A Definitive Ranking Of All Of Kyoko Otonashi’s Outfits In Maison Ikkoku

I did what had to be done.

As someone who has a lot of respect for fashion and pulling off a look, I am constantly drawn to Kyoko’s outfits while rewatching and rereading Maison Ikkoku.

So when I had the bright idea to rank some of Kyoko’s outfits, I hopped on it immediately!

Keep in mind that this will be comprised of outfits from both the anime and the manga.

Here is a definitive ranking of some of Kyoko’s most memorable outfits, curated by a huge Rumiko Takahashi fan.

22. This flannel nightshirt worn while engaging in her morning routine.

It’s nice to see Kyoko wearing something a little bit different than her usual looks, but this hasty morning ensemble (if one could call it that) doesn’t really do it for me. It’s a bit more boyish than what Kyoko usually wears, and the bulkiness of it just doesn’t suit her.

21. This garish sweater that functions as Kyoko’s knitting attire.

This sweater is good for establishing a fall vibe, and looks like really cozy knitwear, but the yellow paired with the purple and red pattern is truly ugly. It’s bold and garish in every sense of the word. Still, l’ll give Kyoko points for embracing the ugliness of it all.

20. This salmon colored sweater.

Kyoko wears a lot of sweaters throughout this series, and this one is cute and simple but definitely not one of her most memorable. The color pink doesn’t look the best on Kyoko, and this sweater lacks additional patterns or accessories to make it pop. It’s very plain and less stylish than most of her outfits.

19. This schoolgirl outfit that minimizes her maturity.

It’s cute to see Kyoko in a schoolgirl outfit, and she sure fits the image of your typical Japanese schoolgirl in the photo above. However, Kyoko has been through a lot, from abandoning her parents to being widowed, and this outfit is not a good reflection of Kyoko’s age and maturity. It makes her look no older than 14 or 15, and it doesn’t suit her personal style, either.

18. This wooly sweater and scarf combo.

This outfit is perfect for winter, and the color palette is sweet and subtle. It’s too frumpy for the Kyoko I know, though. I have quite a love-hate relationship with it, since the frumpiness adds to the simplicity and cheery vibe, but it’s definitely not one of her best outfits.

17. This little black dress worn while visiting her husband’s grave.

The silhouette of this dress is both the highlight and the issue. It fits her form and looks simple and slightly stylish. However, it’s also bulky and undefined. The high heels are very dainty, though. I think this is the kind of dress that should be taken to a dressmaker before it can hit the intended mark.

16. This casual, functional shopping outfit.

Kyoko’s skirt in this scene is very garish and unusual. Her bomber jacket with the insignia is fun, especially over the white sweater. The skirt ruins the entire look, though. The slippers also muddle the purpose and vibe of the look.

15. This red sweater paired with a red and white jacket and green pants.

Similar to Number 19, this look is subtle and cute, but quite old-fashioned. It looks tailor-made for a long drive on a crisp fall day. Still, the color palette is very mismatched, and I know Kyoko can dress better.

14. This maroon turtleneck that I am oddly attached to.

When I was initially planning this, I wanted the turtleneck further down. However, the more I looked at it, the more it grew on me. The neckline is a fun departure from what Kyoko usually wears, and the oversized silhouette is well-designed and passes the vibe check. Yet, there’s nothing remarkable or special about it, other than the neckline.

13. This rural wintery outfit, complete with parasol.

Kyoko looks dainty and delicate in this outfit and certainly captured my attention. But it lacks her darker color palette and sleekness. The parasol is a nice touch and adds to the homey-ness of the look. Her outfit is still a bit too rough and bland to be Kyoko’s though.

12. This effortlessly cool ensemble composed of a beige coat, black sweater and blue skirt.

In this stark but dated piece, Kyoko looks like a spy sent to sniff out secrets. The skirt and shirt are nice on their own, but the coat truly elevates the ensemble. It eliminates the ordinary preppiness of the clothes beneath and looks bold and out-of-the-ordinary.

11. This pastel sweater, hair bow, and trademark yellow Piyo Piyo apron.

The pink sweater is adorable, as is the purple hair bow. And the Piyo Piyo apron in itself is iconic. But this look isn’t very memorable or unique. It’s quite run-of-the-mill and simple. It lacks Kyoko’s fashion sense.

10. This dark red dress.

Now we’re getting into Kyoko’s truly stylish looks. This dress is very fashionable and pretty. However, it is quite usual and simple. It lacks the beautiful silhouettes and accessories of Kyoko’s best outfits.

9. This blue pantsuit and red blazer.

The pantsuit is perfect. The color is great on Kyoko and the low neckline and long sleeves are incredibly sophisticated. The red blazer throws off the look, however. It does not match the blue and kind of ruins the trendy vibe.

8. This simple party dress with belt.

The dress’ silhouette grew on me. It looks very fine and fashionable in the best way, and I love the sleeves combined with the bust. Still, it could use something to make it pop.

7. This light purple dress and gold belt.

This dress is very upper-crust without being too showy. It’s floaty and fine, lacking clinginess or tightness. It looks made for a fancy garden party. Kyoko did a good job choosing this outfit, and it’s up there with her best.

6. This hot pink bikini.

There’s something about this ensemble that’s so undeniably ‘80s, and it works wonders for what could have been a regular old bikini. The color and shaping are truly something to behold. It’s bright, fun and flirty, and fits in perfectly with Kyoko’s surroundings.

5. This cute red and blue dress with a white, ruffly collar and matching belt.

If the bikini was a major 80s look, then this dress is definitely a callback to the 1950s, aka the era Kyoko was born at the end of. This dress, despite having an interesting pattern, is less homely than her other patterned looks, mostly because of the design and shaping. It lends a cuteness and innocence to the piece that I am quite fond of.

4. This white dress with a collar and black overlay.

This dress is also very 50s-esque, in my opinion. The black overlay and white dress is a nice pairing, and the look is quite somber and austere. It matches the background perfectly.

3. This very boho sweater and skirt combo.

This look is very laid-back and light. The patterns define it as a boho-inspired outfit, and the jewels and flowers are very colorful and vibrant. It’s super refreshing to see Kyoko wearing something more casual, especially in comparison to Number 4.

2. This patterned party dress.

This dress is perfect for any party, and manages to call back to party dresses worn for Sweet 16s while still displaying Kyoko’s maturity and style. It is very indicative of her age, and the patterns are a highlight, adding some pop to go along with a lovely silhouette.

1. This patterned white and blue sundress.

When I saw this on the cover of the collectors edition Volume 9, it took my breath away. This color and pattern seem made for Kyoko. The dress fits her perfectly, and it gives off amazing summer vibes.

Thank you for reading my ranking! It’s fine not to agree. This is my personal preference and I have a thing for Kyoko’s more stylish looks. What was your favorite look from the list? Hit up the comments and let me know!