Rent a retro kimono in Kyoto! 10 accessories to match

Retro kimonos are characterized by unique patterns like floral motifs and Western-style stripes, offering a distinctive and charming style different from regular kimonos. If you’re not familiar with what retro kimonos are, take a look here!

Check out the list of retro kimonos available at Rikawafuku Kimono Kyoto here:
> Kyoto Antique Kimono Rental Plans and Retro Kimono List

They pair well with Western-style accessories, and by combining retro kimonos with items like boots and scarves, you can create a chic, Taisho-era ambiance.

In this article, we’ll introduce 10 accessories that are easy for kimono beginners to incorporate when wearing retro kimonos.

For tips on looking cute in kimonos in general, check out “10 Ways to Look Cute in Kimono Rentals in Kyoto.”

1. Beret

The beret is one of the hats that pairs well with retro kimonos. Simply wearing a beret can give you a retro vibe reminiscent of Taisho-era schoolgirls. Berets don’t overlap with kimonos, making them an easy accessory to incorporate into your kimono coordination.

If you want to style your kimono in a casual and modern way, consider simple designs like black or beige berets. A natural beige beret goes perfectly with intricate or vintage patterns, making it an ideal accessory for retro kimonos.

A refreshing beret can also be paired with yukata outfits. Vibrant colored berets are a good match and can serve as an alternative to traditional hair ornaments.

When matching a beret with your retro kimono, choose a color and design that complements your kimono style. We also have some beret-based outfit ideas to share.

Kyoto Antique Kimono Rental Plans and Retro Kimono List

Boots

Boots have been a staple item for kimono outfits since the Meiji era, representing a fusion of Japanese and Western fashion.

Boots are versatile and complement retro-style kimonos perfectly. Wearing boots can give your overall look a neat and polished impression.

You can easily incorporate them into your kimono outfit, even if your kimono has bold patterns and colors, making them suitable for kimono beginners. Additionally, boots provide better warmth compared to traditional sandals, making them ideal for winter kimono wear.

When choosing boots, it’s recommended to go for neutral colors like black, brown, or gray. Opt for a simple design that pairs well with patterned kimonos, adding a sense of elegance to your attire.

Short boots are a great choice as they are easy to balance with the kimono’s length. If you prefer long boots, consider pairing them with shorter kimono styles to highlight the boots.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories add a touch of elegance to your retro kimono outfit. They come in various types, including hairpins, headbands, and combs, allowing you to incorporate them into different hairstyles.

Many hair accessories feature elaborate and vibrant designs, making them perfect for adding a decorative accent to your kimono ensemble.

If you’re looking to match your retro kimono, consider hair accessories crafted using tsumami zaiku, a traditional Japanese handcraft technique. Tsumami zaiku accessories, such as flower or ribbon hairpins, exude a charming and authentic Japanese style that enhances your overall look, giving it a high-class and fashionable feel.

If you want to match your retro kimono, consider red, yellow, or purple hair accessories. Red adds a chic and high-class touch, while yellow is great for when you want to infuse a unique retro atmosphere.

Pairing purple hair accessories can create a modern and cool adult vibe.

Choosing your hair accessories to match the overall image of your kimono outfit is also a good idea.

Obi Clasp

An obi clasp is an accessory used with obi belts in kimono outfits. Many obi clasps feature cute designs like flowers or ribbons, and adding one can serve as a stylish focal point.

For retro kimonos, antique-style obi clasps are recommended. Seasonal-themed obi clasps are also a great choice, as they not only enhance your fashion but also make you look like a kimono connoisseur.

You can even use your existing brooches as obi clasps. Simply attach an attachment fixture for obi clasps to your brooch, and it will easily become an obi clasp.

Attachment fixtures for obi clasps are readily available in many kimono shops and online, making it convenient for you to convert your favorite brooch into an obi clasp.

Bag

If you want to accessorize your retro kimono, consider adding a bag. Kimonos and bags go together beautifully, and by combining a retro kimono with a Western-style bag, you can create an ambiance reminiscent of the Taisho era. Pairing it with a simple leather bag can add a touch of modernity.

Traditional Japanese-style bags are also a classic choice, enhancing your retro look. Clasp purses or cute bags with Japanese patterns can instantly elevate your style and add a hint of charm.

If you’re wearing a retro yukata, consider a woven bag, which not only complements your outfit but also adds a refreshing touch.

However, be cautious when selecting a Western-style bag, as if not matched correctly with the kimono, it may clash and create an awkward appearance. When combining a bag with your kimono, carefully consider whether the bag complements the kimono’s ambiance.

Scarf

Scarves are also versatile accessories that go well with retro kimonos. While you can simply wear a scarf around your neck, for a retro kimono, using it as a belt decoration is recommended.

An obi decoration is used to hide the obi pillow or cords and serves as an accent for your kimono outfit.

By wrapping a scarf around your obi instead of using a traditional obi decoration, you can create a more vibrant and retro atmosphere by combining the colors and patterns of the scarf with your kimono.

Since scarves offer unique colors and patterns, they are great for those who want to add their own stylish touch to their kimono outfit. If you want to make your retro kimono look fashionable, be sure to try using a scarf as an obi decoration.

Gloves

If you want to elevate your retro kimono look to a more sophisticated level, consider adding gloves. Gloves make a perfect accent for kimonos with traditional patterns. They are also a stylish cold-weather accessory, making them ideal for wearing kimonos in chilly seasons.

When pairing gloves with a kimono, black gloves are recommended. Combining jet-black gloves with your outfit can create a retro ambiance reminiscent of the Taisho era.

If you’re wearing a retro yukata, opt for lace gloves to add a touch of charm and elegance to your ensemble.

Once you get used to coordinating with black gloves, consider experimenting with gloves in other colors.

Shawl

Wearing a shawl draped over your shoulders is another recommended accessory for retro kimonos. Shawls are easy to carry and can be casually worn as needed, making them a convenient choice for enjoying retro kimono outfits in the fall and winter.

Pairing a shawl with a kimono is simple, and by draping it normally, you can instantly achieve a stylish look. Patterned shawls also work well with retro kimonos and can create a classical ambiance with the right combination.

When choosing the color of your shawl, consider matching it with the base color of your kimono. To maintain the quality of your kimono’s texture, opt for shawls made of high-quality materials.

Sandals

If you plan to wear a retro kimono during the summer, consider pairing it with sandals. In recent years, more people have been wearing sandals with yukata outfits, and there is a growing selection of Japanese-patterned sandals that go well with kimonos.

Sandals with Japanese patterns on the thong are a great choice as they seamlessly match kimonos without disrupting the traditional ambiance. Cute sandals with Japanese patterns can add a touch of charm to your look.

Even Western-style sandals can become kimono-appropriate accessories depending on how you style them. Don’t hesitate to try various sandals to see what works best for your outfit.

Can-Can Hat

The cloche hat is a recommended accessory for summer retro kimono outfits. It is a type of straw hat that originally designed for men. The cloche hat pairs well with retro-patterned kimonos, and its material adds a touch of summer flair to your retro kimono ensemble.

When combined with ribbons or decorations, the cloche hat creates a girly look. Even larger brimmed cloche hats complement kimonos beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a more summery kimono outfit. If you’re pairing a cloche hat with a kimono, it’s recommended to choose kimonos with retro-modern patterns or geometric designs for a chic look.