If you have any kimonos just hiding behind the rest of your clothes, you need to re-evaluate your wardrobe.

You might have good reason for ignoring them for most of the year, normally wearing them as beach cover-ups. Perhaps you bought one as part of an outfit for an outdoor music festival. Or maybe, you’ve simply forgotten about your kimonos, as you haven’t found that many occasions where you could wear them.

Light and airy, kimonos are perfect for layering in the Manila heat. As we know all to well, the Philippines isn’t really suited for outerwear unless it’s raining, unexpectedly chilly in the evening or too cold in the office. Depending on the time of year, normal cardigans sometimes are out of the question. Unlike cardigans, kimonos are cover-ups we can wear all year round.

Now the question, how do we style it? Let us count the ways:

1) All-black outfit

It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of summer and almost 40 degrees, some of us just like to wear black. All the time.

But every now and then, we’ll add a bit of color to our ensemble, whether that’s a blue heel, a pink lip or a red handbag.

If you have the Summer kimono cover-up or anything like it, the kimono is a great way to introduce some color and print into a rather dark outfit.

2) Crop top and culottes

You might not be able to wear your bathing suit top with your kimono in the city, but you can wear a crop top. A sleeveless v-neck midriff is already very chic when paired with culottes, though a kimono over the outfit will definitely take it up a notch. Plus, a kimono is great for those that are still a bit shy to show off their midsection.

3) Tank top and shorts

Probably everyone’s go-to outfit when they’re just lounging around the house (or just generally being super casual) is the tank top/tee and shorts combo. On days you can’t be bothered coming up with a better outfit but still want to look dressier than usual, finish the look with a kimono.

4) Bodysuit and mom jeans

Some people prefer the skintight silhouette, wearing a bodysuit with skinny jeans, which also would work with a kimono as the cover-up provides contrast in shape. However, mom jeans and kimono offer some consistency in silhouettes from top to bottom.

And if you don’t own a bodysuit, you can substitute with your black one-piece swimsuit.

5) A simple dress

Simple can mean something different for everyone, so let’s break it down. By a simple dress, I mean no prints (unless it’s very subtle, assuming you’ll wear a solid-hued kimono), made with one type of fabric, and form-fitting silhouettes. So anything that’s sheath, bodycon, slip and in some instances drop-waist, will work. Just remember not to wear silk slips with a kimono, as that’s an ensemble that should be kept within the boudoir.

6) Cropped tee and high waist leggings

Athletic gear is super comfy, but as highlighted in the previous post, we really should get rid of the habit of wearing cute gym clothes when we’re not actually going to the gym. If you’re attached to your oh-so versatile black leggings and tees, at least layer it with a kimono. You can even wear sneakers.

7) Monochromatic ensemble

A solid colored kimono can also be matched with your tailored separates in the same or similar shade. Instead of going to work in a blazer, pair a neutral-toned kimono with similar colored slacks and a white tee.

8) Jeans and boots

Need a way to spice up your typical jeans and tee look? How about a Maxi crochet kaftan wrap with a pair of black knee-high or OTK boots? This jeans outfit is anything but boring.

9) Any basic outfit

Do you feel like something’s missing in your outfit? If you haven’t caught on already, a kimono is an effortless way to add some oomph into your look, especially if you have a printed cover-up. While you can keep things comfortable, don’t be afraid to add other styling details, such as a statement necklace, wedges, or even a sparkly clutch.

10) Bra top and high waist jeans

Bra tops can be pretty difficult to pull off outside of the club scene. For a sexy but daytime appropriate look that will transition into the evening, wear a kimono over a bra top and high waist jeans. Whether you go for skinny, cropped, distressed, boyfriend, that’s up to you.

How will YOU wear your kimono?