Three Outfits to Round Off 2021 Festivities

December has flashed by in blink of an eye and the holiday season is just around the corner! For many here in Japan, the season calls for little celebrations with loved ones and friends, enjoying the romance of the illuminations around the city and big corporate functions to round off the year. For these types of occasions, our Umeda stylist Yumi, has her three outfits recommendations to inspire your style!

Elegant for Romantic Dinner Dates

Being the last month of the year calls for making the occasion grand and extra memorable, and what better way than splurging on a fine dining experience with that special someone. For a romantic date outfit at that dinner rendezvous, we are keeping it warm, elegant with a feminine class.

With a nod to warm Christmas evenings by the fireplace with its rich red tones, a Tartan Print Dress feels just right to match the romantic dinner mood. Especially in our cache-coeur design, the dress brings out a feminine bodyline with its cinched waist and flared skirt. Completed with gold accessories and a clutch, you have a sparkling and glamorous outfit that also looks great with that glass of wine in hand – champagne or red. Don’t forget a thick warm coat (and add faux fur for an extravagant touch) to cover you to and from the restaurant or while you are taking in the colorful lit backdrops of the evening.

Yumi’s Dinner Date recommendations

Chic for After-Office Hours

While it is the month for plans and festivities, it doesn’t mean we don’t have work to think about too! The all too familiar balancing act of work and get-togethers can be a hassle for many, and even more so when you have to put together an party outfit that is office-appropriate too. Because let’s face it – who wants to show up to a party in work attire or have to go back home to get changed? So for the office and the girls night out after, how about something clean, modern and fun with blue and silver?

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Being a color which portrays trust and reliability, blue is a safe bet for the office and an eye-catching piece to wear every day too. Accented here in our Sapphire Lip Dress, the bold print balances bright colors with neutrals for a easy integration in and out of work. Paired with silver and a lapel jacket in white or black, it softens the print and keeps it sharp for the office environment.

For that extra ‘edge’, here Yumi wears our vegan leather Riders Jacket in white. It’s lightweight, stretchy and easy to wear out all night and machine-washable too for accidental spills!

Yumi’s Work-to-Party recommendations

Poised for Formal Functions

Dinner dates and get-togethers with friends are great, but sometimes the occasion calls for prim and proper dress and formality, such as the end-of-year corporate party or a ceremonial family gathering. During such occasion, it’s easy to go straight for black but if you want to ease up on the strict appearance and still look tidy in front of colleagues and esteemed company, then a simple solution is navy.

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Evoking an air of confidence, intelligence and authority, a top-to-bottom navy ensemble is perfect for setting the tone. Opt for a jacket with elegant details such as this, with gentle ruffles to frame the face and add feminine touches yet still has you looking sharp and polished. Over an A-line Dress and you have a simple go-to style to keep you comfortable for long evenings and sorted for similar functions to come.

Yumi’s Formal Function recommendations

However you celebrate your year-end, just like our clothes, may you celebrate with elegance, style and ease!

With love from Tokyo,
kay me

Dessert-inspired Valentine’s Day Looks

As one of the sweetest holidays of the year approaches, many pâtisseries in Japan roll up their sleeves to create delicate, yet dazzling cakes and pastries for people to share with their loved ones.

Each pastry is created not only to look beautiful, but to be just as delicious and balanced in flavor and aromatics, much like kay me dresses. Our Made in Japan dresses are crafted by the hands of skilled artisans to not only look stunning, but to provide lasting comfort.

For Valentine’s Day this year, we have taken inspiration from the most popular desserts in Japan and created looks based on each dessert. Here are a few of the most popular cakes in Japan, and kay me dresses that are just as sweet:

Strawberry Shortcake:

In Japan, strawberry shortcake is one of the most popular desserts loved by all, and it is no surprise why. The light and airy whipped cream with fresh strawberries are delicately constructed between layers of soft, velvety sponge cake.  This cake is sweet, yet refreshing, just like our Pink Dot Gather Dress.

This playful dress features an elegant mermaid-line silhouette and an adorable polka-dot print, which even look like piped whipped cream!

Mont Blanc:

In Japan, Mont Blanc is served in a unique fashion compared to the traditional Italian dessert where the whipped cream is served on top. A buttery tarte layer is placed at the base, followed by a dollop of chestnut mousse. Then, chestnut purée is delicately piped around the mousse, giving its iconic mountain-like shape, finished with a light layer of powdered sugar. In contrast to the complex layering, the cake is subtle in sweetness, and the earthy flavor of the chestnut brings cozy comfort with every bite, which is reminiscent of our Mocha Beans Marilyn Dress.

The subtle Coffee Bean Print is met with the robust espresso background, balancing the two shades to make the perfect sweetness. Choose a Beige kay me Cardigan to pair with this graceful dress for wonderfully cozy comfort, like the mont blanc.

Gâteau au Chocolat :

Taking inspiration from this dessert, the Pink Circle X Black Asymmetry Dress is a wonderful selection that beautifully displays each element working harmoniously.

This gorgeous stretch docking dress features a flirty raspberry-colored geometric pattern, contrasted by a sleek black wrap-style skirt. By incorporating the two fabrics, the dress balances the playful print with the industrious black skirt, adding versatility and chic polish. This dress can also be paired with a matching kay me jacket to create an instant suit-like appearance!

For more romantic styles in the same print, also see Pink Circle I-line Tuck Dress with its gorgeous bodice tucks or our classic Pink Circle Gather Dress with its mermaid-line flared skirt.

Matcha Tiramisu

In Japan, many pâtisseries have taken inspiration from tiramisu and have recreated it with a cultural twist by using traditional matcha in place of espresso and cocoa.

The striking green matcha contrasts the creme gorgeously, both visually and in flavor. The bitter undertone and grassy notes uplifts the creamy mascarpone layering, providing complex yet delicate balance; a key feature of traditional Japanese desserts. Like the matcha tiramisu, our stunning Hyakka Gather Dress and Kazehana Gather Dress perfectly balances modern with culture by incorporating a traditional kimono inspired pattern onto a fit & flare dress.

This breathtaking pattern was created by a top designer from London, and made using the traditional skill of “Gara-tori” by artisans in Japan. The design of the dress emphasizes a feminine hourglass figure, and makes it perfect for any special occasion!


Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day this year in a fun, unique way by styling your own kay me outfit inspired by your favorite dessert? Order in some special sweets for loved ones, and of course for yourself, to enjoy at home.  Do not worry about dropping crumbs or spilling your after-dessert coffee on these dresses, as they are all machine-washable!


See more of our date-ready dresses here, each crafted by our artisans in Japan with free worldwide shipping available to any destination.

Have a Happy Valentine’s!