Kimono jackets - can't figure out if they're trendy or frumpy!

[MrsMeow]

I've bought one for a night out on Saturday, was planning to wear with black skinnies, black vest top and high heels. It's black with red flowers on and looked fab in my head when I tried it on at home though, I couldn't work out if it looked ok, or was a bit frumpy.

I've seen them on other people and they look lovely, but I just can't get past the old lady 'blouse' thing, I think thats the problem. Any ideas how I can make my outfit look less old?

this is the one I bought, however it looks much better in real life (honestly!)

I bought one but I am dithering, I can't decide whether I like it or not! It's this one.

OP it depends on the fabric. If the jacket is structured them I think it will work. But if it's all loosey goosey it'll look like pajamas and is a bit too Stevie Nicks to me.... And no one wants to look like Stevie Nicks!!

I've been thinking about this (I know, I really must get out more). I agree that they are very pretty but I just don't think they are flattering. As far as I can see all they do is cover up your shape so that you look twice as big as you really are, plus they make your legs look chunky. In fact they remind me of those oversize linen shirts that you sometimes still see women my age wearing, you know open like a jacket, over trousers.

It depends on how tall and slim you are.. If you're short and/or plump they will look frumpy no matter how they're styled..

I'm just bumping this thread to ask - do you think kimono tops would look ok on broad shoulders? I am a tallish inverted triangle shape and like the idea of these in theory, with skinny jeans but worried I'll look like a carrot!

DaftSkunk - I love the colours in that ASOS one! I think it's lovely but would prob keep the rest of the outfit really simple?

MakeTeaNotWar, agree with the sizing down, I did too and to be honest could probably have gone another size down.

Thanks again everyone for the help. My friend came round today and gave me her honest opinion which was to wear it at the weekend :) She also recommended wearing a red lipstick with it which is another step out of my comfort zone

Thanks mrsmeow I think I will get sending it back, I've got a feeling it would sit in the wardrobe and I'm trying to get really tough with myself that if I'm not that sure about something I won't buy/keep it.

see how long that lasts .

Ohh that's a shame, it's really lovely! I totally understand what you mean though. We've recently redecorated our bedroom and I had to get rid of so many clothes. Some still had tags on, I was so ashamed! I made a vow to only keep what I know I'll wear from now on.

What's putting you off? The colours or not sure what to wear with it? I'd buy it off you for my night out if it wasn't this weekend! V tempted myself...!

I'm not sure, I would keep the rest of the outfit simple but I just tried it on and thought . I was stalking it for ages and one came available in my size so I swooped in!

It's weird isn't it, there's definitely 'something' that holds you back sometimes. I know that if I get that feeling I'm likely to never wear it, no matter how lovely it is!

short-tick
plump-tick

removes kimono jacket thingie from tesco basket

Will give it one more try on tomorrow, if not it's going back!

try it with a splash of teal - earrings, necklace, nail polish. I bet it'll look fab!

Aw hugo, try it first! I'm only 5'5 and a size 14 but I got away with a size 12 and it really nips me in at the waist and makes me look more streamlined.

I'll have some cake though if its on offer!

5'5 is tall to me, but I think I really need to try it on in person.

You're too slow for the btw

Ah no worries, next time!!

Definitely try it on. The print caught my eye but i only tried it on because it was easy to throw over the top I had on whilst shopping, looks much better on :)