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4 Must-Have Kimono Dress Styles for Spring/Summer 2020

Rooted in Japanese tradition, the kimono has evolved into a versatile fashion essential and a standout trend for spring/summer 2020. With summer's call for airy, flowing dresses, the kimono dress captivates with its elegant femininity and bold prints.

Leading designers have long drawn inspiration from the kimono, featuring it prominently in runway collections. Each season, it adapts seamlessly to emerging trends, blending heritage with modern chic.

Wondering how to style a kimono dress in your wardrobe? What pieces pair best, and which trendy kimono dresses dominate this season?

What Is a Kimono Dress?

In Japanese, "kimono" translates to "thing to wear." The classic kimono dress boasts a straight silhouette, typically ankle-length with wide, flowing sleeves.

It wraps at the waist with an obi belt, a detail historically signifying social status in Japan, worn by both men and women.

Today, contemporary designers reimagine this timeless piece for modern wardrobes, preserving its signature cut while infusing fresh appeal.

Modern kimono dresses feature prints blending retro and current vibes—think floral motifs, geometrics, or animal patterns. Lengths vary from short to midi and long, offering options for every preference.


Which Body Types Suit the Kimono Dress?

The kimono dress flatters most figures thanks to its fluid fabrics and relaxed cut, ideal for curvy, slim, tall, or petite frames.

  • For curvier silhouettes, it skims hips, buttocks, and thighs gracefully. Choose a mid-length kimono dress (midi) with a V-neck and 3/4 sleeves to highlight the bust.
  • Petite? Pair a short kimono dress with heels for added height.
  • Tall? All lengths work—short, midi, or long—with heels or flats.

How to Style a Kimono Dress

Steeped in Japanese tradition, the kimono dress gets a 2020 update through modern cuts and thoughtful accessorizing for effortless style.

Here are 4 fresh ways to wear the kimono dress this summer!

The Gypsy Boho Style

This season's gypsy trend amps up bohemian chic with ethnic flair.

It mixes refined fabrics and fluid drapes for a wanderlust vibe that's chic and adventurous. Kimono dresses are perfect for nailing this look.

Gypsy boho kimono dress tips: Select a long, flowery print for poetic charm. Pair with oriental jewelry, a hair scarf, ankle boots, or leather sandals.

@amazon

The Chic Style

For elegant evenings, choose a stunning kimono dress that turns heads.

Opt for satin or silk kimono dresses to elevate your outfit.

Channel red-carpet glamour with a long red kimono dress featuring a subtle leg slit—pure Hollywood allure.

@asos

Retro Style

Vintage vibes rule 2020, reviving '70s geometrics, oriental florals, stripes, and bold orange-violet hues with structured shorts.

  • For Romy Schneider elegance, pick a short kimono dress with geometric prints.
  • Add high leather boots for a Janis Joplin rock edge!

@Sezane

Tropical Style

Tropical prints invade fashion this season, bringing exotic, plant-filled vibrancy.

Elegantly embrace it with a long kimono dress in tropical motifs. Style with trendy mules and hoop earrings, or white sneakers for casual cool—keep patterns minimal to avoid overload.

@pinterest

Summary

Ultra-versatile for all body types, the kimono dress shines this season. Craft a modern kimono dress look with these tips:

  • Gypsy boho: Long dress with ethnic and floral prints.
  • Chic evening: Long silk kimono.
  • '70s retro: Short with geometrics.
  • Tropical contemporary: Tropical or animal prints.