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How to turn any wrap dress into a kimono style jacket: a two-for-one fashion hack

Feel like you don’t have anything to wear? At one point, we’ve all been there. You don’t have to buy new pieces, though, to come up with fresh outfits. If you have a couple of wrap dresses hanging in your closet but don’t feel dressy, we’ve got a styling hack for you: Use it as a kimono! We’ll give you the 4-1-1 on how to turn any wrap dress into a kimono style jacket.

Choosing the right wrap dress

Wrap dresses are a classic. They flatter all kinds of figures, can be worn on both casual and special occasions, and are super fashionable and easy to style.

There are many designs and styles of wrap dresses. How do you pick the right one for you? We got you covered. Here are some of the popular wrap dress styles.

Long sleeves

Perfect for evening wear and the cooler months, wrap dresses with long sleeves keep you warm against the chilly weather. This style is great for apple and pear-shaped bodies. Long sleeves such as the Shawnee Wrap Dress make comfy yet breezy kimono-style robes too.

Sleeveless

If you have it, flaunt it! Sleeveless wrap dresses are great for baring some skin. Look at how pretty this Collette Wrap Dress is! Wraps like this complement rectangular body types as these create a more defined body shape. When used as a kimono, sleeveless wrap dresses give off a bohemian chic vest vibe.

V-neckline

Many wrap dresses come with a v-neckline. There is a variety of styles for this neckline — from low v-necks with good coverage to sultry and flirty plunging v-necks. Wrap dresses with v-necklines like the Emi Wrap Dress in Mauve look good on everyone regardless of bust size and body type. However, they are best on petite, curvy, apple, and athletic ladies.

Florals

From ditsy daisies to big tropical flowers, you have a variety of florals to choose from. Little flowers look great on everyone and they give off a young vibe. Quite the contrary, bigger flowers like that of the Emi Wrap Dress in Black have a mature effect. Medium-size florals are perfect for slender, athletic, pear, and hourglass figures while larger ones tend to make you look bigger.

Bohemian patterns

Paisley, florals, vintage prints – these are all boho chic patterns. Wrap dresses used as kimono jackets with these prints spice up basic outfits. Vintage florals and elements as seen on the Sage Wrap Dress are reminiscent of the Victorian era with their classical appeal. Paisley, lines, and boho stripes are festive and playful like the 70s hippie trend.

Dark or dainty

Wrap dresses come in various colours. Pick a colour palette that speaks about your personality, expresses your mood, and helps you achieve the charm you are going for.

Dresses that have a dominant dark color have that mysterious effect. Look at how the colours of the patterns on this Ciara Dress in Black contrast with the dark background to give a sophisticated gypsy impression. Our styling reco: best paired with leather boots.

Wraps with a pastel palette are key to achieving that dainty girly-girl allure. The subtle tones are easy on the eyes and sweet to look at. Put on strappy sandals or heels to complete your pretty girl feel. Take cues from this lovely look featuring the Emi Wrap Dress in Olive.

Steps to transform your wrap dress into a kimono style jacket

Get that wrap dress hanging in your closet and now it’s time to elevate your look. This is how to turn any wrap dress into a kimono style jacket.

Slide your arms into the sleeves

How to turn any wrap dress into a kimono style jacket is pretty simple. You can even do it in one step! Get your wrap dress, slide your arms into the sleeves, let it drape, and voila! You have a stylish kimono to upgrade your fit.

Create a bow with the ties

If the ties hanging loose are bothering you, shorten it by creating a mini bow. Doing so will not only make your dress-turned-kimono look cuter but it will also prevent you from stepping on the ties or it getting caught up.

Tie it at the back

Another way of styling your wrap dress as a kimono jacket is to put the ties together at the back. This way, you won’t have to deal with hanging and loose ties. Plus, it adds a lovely touch from the back!

Styling your kimono style jacket for everyday wear

Now that you know how to turn any wrap dress into a kimono style jacket, it’s time to explore the different stylish ensembles that you can come up with. Oh, and we’re throwing in some style tips too so continue reading!

Sleeveless + denim combo

The sun is up and shining bright. Whether you are going on a beach trip or casually running errands on a hot day, a sleeveless top and denim combo is a quick and easy yet no-fail fit. 

If you feel that it looks too basic, simply put on your wrap dress as a kimono jacket and look fab in an instant. Wrap-dresses-turned-kimonos are great for adding flair to outfits that compose of basic and simple pieces.

The Cienna Designs Bandeau Top paired with denim shorts is a perfect duo for warm months. Not only does this pair look good together but it also is comfy, especially when the air gets a little humid. To spice this up, wear your wrap dress as a kimono.

Not so comfortable wearing a bandeau? Don’t worry! Denim shorts also look good with a sleeveless top like this Rib Singlet. Not to mention, this has more coverage. Girlies who want to flaunt this look but don’t want to bare so much skin can throw over a wrap dress as a kimono.

Flowy with pants

Bohemian style is all about being carefree so flowy pants are definitely a must-have in your boho closet. These pants are typically worn with fitting tops like a bandeau for balance or an equally breezy top to keep everything flowy and free-spirited. 

Did you know that flowy pants work well with kimonos too?

One fashion tip that you must remember is that balance is key to a harmonious outfit. Similar to yin and yang, pieces that are in contrast usually look nice together. Case in point: this printed bandeau with the loose Tropez Pants in Seafoam. Put on a wrap dress as your coverup.

See how the Tigerlily Kimono matches well with the loose top and flowy pants? You can use your wrap dress in the same way — as a robe that will keep the flowing silhouette of the entire outfit. Uber bohemian-chic, yes?

All-white ensemble

Minimalist and simple but sleek and stylish, wearing a white top with white bottoms is certainly a good idea. There is something about an all-white ensemble that makes the wearer look so pristine and elegant.

However, if you want a pop of colour to your rather monochromatic fit, then add a wrap dress worn as a kimono. Trust us — you’ll love how chic you will look! 

Here are some white pieces to help you rock this style.

Your closet would not be complete without a pair of white pants, right? Ditch the typical plain white jeans and go for these Scallop Crop UP Pants. The hem details are super pretty! Its material also helps hide your tummy, if you’re conscious about it.

Never compromise comfort for style and vice versa. The Taisha Top by Cienna Designs is both comfortable and stylish with its cool cotton fabric, collared neckline with buttons, and top pocket on the front left side.

The Poppy Top has elements that are popular in bohemian style, lace, and florals, which makes it a must-have in your wardrobe. This sleeveless blouse has buttons on the front, lace panels in the front and back, and viscose fabric.

Belt it up

Not into the free and easy form of your wrap dress as a kimono? Hug your figure and accentuate your waist by simply adding a belt. The belt will highlight your waist and put your wrap dress in place.

Big and chunky belts are perfect for hugging your figure. Belts like this Silver Buckle Belt are gorgeous and will add personality to your look. We like this particular piece because it uses handmade leather and has a pretty buckle. This comes in brown and tan in different sizes.

These wrap dresses are so pretty worn as is and as kimono jackets, don’t you agree? Any lady will look fabulous in these.

Find more bohemian chic pieces, accessories, homeware and inspiration at Gidgets today.