The kimono abaya is the most versatile piece in any modest wardrobe. It bridges the fluid elegance of the Japanese kimono with the graceful coverage of the traditional abaya — creating something that belongs everywhere: in the office, at a wedding, on a weekend escape, or on a quiet Tuesday morning. Here are ten ways to style your KIMAIAN kimono abaya, each rooted in what we know about the women who wear our pieces.
1. Open over a simple dress
The purest expression: worn open over a long, simple dress in a neutral tone. The KIMAIAN embroidery does all the work. Our Camélia or Ayla are made for exactly this effortless layering.
2. Belted at the waist
A fine gold or black belt cinched at the waist transforms a flowing kimono abaya into a structured silhouette. This works especially well with the Kimono Niya — the gold belt echoes the gold embroidery, creating a coherent, intentional look.
3. With wide-leg trousers and mules
Cream palazzo trousers, a light blouse, and a broderie kimono draped over the top. The modest fashion look that never dates: comfortable, polished, and unmistakably graceful.
4. For a wedding or evening event
The right accessories transform a kimono abaya into evening wear. A gold clutch, silk heels, a coordinating chiffon hijab. Our Leyla — with its iridescent gold fabric and hand-applied embellishments — was designed to catch light in a room.
5. Layered over a plain closed abaya
A look beloved across Dubai and the Gulf: a simple closed abaya underneath, an open embroidered kimono over the top. Formal, measured, and beautiful in motion.
6. Paired with a coordinated hijab
Choose a hijab that picks up one secondary tone from your kimono. With the Charlotte Kimono in sage green and gold, a pale green or ivory hijab creates a quiet, harmonious elegance.
7. For a modest business look
Open kimono abaya over tailored trousers and a tucked blouse, clean loafers. Modern professional modest fashion — covered, confident, and entirely in control.
8. As a lightweight coat
In the in-between seasons — Paris in October, London in April — a broderie kimono replaces a coat. Layered over any long outfit, it adds graphic richness through its embroidery.
9. For travel
Light, packable, and adaptable across dress codes — the kimono abaya travels exceptionally well. It respects Gulf dress codes while reading as high fashion in European cities.
10. For Eid and family gatherings
Festive occasions call for the most carefully crafted pieces. Our embellished kimonos — the Niya, the Leyla, the Jade — were made to mark moments. Each is limited edition: once gone, it will not return.
Explore our handmade collections: Kimonos · Abayas. Crafted in Dubai. Shipped worldwide.