It sure rained a lot in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha! The women in the movie wore jackets over their kimono and obi for warmth and protection for their pretty outfits. Haori are light jackets that go over a full length kimono. Originally, they were only worn by men with loose pants called hakama. In modern times they are worn as jackets over kimono or Western clothing or sometimes as a blouse (as a Western adaptation). These jackets may be worn open or tied with special cords called haori himo. Check out our collection of cords in Accessories and Decor.
Michiyuki are also a type of light coat, usually longer and with a button or snap closure. They may have a traditional square neckline or a scalloped collar.
Haori and michiyuki are very wearable and practical alternatives to kimono for just a touch of Eastern style in decoration and fashion. In Style and Lucky magazines have featured pages on how to wear haori in recent issues. A black one or a long one would be quite formal with a straight skirt or boot cut slacks. A colored haori looks great with white tank or t-shirt and khakis or jeans.