Beach bag –✓
Sunscreen and a sun hat –✓
Comfy yet cute sandals – ✓
So, what’s missing from your summer vacation must-have list? Maybe a stylish kaftan!
With billowy sleeves and a draped fit, the lightweight, breathable fabric flatters every figure. The loose cut allows for ventilation and coverage while looking effortlessly stylish.
Not to mention, the playful patterns, soothing motifs, and asymmetrical silhouettes ensure you always look elegant and chic. Here we discuss how you can tie your kaftan in different trendy ways:
What is a Kaftan Dress?
A traditional kaftan is a billowy ankle-length garment with flowy sleeves. The kaftan dress originates from ancient Mesopotamia; however, various Southwest Asian and West ethnic groups also used them.
Typically, people wear silk or cotton kaftans with a sash or belt around the waist and elbow-length sleeves.
The Top Kapi Palace in Istanbul is famous for sewing luxurious and contemporary kaftans. In olden times, wearing a kaftan was a privilege of the Ottoman Sultans and those with a high place in society. The Turks regarded it as a prized piece of clothing that they would only give to officials during religious festivals.
As time evolved, kaftans went from being a luxury to a sign of poverty. During the 19th century, only poorer people and shopkeepers wore the kaftan. However, today these billowy fabrics have found their way back into the fashion world.
What are the Different Types of Kaftan Dresses?
Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of kaftan dresses you can try:
Long Kaftans
Otherwise referred to as maxi kaftan, a long kaftan is a no-brainer at the beach or a party. It’s breezy, loose, comfortable, non-figure limited, and stylish.
If you’re wearing a sheer fabric kaftan, consider wearing a pop-colored cami to make your dress look vibrant and fashionable.
But if you want to go for a classic beach look, pair your kaftan with cute sandals, sunglasses, straw handbags, and fun accessories.
Short Kaftan
Perfect for women of short stature, these kaftans are an excellent choice for casual outfits. Go for a contemporary look by pairing your short kaftan with pants, leggings, or a pair of jeans.
You can find these in various fabrics and designs, and they usually reach up to your waistline or hipline.
Solid Color Kaftan
Channel your creativity by pairing a solid color kaftan with lavish trims, jewelry, and additional attractive accessories.
Patterned or Printed Kaftan
Brightly printed or patterned kaftans are ideal for formal wear, such as homecoming parties, cocktail scenes, and more.
If you’re going on a more sophisticated formal event, consider matching your kaftan with a chic handbag, delicate jewelry, and a pair of heels.
Patterned kaftans are also an excellent option for beach parties since it is airy, comfy, and vibrant.
Ways to Wear Your Kaftan Dress
The kaftan is super versatile, meaning you can style it with pants, jeans, a camo, and other exciting ways. Let’s discuss the top three ways you can wear your kaftan dress to look sexy instead of awkward:
On the Beach
A popular way of wearing a kaftan is going for the classic beach look. Made from breezy, light, and airy fabric, a kaftan allows you to accessorize your swimsuit.
Not to mention, wearing a short or long kaftan as a cover-up protects you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These exquisite and aesthetic fabrics are ideal for beach parties.
Look for patterned kaftans with bright colors and smart cuts to grab everyone’s attention at the party.
On a Brunch
Enjoy your day off by going on a brunch with your besties in an elegant yet classic kaftan. Beat the heat on a sunny day by wearing a short-length kaftan with pretty pastel tones.
Tie-dye patterns are a popular option due to their alluring look and ability to lift your mood. You may even pair your stylish kaftan with tiny jewelry.
On Weddings
Easy-to-style and breezy kaftans are ideal for intimate weddings. Look for a fitted kaftan made out of silk or other luxurious fabric for this kind of formal occasion.
You may even pair it up with jewelry, subtle makeup, a fun hairdo, and jeweled sandals to make a chic fashion statement.
Tips to Remember When Buying a Kaftan Dress
Here are several things you need to consider before buying a kaftan:
Choosing the Right Fabric
Selecting the appropriate kaftan fabric mainly depends on where and when you plan to wear it. The flowy fabric may look awkward and uninteresting for your desired occasion unless you jazz up your look with the right accessories.
For instance, silk, cotton, or other natural fabric kaftans are ideal for casual outings like beach parties. However, for formal events like an evening party or an intimate wedding, you should opt for rayon, satin, or silk kaftan fabrics.
Selecting the Ideal Length
Kaftans are available in short, medium, and long lengths; thus, choosing the perfect size depends on where you want to wear them.
A midi kaftan is an excellent option for office wear, especially if you pair it with stylish jeans or leggings. If you’re attending a casual outing, you may wear a short kaftan with shorts or skinny jeans.
Lastly, a long kaftan is ideal for formal functions like cocktail parties, beach weddings, etc.
Pairing Your Outfit with the Right Footwear
Your outfit will always look incomplete without the perfect pair of footwear. The great thing about wearing a kaftan is that you can match it with different types of shoes, including high heels and wedge sandals.
Depending on the look you want to achieve and the function you’re planning to attend, you can choose the proper footwear.
Using the Ideal Accessories
The right accessories can transform your everyday clothes into something out of a fashion runway. Avoid over-accessorizing by choosing simple dangling earrings on an embroidered or patterned kaftan.
If you’re wearing a solid color, plain kaftan, consider pairing it with an attractive necklace, bracelets, and earrings. You may even keep a stylish purse to accentuate your look.
The Bottom Line
Make a fashion statement by wearing your kaftan creatively and stylishly. The unique designs, alluring cuts, and aesthetic prints make the fabric so versatile that you can wear them on every occasion.
Dress to impress by choosing the perfect kaftan and pairing it with excellent accessories—venture on to KAYA to access an endless collection of beautiful accessories and bags to match your kaftan.