Let’s be honest: most of us have experienced that moment when we lose two full hours from slipping into the black hole of the internet. You’re curled up on the couch, wrapped in your most luxurious plus size duster kimono robe, phone in hand, intending to “just check one thing.” Cut to 120 minutes later and you’ve somehow learned what your high school lab partner had for lunch earlier that day, watched five videos of goats doing yoga, and, if you’re lucky, saved one semi-useful recipe using chickpeas which you’ll never actually make.
Scrolling is easy, yes. And it’s certainly relatable, we all do it. But it leaves us emptier than it found us. And the thoughtful plans we have for the night get swapped for a stream of following our attention down rabbit holes we weren’t interested in in the first place. But there’s an antidote to this, if not every night, then at least once a week. And that’s the neighborhood reading club.
Imagine it: instead of your nightly scroll, you’re gathered with a handful of curious minds, sipping tea, maybe snacking on some dark chocolate, chatting about stories, ideas, and words that matter. And you’re doing it while draped in elegant ladies silk robes like you’re at a 19th-century artist salon. It becomes a ritual that winds down your day, connects you with your community, and leaves you much much better than it found you. Here’s how to start a reading club!
Photo by @mariacalderon.art
Step 1: Text a Few Friends (or Almost-Friends)
Reading clubs aren’t about knowing the hottest, trendiest books, they’re about making the smallest one-to-one connections. Start small by sending a simple message to a few people you know. Don’t limit yourself to your closest friends. That neighbor you wave to every week, the parent you chat with at pickup, the barista who always recommends good coffee blends — a reading club is a great way to get to know people and create deeper connections with the people you see in your everyday life. If you’re starting up with your inner circle, mention that their ladies silk robes are welcome attire. In fact, you might even make it part of the fun with the invitation addendum: kimono clothes encouraged.
Photo by Augie Chang
Step 2: Find a Local Spot
Where your group meets will determine its energy. You could keep it quiet at someone’s home, in your living room with candles flickering and everyone curled into armchairs. Or, if you’d like to expand your club’s reach, look for a local café with a welcoming back room, a library reading space, or even a quiet wine bar on a weeknight. If your club wants to have a more luxurious and ritualistic feel, host at home and encourage everyone to come in their favorite robe. Whether it’s a washable silk kimono robe or a plus size duster kimono robe, your weekly looks will be as interesting as your weekly reads.
Photo by Augie Chang
Step 3: Create a Short List for your Books
The biggest hurdle to starting a reading club isn’t getting people to say yes, believe it or not, lots of people are hopping on this trend! The biggest challenge is deciding what to read. So keep it simple. Make a short list of three to five books you think would be fun and engaging. Mix genres: maybe a buzzy novel, a memoir, and a collection of essays. You want options that spark conversation without feeling like homework.
Don’t forget: keep length in mind. Few things shut down enthusiasm like a 400-page book. Start with something approachable, under 250 pages is ideal. You can always build up to bigger works once your club has momentum and you understand what people in your group enjoy the most. And here’s one more way to make it really fun: pair each book with a kimono robe theme. For instance, a moody gothic novel could call for dramatic black silk, while a breezy romance could inspire a washable silk kimono robe with gentle, floral patterns. These little details make your club feel less like obligation and more like you’re kids again.
Photo by @mariacalderon.art
Step 4: Send Out Invites
Once you’ve picked your location and book list, make it official. You don’t need to design fancy stationery (though if you love aesthetics, go for it). A warm, thoughtful email or group text will do the job. Let them know which book you’re reading, where you’re meeting, any dress code or theme encouragement (i.e. Wear your favorite kimono clothes!), and what they should expect (i.e. Light, easy conversation, not intimidating!) People appreciate clear expectations, and you’ll find they’re more likely to show up when they have more information about how the club will run.
Photo by Ashley Streff
Step 5: Set the Next Date at the First Gathering
Don’t let your first reading club be the last. Pass around a small sign-up sheet at the first meeting or create a shared digital doc where everyone can add their email and dates available for the next meetup. This gives you an easy way to follow up, share notes, vote on future books, or even plan themed gatherings. Building a little email list with a calendar turns your one-off gathering into a ritual. And rituals are where community magic happens.
Photo by Ashley Streff
Styling the Reading Club: Robe Edition
Reading clubs are about sharing inspiration and ideas, and kimono robes are the perfect detail to help set that tone. Whether you ask your participants to come dressed in their favorite loungewear, or you decide this will be your own personal ritual, here are a few ideas about how you can make your kimono robe match the energy of the club:
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A ladies silk robe pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of tea in a cozy living room of your best friend’s house.
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A plus size duster kimono robe drapes elegantly over loungewear, and can be worn out to a casual dinner after your club meetup.
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A washable silk kimono robe ensures your night is effortless, even if you’re out a cafe or restaurant where something could get spilled on your silk.
So instead of scrolling tonight, why not text a few friends and spark something new? A neighborhood reading club is more than just a way to get off your phone, it’s a way of getting connected to the people around you. And who knows? That first gathering could be the start of a tradition that grows for years to come.
