Along with bathrobes, kimonos are one of my absolute staple wardrobe pieces. If you go back to look at photographs of all the greatest style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marisa Berenson, Diana Vreeland – they could not live without their kimonos. A kimono can be worn casually around the house where a housecoat would normally be of use; it can be worn in private over a sexy pair of knickers; and it can be worn in public either overtop an outfit or – and only if you’re extremely daring and painfully stylish – as the outfit.

Kimonos can be both short and long. However, only a truly elegant woman knows that the latter will serve her more drama as the years go by than an episode of Real Housewives. I suggest starting your own modest collection of kimonos. You’ll want at least one solid colour (black, off-white, peach or grey) in good quality silk. Next, you’ll want a few patterned kimonos. Florals work best here, but try to find interesting prints with say little monkeys or pineapples hidden throughout. The best kimonos are those sourced on holiday somewhere exotic. I don’t buy as many clothes as I used to when on a trip, but if there’s one thing I always indulge myself in, it’s a new kimono.

Once you have a base of at least 3 different types of kimonos, you can then begin to amass all the wonderful variations in prints, fabrics, and lengths. I’m still on the hunt for a traditional Japanese kimono but refuse to buy it anywhere but in Japan. You see, there’s a method to my madness. There’s even kimonos for men, if you want to be matchy-matchy with your boo.

And don’t shy away from more affordable versions, so you don’t have to feel so bad when you spill red wine on it (because drinking wine in a kimono is a glamour requisite). I love my latest one from Guess, that I wore to Coachella this past weekend. I styled it with my new Stuart Weitzman Romanesque flatforms, and wore nothing but a one-piece swimsuit underneath. Another magic moment where the kimono is second to no other piece of clothing? Poolside. So many women could benefit from donning a kimono when they make their way to the bar from their spot in the sun; it’s one of the most underrated style opportunities and I wish more of us would take the time to dress for it. Don’t you think?

Leave me a comment below with your thoughts on the wonderful word of kimonos and how you like to style yours!

And if you want to shop this look you’ll find some of my favourite kimonos here:

Stuart Weitzman Romanesque sandals // Saddle Bag // GUESS Constanze Duster coat // TOMS Blythe sunglasses // PANDORA necklaces // PANDORA bracelets //