Do you know that Christian Dior was the first designer to introduce Caftan dresses (or Kaftan) to western fashion? In 1955, Dior’s Fall couture collection included Caftan-inspired coats with side-front slits that reveal a dress underneath.
This type of clothing dates back to ancient Persia and Mesopotamia. The word Caftan (Kaftan) itself is derived from the Turkish language which means a robe or tunic. The Ottoman sultans turned it into a symbol of luxury in the 1600th and used to gift it to important dignitaries.
Fast forward to the 1960s, hippie trendsetters who advocated ethnic style, made Caftan dresses a widely accepted form of fashion in America. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Vreeland helped popularize the caftan fashion in the 70s and designers like Halston brought the style to mainstream fashion. Nowadays, caftan dresses are a preferred style to wear at the beach or on vacation. However, you can also wear Caftan dresses on more formal occasions and settings.
How to wear Caftan dresses this summer
Caftan dresses are characterized as loose-fitting and flattering style. The one thing we all love about Caftan is that it suits all women regardless of size and shape. To figure out how to wear a Caftan, you should take into consideration the occasion and setting before creating the look.
The Beach
The most popular way of wearing a Caftan is on the beach. I like to use it as a coverup on the beach as a comfy and stylish way to accessorize my swimwear. And since it is loose-fitting, you will remain cool while wearing it, unlike a fitted garment!
As someone self-conscious about my body in swimwear, Caftan dresses make me feel more confident while staying fresh and crisp. I love pairing the dress with stylish sandals, shades, and a hat for a complete beach-ready look.
Tip: make sure to choose Caftan dresses in light and natural fabrics to help your body remain cool.
Casual or Formal Occasions
Caftan dresses are the ultimate boho-chic look. To achieve this flawless look, wear a long Caftan dress with a pair of flat sandals or espadrilles, add a wicker handbag, and large designer sunglasses. For a more urban look, you can also wear a short Caftan dress with fitted denim pants, a pair of pumps, and a belt.
For a formal look, go for fitted Caftan design made of silk or any other luxurious fabric. Bright-colored Caftan dresses in chiffon layered fabric are exceptionally stylish and chic. Don’t forget to pair it with silver or gold jewelry, including a necklace and a belt, high-heeled sandals, and a chic statement clutch.
Tips: You can make your waist look tiny by cinching your Caftan dress in with a wide leather belt.
What to Look For When You Want to Wear the Perfect Caftan
The Right Fabric
Caftan dresses are made in a variety of fabrics so you can wear them on different occasions. Beach style Caftans come in light synthetic or natural fabrics such as linen, which is a preferred fabric in summer. Like most day-time clothes, opt for cotton and linen Caftans; and for a more dressy look, go for silk or chiffon Caftans.
The Right Bag
For a casual look, I prefer to match Caftan dresses with wicker or a soft boho style bag. Wicker bags are very trendy and come in different price points, making them easy to match with Caftan. On the other hand, when wearing Caftan in a formal setting, I always pick an evening clutch that is either neutral or matches the color/s of Caftan.
The Right Shoes
I would treat a Caftan dress the same way as any other dress style when it comes to pairing with shoes. For a casual look, you can wear sandals or sneakers, but I always prefer espadrilles in summer. They are very comfortable and feminine and match perfectly with any Caftan dress. To jazz up a Caftan dress, wear it with dressy sandals, either nude or colored ones that match with the colors of your Caftan dress.
The Right Accessories
If your Caftan dress already has shiny embellishments, keep your jewelry simple and dainty. However, if your Caftan is plain, then go for big stone jewelry, long necklaces, and big statement pieces. In my opinion, plain Caftan can be a versatile fashion statement that can draw admiration and attention. It’s like a canvas waiting for your touch of creativity.
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