10 Cute Accessories to Match Your Kimono Rental in Asakusa
If you want to rent a kimono in Asakusa, pay special attention to choosing your accessories.
Just like with Western clothing, when it comes to kimono, the way you choose your accessories can greatly enhance your style. Even with the same kimono outfit, the atmosphere can change dramatically.
For those of you who may be thinking, “Choosing accessories is difficult,” let me introduce you to 10 recommended cute kimono accessories when you rent a kimono in Asakusa.
Achieve Taisho Roman Style with Western Accessories!
While many people choose Japanese-style accessories for kimono outfits, it’s also recommended to use Western-style accessories for your kimono ensemble.
By incorporating Western accessories into your kimono ensemble, you can instantly create a Taisho Roman atmosphere. This is perfect for those who appreciate a retro ambiance.
Examples of coordinating retro kimono and antique kimono outfits at Rikawafuku Kimono Asakusa Shop are showcased here.
> Asakusa Retro Kimono Rental Plans and Antique Kimono List
When renting a kimono, here are three recommended Western accessories that you can pair with it:
Beret Hat
Surprisingly, kimonos and hats go well together, especially retro-chic hats like beret hats. When paired with antique kimonos, they can create a unique Taisho Roman atmosphere.
Since hats are worn on the head and do not overlap with the kimono, they are recommended accessories even for kimono styling beginners. They can easily create a retro-modern atmosphere, making them a great choice.
Also, items like ‘straw hats’ go well with kimono rentals, so be sure to give them a try.
Boots
Boots are also perfect Western accessories to create a Taisho Roman look. While the compatibility of kimono with shoes can vary, boots have been used historically, dating back to the mid-Meiji era, with kimonos and hakama outfits.
Therefore, there is less risk of making a mistake, and it’s easy to coordinate even for kimono beginners.
When pairing with boots, it’s recommended to rent a kimono with a slightly shorter length to make the boots stand out.
Pearl Earrings
Pearl earrings may seem less conspicuous compared to the aforementioned accessories, but that’s precisely why they can be useful for adding a subtle accent and creating an ambiance. Due to their understated appearance, they are also recommended as introductory accessories for achieving a Taisho Roman style.
Pearl earrings can evoke an elegant retro feel reminiscent of upper-class women in the Taisho era, making them ideal for wearing with more formal kimono such as komon.
It’s considered etiquette not to wear earrings with kimono dressing, but that applies to formal occasions like weddings and funerals. When dressing up in kimono for enjoyment in Asakusa, you won’t inconvenience anyone, so feel free to enjoy your kimono styling to the fullest.
For additional accessory options available at Rikawafuku Kimono Asakusa Shop, please check here:
> Kimono Rental Accessories Options
Incorporate Japanese-style Accessories for a More Elegant Kimono Look!
Kimono rental alone might seem too ordinary for some people. By adding accents or focal points with glamorous accessories to your kimono dressing, you can make it even more elegant and eye-catching.
For accentuating your kimono rental, here are three recommended accessories:
Hair Ornaments
For kimono accessories, including hair ornaments like kanzashi, there are many flamboyant and decorative hairpieces available. For example, hair ornaments featuring flowers and ribbons created using ‘tsumami zaiku,’ a traditional Japanese craft dating back to the Edo period, are both intricate and warm in appearance.
These types of hair ornaments are unique to Japanese-style dressing and are less commonly seen in modern Western-style fashion. However, this uniqueness allows them to stand out as accents, and considering that you’re already wearing traditional Japanese clothing, it can be fascinating to incorporate accessories you don’t usually wear.
Particularly, elaborate hair ornaments like large flowers and ‘shidare’ (hanging) styles, while being eye-catching, are not commonly used outside of Japanese dressing, making them highly recommended as accents.
Japanese Umbrella
In daily life, you might rarely see Japanese umbrellas, but that’s precisely why they are highly recommended as accents.
Japanese umbrellas are another accessory that is rarely used outside of Japanese dressing. Not only do they stand out, but it’s also enjoyable to use items you don’t typically use on special occasions like this.
Some might think, ‘But umbrellas are only for rainy days!’ However, Japanese umbrellas come in both rain and sun versions, so you can enjoy the refined Japanese style even on sunny days.
Bag
As for bags, they are also recommended accessories to accentuate your kimono.
For traditional Japanese attire, there are Japanese-style bags, sometimes called ‘kimono bags,’ that use fabrics like brocade and are highly decorative.
If your kimono has a subtle pattern or design, using such a flashy bag can serve as an accent.
When pairing a Western-style bag with a kimono, you need to be cautious about your choice. For instance, combining a luxurious-looking bag with kimono can give off an impression similar to that of a hostess, so be mindful when selecting a bag to match your kimono.
Customize Your Dressing Accessories for a Stylish Kimono Look!
If collecting various dressing accessories seems like a hassle, how about customizing the accessories you already have for your kimono dressing?
With the right creativity, you can use a single accessory for a wide range of dressing styles, making it very economical.
Moreover, since it’s unique to you and won’t be duplicated by others, you can enjoy a completely original dressing style.
Below, let’s introduce some recommended accessories for customizing your dressing:
Scarf
A scarf is typically worn around the neck, but when customized as a substitute for a ‘obi-age’ in dressing, it can create a unique retro look when combined with Western-style patterns that complement the kimono.
An ‘obi-age’ is a garment used to conceal the obi pillow or cords and is considered an accessory that accents the kimono.
By using a scarf as an alternative to the conventional ‘obi-age,’ you can incorporate colors and patterns not typically seen in traditional obi-age, enhancing the overall elegance and retro feel of your dressing.
While you can wear a scarf around your neck with a kimono, using it in this slightly creative way can further elevate your sense of style.
Brooch
A brooch is also an excellent accessory for customization. When used as an ‘obi-dome,’ it adds a stylish touch to your obi.
In recent times, there has been a variety of ‘obi-dome’ options available, but brooches often feature more flamboyant and luxurious designs, making them a great choice for dressing accents.
Attaching a brooch as an ‘obi-dome’ is surprisingly easy; you can simply pass the brooch through a ‘brooch attachment clasp’ designed for obi-dome purposes to quickly transform it into an obi-dome.
These ‘attachment clasps’ are widely available online and in kimono shops, making it relatively easy to obtain one. Having your favorite brooch for dressing can be quite convenient.
Belt & Bow Tie
Belts and bow ties are also recommended for customization as they work well as substitutes for ‘obi-jime’ and ‘obi-dome’ in dressing. Belts, in particular, have metal parts that can serve as obi-dome, allowing you to combine two dressing accessories into one.
They add a stylish accent, are cost-effective, and are easy to use, making them suitable even for kimono beginners. They truly serve as a versatile dressing item.
Using a bow tie as a substitute for obi-dome can create a soft, charming impression with the fabric’s unique texture and the ribbon as a lovely touch on top of the obi.
Author of this article
Kimono rental Rikawafuku Asakusa store
(Operating company: TripFarm Co., Ltd.)
By 2023, more than 230,000 people will be wearing kimonos in a year
2-16-9 HULIC & New Kaminarimon 6F, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034
3 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
1 minute walk to Kaminarimon
Click here for the website of our sister store, Kano-Wafuku（浅草の着物レンタル 花乃和服）.
