How to dress in winter
JUST because it is winter, it does not mean you cannot wear your summer clothes. You just need to know how to mix things up a bit. To be honest, it is really not that cold yet at this time of year — although I hope I’m not speaking too soon and I will wake up to freezing temperatures in the morning!
I love kimonos for all year round and they are such a versatile piece. From the work, to dinner, to shopping, to a casual look, but firstly let me give you definitions of some winter wear.
Ruana vs Kimono vs Poncho vs Cape
First and foremost, let us get some definitions out of the way. Because if you are a stickler for definitions like I am, you are confused and frustrated with these words being used interchangeably.
That is because they are not in fact interchangeable. Each one of those items is a different type of clothing. So let us get the definitions down before we go any further.
Poncho: I will start with a poncho as I think it is the one we are most familiar with. A poncho is an outerwear garment that is essentially a large piece of fabric (either square or rectangular) with a hole in it. To wear it, one simply slips it over the head. It has no sleeves or other openings.
Cape: A cape is similar to a poncho but it has an opening down the front which is usually sealed with a button closure. A cape also has slits for the arms to come through but no formed sleeves.
Kimono: A kimono is a long, open front cardigan with true sleeves. The sleeves are usually lose, as is the overall fit. Ruana: A ruana is a cross between a poncho and a kimono. It has an opening down the front like a kimono. However, it does not have full sleeves like a kimono does. It may just have a stitch or button to give the appearance of sleeves.
Mixed stripes kimono or ruana?
If you’ve understood the definitions of a kimono and ruana, you will note that the mixed stripes kimono is actually a ruana! Gasp! It’s been named wrong! I will refrain from calling the fashion police on this grave error because whatever the name of this item, I simply adore it. I love the thick and nubby texture. It is so cozy and comforting on chilly days. But I especially love the bold stripes. It makes for a striking outfit every time!
Mixed stripes kimono for play
The first time I wore the ruana was for my weekend getaway trip to San Francisco. With the weather there being cooler than in Los Angeles, I wanted a chic outer layer. The mixed stripes kimono was just the right item. I paired it with a black sweater and jeans. The result was exactly what I was looking for: chic, comfortable, and warm.