The season of autumn harvest and colorful foliage has arrived. With the comfortable climate of this time of year, going out in kimono becomes even more enjoyable.
Perhaps you’ve been thinking, “This autumn, maybe I’ll try wearing a kimono for an outing.”
Or maybe you’re wondering, “What kind of kimono should I wear for my child’s Shichi-Go-San celebration?”
In this article, we’ll cover everything from the basics of choosing kimono for autumn, to coordination ideas suitable for outings and Shichi-Go-San, as well as tips on accessories that bring out the beauty of the season.
Basics of Autumn Kimono Coordination: Key Points for Bringing in Seasonal Flair
Autumn is the season when wardrobes shift from hitoe (unlined kimono) to awase (lined kimono), making it the perfect time for deeper colors and rich patterns to stand out beautifully.
By keeping the basics of kimono selection in mind, you can feel confident and at ease when dressing for outings or Shichi-Go-San celebrations.
With thoughtful choices in fabric, colors and patterns, and accessories, you can enjoy a stylish look that fully reflects the spirit of the season.
Choosing Fabrics: Transition from Hitoe (Unlined) to Awase (Lined)
Autumn is the perfect season for transitioning your kimono wardrobe.
- Late September to early October: When the lingering heat remains, hitoe (unlined kimono) or usumono (lightweight summer kimono) are ideal. With their breezy comfort, they keep you cool even on warmer days.
- From October onward: As the temperature drops, it’s time to switch to awase (lined kimono). The lining provides warmth and helps create a calm, autumn-like atmosphere.
Popular fabric choices include chirimen (crepe), tsumugi (pongee silk), and omeshi (a type of high-quality woven silk).
Chirimen offers softness and an elegant look, while tsumugi has a casual warmth. Omeshi carries a solid, refined texture, making it perfect for more formal occasions.
By selecting fabrics that match the scene or occasion, you can enjoy your outing with confidence.
Colors and Patterns Suitable for Autumn
In autumn kimono coordination, incorporating colors and patterns that reflect nature greatly enhances the sense of the season.
| Point | Examples | Features & Impressions |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Persimmon orange (kaki-iro), deep red (enji), mustard yellow (karashi-iro), matcha green, deep green, dark brown, gray | Evokes warmth and depth, creating a calm and autumnal atmosphere |
| Patterns | Autumn leaves, chrysanthemum, grapes, chestnut, bush clover, autumn grasses, insects’ voices (mushi no koe motifs) | Emphasizes the season, giving a refined yet vibrant impression |
| Simple Style | Solid colors, Edo-komon (fine repeating patterns) | By adding autumn tones to obi or accessories, you can express the season subtly and elegantly |
For those who want to learn more about seasonal kimono motifs and designs, please also refer to:
[Summary of Autumn Kimono Patterns and Motifs | Seasonal Designs for September, October, and November]
Choosing Obi and Accessories: Balance and Accents
The accessories around the obi play a major role in shaping the overall impression of a kimono. By incorporating autumn-inspired colors and materials, your coordination will instantly feel more seasonal and expressive.
▶Obi-jime (Decorative Cord)
Colors inspired by nature—such as deep red (enji), mustard yellow (karashi-iro), and deep green—work beautifully in autumn. Adding just one instantly sharpens the overall impression and enhances the seasonal feel. Using cords with texture also adds depth to your outfit.
▶Obi-age (Sash Cover)
Fabrics with an autumn-like feel, such as chirimen (crepe), are recommended. Choosing persimmon or wine red brings a touch of elegance to a calm atmosphere. Since the obi-age softly connects the kimono and obi, it plays a role in balancing colors while also adding an accent.
▶Haori & Shawls
As mornings and evenings grow cooler, haori (kimono jackets) and shawls become essential for both warmth and style. A plain haori in an autumn color highlights both the kimono and obi, while even a light shawl draped over the shoulders can transform the mood.
▶Footwear & Bags
These complete the coordination by tying all accessories together. Choosing subdued tones like brown or gray gives an outfit a sense of seasonal depth. Items with rich texture further enhance the autumn feel.
Recommended Autumn Kimono Coordination Examples by Occasion (TPO)
Autumn offers a comfortable climate, making it the perfect season for outings in kimono. In this section, we’ll introduce recommended coordination ideas tailored to different occasions, such as leisure outings and Shichi-Go-San celebrations.
Autumn Outing and Leisure Style
Autumn offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy outings in kimono, such as viewing autumn leaves, visiting museums, or having lunch with friends.
▶ For Autumn Leaf Viewing and Strolling
Tsumugi, komon, or cotton kimono are recommended for their comfort and ease of movement. Coordinating with a Nagoya obi or a hanhaba obi creates a light, casual look while also making it easier to walk around.
▶ For Museum Visits, Theater, or Lunch Outings
Choosing komon, iro-muji (solid-colored kimono), or Edo-komon gives a slightly more formal impression. Pairing them with a Nagoya obi or a lighter fukuro obi adds an elegant touch.
▶ Tips for Staying Comfortable
In early autumn, the temperature often differs between daytime and evening, so carrying a haori (kimono jacket) or a shawl is reassuring. Simply layering a light haori not only keeps you comfortable but also adds a touch of seasonal flair.
Kimono Styles for Shichi-Go-San Celebrations
Since grandmothers often appear in photos at Shichi-Go-San celebrations, an outfit that conveys calmness and elegance is well appreciated.
▶ Mother
The kimono a mother wears at Shichi-Go-San is an important factor that greatly influences the impression of family photos.
By maintaining elegance while adding a touch of seasonal brightness, her outfit becomes perfectly suited for such a celebratory day.
| Item | Recommendation | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Kimono | Homongi (visiting kimono), Tsukesage, Iromuji (plain-colored kimono), Edo Komon with crests | Aim for refined elegance with a modest, dignified style |
| Color | Light gray, soft purple, deep green, etc. | Prioritize harmony between mother and child |
| Obi | Fukuro-obi (simple and elegant patterns) | Maintain formality while creating a composed look |
▶ Grandmother’s Kimono
Since grandmothers often appear in photos at Shichi-Go-San celebrations, an outfit that conveys calmness and elegance is especially appreciated.
By keeping in mind the role of complementing the mother’s and children’s brightness and charm, the overall balance of the family’s appearance is enhanced.
| Item | Recommendation | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Kimono | Homongi (visiting kimono), Tsukesage, Iromuji (plain-colored kimono), Edo Komon with crests | Aim for a modest yet dignified style |
| Color | Light gray, soft purple, deep green, etc. | Maintain harmony with mother and children |
| Obi | Fukuro-obi (simple and elegant patterns) | Preserve formality while expressing composure |
▶ Children’s Kimono
As the main focus of Shichi-Go-San, children’s kimono styles vary depending on age.
By incorporating patterns that reflect the season, the family photos will have a warm, autumnal charm.
| Age | Kimono Characteristics | Color & Pattern Highlights | Detailed Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years (Girls) | Cute and easy to move in with hifu style | Bright colors with floral or rabbit motifs | 👉 Complete Guide to 3-Year-Old Shichi-Go-San |
| 5 years (Boys) | Dignified look in hakama style | Popular in black, navy, and deep green, accented with gold or white | 👉 Complete Guide to 5-Year-Old Shichi-Go-San |
| 7 years (Girls) | Four-panel kimono with an obi, styled like a furisode | Vivid colors such as red or light blue, with hair accessories for individuality | 👉 Complete Guide to 7-Year-Old Shichi-Go-San |
Fun Tips for Enjoying Autumn Kimono Even More
Here are a few simple ideas to make spending autumn in kimono even more comfortable and stylish.
With attention to small details, both the comfort and the overall look of your outfit will be greatly enhanced.
How to Choose Juban and Undergarments
Since autumn brings large temperature differences between morning, daytime, and evening, choosing the right inner layers is essential.
| Season | Recommendation | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Early Autumn (September – early October) | Cotton-blend undergarments, lightweight juban | Stay comfortable even when some summer warmth lingers |
| Late Autumn (late October – November) | Wool-blend undergarments, thicker juban | Provides warmth to handle the chill |
| General Tip | Adjust inner layers as needed | Maintain comfort while keeping the same outer kimono look |
Kimono Dressing Tips
When spending long hours at outings or Shichi-Go-San, it’s helpful to use small techniques that prevent your kimono from becoming disheveled while keeping you comfortable.
| Key Point | Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tie the koshi-himo firmly | Adjust so it stays secure without restricting movement | Keeps the kimono in place even while walking |
| Use an itajime (belt) or padding | Stabilizes the chest area | Provides安心 even when holding children or during long periods of movement |
| Make use of haori or shawls | Lightly layer them when going out | Offers both warmth and protection against kimono shifting |
Conclusion
Autumn is a season that makes outings in kimono especially delightful.
Wearing the colors of autumn leaves and harvest lets you feel the changing season with every step.
For important occasions such as Shichi-Go-San, as a mother and as a member of the family, it’s worth choosing an outfit that will leave lasting memories.
There’s no need to overthink it—simply adding autumn touches with your favorite colors or accessories is more than enough to be charming.
Take it easy, and enjoy your kimono time this autumn.
✿ Column: Fumi’s Kimono Diary ✿
The other day, I went out in kimono to a nearby park to enjoy the autumn leaves.
With the summer heat finally eased, walking through the crisp air made even an ordinary stroll feel like a special moment.
All I did was add a touch of mustard yellow to my obiage, yet someone kindly said, “That looks so autumn-like.” It made me quietly happy.
Even small touches allow a kimono to reflect the season.
I was reminded once again that simply bringing in one autumn color can even change the way you feel.
