Fashion

13 Ways To Wear Hello Kitty Every Day

by Maxine Builder

Even as someone who carries around her iPhone in a Hello Kitty-shaped case and exclusively uses Hello Kitty Band-Aids and has seriously considered getting a Hello Kitty tattoo on more than one occasion, I'm still shocked by the breadth of Hello Kitty accessories and clothing out there. With so many options in the world, it's totally possible to dress and accessorize with Hello Kitty from head to toe without looking like you're wearing a costume.

Now, I get that even the most subtle Hello Kitty-themed accessory doesn't exactly scream "maturity," but being a grown-ass adult doesn't mean you can't rock a red bow or two, and wearing Hello Kitty-themed clothes or carrying around Hello Kitty-branded accessories doesn't make you any less of a professional. Many of these Hello Kitty-branded clothes and shoes and accessories have been designed for adults who grew up with this lovable cartoon cat and strike a perfect balance between practical and adorable.

If you're still worried about going overboard, there are plenty of ways to work Hello Kitty into your outfit without literally wearing your love on your sleeves, or covering yourself in Hello Kitty plush dolls. And if you are down to emblazon Hello Kitty's signature bow onto everything you own, you can do that as well. No matter what your level of commitment, here are 13 Hello Kitty-themed items to get you started:

1. Baseball Tee

Torrid Hello Kitty Raglan Tee, $26, Torrid

By far the simplest way to work some Hello Kitty into your wardrobe is to rock a Hello Kitty-themed t-shirt. This dark grey and black raglan baseball tee from Torrid shows where your allegiances lie without being too in-your-face.

2. Rhinestone Stud Earrings

Swarovski Hello Kitty Pink Bow Pierced Earrings, $59, Swarovski

You could also bling out your look with these sparking Hello Kitty stud earrings, and at less than half-an-inch wide, they're small enough to wear to the office without drawing too much attention. And yes, these are made of Swarovski crystals.

3. All-Over Leggings

HLZBLZ x Hello Kitty Insane Leggings, $48, HLZBLZ

If subtlety isn't really your thing, these leggings will make your love for Hello Kitty abundantly clear to all who pass by. HLZBLZ also has crewneck sweatshirts, sports bras, and t-shirts in this same pattern so you can put together a kawaii Hello Kitty co-ord.

4. Ladylike Satchel

Loungefly Hello Kitty Quilt Walking Stitch Face Bag, $56, Hot Topic

This Hello Kitty-themed black satchel is fairly low-key except for the bright red signature bow, but that one detail makes it instantly recognizable and elevates this otherwise simple purse to something totally adorable.

5. Rain Boots

Hello Kitty Tallalah Women’s Rain Boots in Red Black, $45, Kohls

If you're going to be tromping around in puddles, you might as well do it in the cutest, brightest footwear possible.

6. Simple Black Watch

Hello Kitty Watch With Women’s Black Leather Strap, $65, Macys

The only tip-off that this is a Hello Kitty-themed watch is the silver outline of the cartoon cat on the face, which makes it ideal for a more conservative workplace.

7. Colorful Socks

Forever 21 Hello Kitty Geo Pattern Ankle Socks in Grey/Pink, $2, Forever 21

These ankle socks are an easy way to subtly add some Hello Kitty to your wardrobe because, really, who usually sees your socks? It's hard not to be in a good mood when you know you've got Hello Kitty on your feet, even if no one else knows.

8. Lucite Heels

Jeffrey Campbell x Hello Kitty Icy Mary Jane, $260, Sanrio

Jeffrey Campbell isn't exactly known for making understated footwear, and these Hello Kitty-themed lucite heels, designed with Sanrio in honor of the cat's 40th anniversary, are no exception. They're totally over-the-top, and although they might not be practical for everyday wear, they're perfect for a party.

9. Gold Stud Earrings

Noir Jewelry Hello Kitty Stud Earrings, $30, Shop Bop

These simple logo earrings, plated in 18K gold, are the Hello Kitty equivalent of the iconic Carrie Bradshaw gold-plated name necklace.

10. Plush Bathrobe

Forever 21 Plush Hello Kitty Robe, $22, Forever 21

Here's an item for the undercover Hello Kitty fan who might not want to show their love for the cartoon cat outside of the home. But really, I can think of few things that sound more pleasant than taking a long bubble bath and then swaddling myself in this adorable, plushy Hello Kitty robe, red bow and all.

11. Moccasin Boots

Minnetonka for Hello Kitty Fringe Boot in Dusty Brown, $70, Minnetonka Moccasin

It'd be easy to totally miss the Hello Kitty charms decorating this pair of moccasins unless someone pointed them out to you, and that subtlety is what makes these booties from Minnetonka Moccasins another great pick for the casual Hello Kitty fan.

12. Floral Backpack

Loungefly Hello Kitty Floral Print Backpack, $45, Lounge Fly

There are two levels of fandom with this backpack, starting with the pink floral print, which features Hello Kitty hiding between roses. And then, the backpack is actually shaped like Hello Kitty, from the bright pink bow to the matching ears and the painted on whiskers. This is meta-Hello Kitty, and I like it.

13. Roller Skates

Hello Kitty Moxi Roller Skates, $129, Urban Outfitters

OK, so maybe these aren't exactly an "everyday" kind of thing, but I would seriously consider commuting to work on roller skates if they were Hello Kitty-themed. These roller skates are totally playful, perfectly retro, and seriously Hello Kitty.

Images: Courtesy Brands