The Kimono Equation: How to Style Summer’s Chicest Layer
Red Magazine’s Sarah Bailey Declares the Kimono the Ultimate Summer Style Solution
At the glamorous Royal Academy Summer Party, Red Magazine Editor-in-Chief Sarah Bailey spotted what she calls the season’s smartest fashion formula: the kimono + party dress + platform heels combo. As rain swept through the courtyard, guests wrapped in elegant silk kimonos looked effortlessly chic and weather-ready—proving that style and practicality can coexist.
Bailey highlights the rise of Chinese cheongsam-inspired silhouettes, noting that while the High Street may label them as “mandarin neck,” the influence is unmistakable. Her advice? Keep the rest of your look pared back—minimal hair volume, skip the lace trims and stilettos—to let the kimono’s drama shine.
Holland Street’s printed silk kimonos embody this trend perfectly, offering bold florals, luxurious drape, and timeless versatility. Whether layered over a slip dress or styled with tailored trousers, they’re the bulletproof answer to Britain’s unpredictable summer soirées.
Explore Holland Street’s collection at holland-street.com.
