the look.

“Paige” Kimono by Cleobella

Kimono: The first kimono seen here is a vintage crochet from Cleobella. Cleobella is a brand of bohemian fashion in which each item is handcrafted in Bali. Patterns are designed, hand dyed, and embellished individually, so that no two items are exactly alike. Each design is a timeless work of art. Cleobella’s intricate process and attention to detail are signatures of the brand. The artisanship and quality of crocheting can be easily appreciated with this kimono. This “Paige” kimono is hippie-worthy and exudes a musical festival aura. It can be found here and here.

Kimono by Blue Diamond

The second kimono seen here is lightweight, silky, and adorned with an oriental pattern for a more traditional style. It flows and drapes like a dream. I got this at LF Stores, which are found throughout South Florida, California, New York, the Boston area and Dallas. Unfortunately it’s only available in stores and not online, but here are other similar kimonos that I love:

H&M Patterned Kimono

Amuse Society Ever More Kimono

Tiare Hawaii Shipwreck Kimono

Melissa McCarthy Floral Fringe Kimono

Anna Sui Rosa Mexicana Kimono

This bohemian staple has gone full-on mainstream. It is a really diverse and structured piece to wear. This style statement is nothing short of super sophisticated with a hint of sexy. With so many options at every price point, you’re sure to find one that compliments you.

So what do you pair a kimono with? It’s important to keep the rest of your look streamlined to avoid looking bulky or even a bit costumey.

Black Bodysuit by Abercrombie

Layering Top: The kimono can be paired with a fitted T-shirt, silk camisole, tank top, bodysuit, or crop top. Neutrals like black, white, beige, and grey are a slam dunk. However, you can also match your top with a color in the pattern of the kimono. Feel free to pattern mix the top with the kimono. Here I’m wearing a simple black bodysuit from Abercrombie. Yes, that’s right, Abercrombie. It’s not just your daughter’s store. Occasionally, you can find age-neutral staples there that come in petite-friendly sizes.

I love the low neckline, which helps elongate my upper body (compared to the picture at the bottom of this post where I’m wearing a high halter neckline), the strappy back detailing, and the allover ribbed texture. And it’s only $24!

Low-rise denim cut-offs from Abercrombie

Denim Shorts: The rough and toughness of denim is a fun juxtaposition to the softness and romanticness of the kimono top. Choose any denim style in any wash.  Choose a rise, high-, mid-, or low-, that fits your body type best. For petites, rock the shorty shorts with 1”- 2” inseams, as this will give the illusion of longer legs. The bottoms of the shorts can be cuffed, cropped, or eve super-frayed.

However, if you have shorter legs like me, avoid chunky cuffed bottoms, which break up the elongating effect. I’m wearing a low-rise pair from Abercrombie.

Kimono by Blue Diamond

Combining denim bottoms with a layering top and striking kimono will create an artsy and dramatic look! The comfortable combination can work on any body type, and strikes a wonderful balance between dramatic and casual.

Mila Heel by Raye

Footwear: Lastly, choose shoes that goes with the vibe of the outfit. Pumps or ankle straps for a dressier look. Wedged sandals or espadrilles for dressy casual. Caged heels, peep-toe booties or lace-ups for a more edgy or boho look. Gladiators, sandals, or loafers for a super casual rendition.

I’m wearing Mila Heels from Raye. I love the “Whiskey” Color, the Lace Ups with Fringe Ties, and the Chunky Block Heel – oh so boho!  They are currently sold-out, but are re-stocking.  Here is a similar from Sam Edelman.

In the pictures below, I pattern mixed by top (which is a crochet knit) with the kimono (which is silk.)  I switched out my bodysuit top to a cropped crochet halter from Astr, and switched out my low-rise denim shorts to high-rise shorts so that I would not reveal too much of the midriff.

Crochet Top by Astr, High-Rise Button-Fly Denim Shorts by Abercrombie, Kimono by Cleobella

Pairing a Crop Top with High-Rise Denim Shorts

Please leave me a comment and tell me what you think!  Thank you!