
Robes are one of the oldest documented garments, worn everywhere from churches to courtrooms via boxing rings and the bedroom. However, over the past few seasons, items that have traditionally been reserved for the bedroom – like the slip dress and bralette – have made their way into our everyday wardrobes. This subversion of classic attire has been taking place since the beginning of the 20th century but, in recent years, female musicians have done a lot to disrupt the notion of ‘proper’ dress – think Madonna’s cone bra and Christina Aguilera’s corsets – with Rihanna often photographed in the street wearing a printed silk robe over a bralette, glass of wine in hand. Robes may scream ‘my wealthy husband recently died in mysterious circumstances’ but they’ve also been reimagined in a variety of prints, shapes and fabrics, which make them as suitable for work as for the bar.
French ready-to-wear label JOUR/NÉ recently presented robes inspired by smoking jackets, while on SS17’s catwalks we saw monochrome collarless pieces from Etro and a bohemian amalgamation of colour and print at Roberto Cavalli. Elie Saab went all-out Americana with star-printed robes, Vivetta gave us botanical florals and Alberta Ferretti paid homage to the classic nightgown. Whether inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos or the lingerie worn by on-screen sirens of the ‘40s, robes are everywhere and make the perfect lightweight cover-up come hot weather.
Whether you style yours with kick-flare jeans and sandals for summer in the city, or over a floral floor-length dress for Stevie Nicks vibes, we’ve found the chicest cover-ups out there now.

Topshop Flower Print Maxi Kimono Jacket, £69, available at Topshop

Opening Ceremony Story Toile Kimono, £179.80, available at Opening Ceremony

Mango Floral Embroidered Kimono Jacket, £19.99, available at Mango

Asceno Ochre Bold Stripe Silk Robe, £525, available at Asceno

Raquel Allegra Cropped Woven Kimono Jacket, £665, available at Selfridges

Opening Ceremony Reversible Kimono Robe, £486.27, available at Opening Ceremony

Mango Satined Robe, £17.99, available at Mango

Duro Olowu Nina Contrast-Panel Silk and Crepe Kimono Dress, £899, available at Matches Fashion

Three Graces Whispers Heavy Silk Satin Midi Robe In Print, £450, available at Three Graces

H&M Jacquard-Weave Kimono, £49.99, available at H&M

Puma X Fenty Boxing Robe in Olive Green, £320, available at ASOS

Urban Outfitters Shadow Floral Kimono, £45, available at Urban Outfitters

Attico Frayed Robe Jacket, £310, available at Farfetch

Maje Vista Crepe Kimono, £139.30, available at Selfridges

Opening Ceremony Soft Western Kimono Jacket, £404.55, available at Opening Ceremony

Zara Long Printed Kimono, £29.99, available at Zara

Elizabeth and James Tracey Satin Kimono, £600, available at Selfridges
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