The kaftan, for all its merits, has likely emerged as your go-to summer garment. Taking you comfortably from the beach to town, this generously proportioned garment allows you to breathe, complementing summer's loose and jangly aesthetic. Its wide color range, from particularly vibrant prints to simple white and light blue, allows you to take your look in any direction.

Where this might be more of a bohemian pool piece — something to keep the mood casual while protecting your skin — a more drastic, long kaftan with vibrant print allows you to dress up in a way that is both breathable for hot summer days and ventilated for balmy nights out, the best way to wear on the resort and at the beach, this less flexible but delightful garment is surely trying to find its way into your bag right now.

Versatile Fashion: Dressing Up Your Kaftan

Kaftans can be dressed up for evening outings or parties! Just because kaftans are great for casual day wear, doesn’t mean they can’t be chic or stylish at night too! Slip on a kaftan and accessorize with big beautiful earrings and neck jewelry. Add a sassy, strappy sandal and a sleek little bag, and voila-you’ll be the picture of breezy sophistication at the next cocktail party, beach, car, or otherwise!

A big beautiful fringe shawl over the arms or neck would look awesome. A hat? Yep, that’s exactly what we're talking about: Big, free and boho! Throw on a wide-brimmed hat, Leslie, and strut your stuff! Kaftans can be put with just about anything! After all, they are just another dress and you can elevate or dress down as much as you like!

Care and Maintenance of Kaftans

Caring for and storing your kaftans properly will keep them in pristine condition. Kaftans are often made from the finest and most delicate fabrics, as they are typically favored for summer or used as resort wear. Always hand wash cold with like colors using a gentle cycle, to keep the fabric from fading or getting damaged. Do not wring to dry; instead, shape it back to its original form (while it's still wet), and lay it down on a flat surface to avoid disfiguring the fabric.

Hang up your kaftans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when they are not being worn. Fold your kaftans (if needed) using acid-free tissue paper when being stored in a wardrobe for the next summer season. This will help soften the folds and prevent strong sets of creases from forming, keeping your kaftans in perfect wearable condition.

The Allure of Kaftans in Women's Fashion

Kaftans have a rich history dating back hundreds of years where they originated in the Middle East and Northern Africa, and now are exclusively worn by women. Typically long and voluminous, kaftans have recently gained popularity in the world of resort wear. Not only for their comfort and ease but a multitude of beautiful, playful prints that transport us all to our vacation destinations.

A kaftan embraces the simpler things in life, and more importantly, our pockets, making it the ultimate addition to any woman’s beach wardrobe. They even give an elegant nod to beach-side dining, making the kaftan the epitome of chic, relaxed glamour along the Mediterranean.

Styling Kaftans for the Beach

Selecting the proper type of fabric to wear on the beach as well as the design is key to feeling good and looking stylish.

You also want to mix a few fun boho-style accessories to go with your dress:

1. Fabric: You want to look for lightweight, breathable materials for a beach cover-up. Choose fabrics like cotton or linen that move. At the same time, these fabrics help you to stay cool under the sun.
2. Vibrant Colors: Choose the colors and patterns that you like. Many women like to look stylish by choosing prints that have a boho feel.
3. Pair Your Cover-Up With Oversized Hats: Add one wide-brim beach hat to your summer outfit to stay protected from all of the elements and add some edge to your beach style.

Underneath your swim cover-up, always have on a matching swimsuit.

Transitioning from Beach to Brunch

For the perfect brunch outfit, pair kaftans with denim shorts or fitted pants. The free-flowing top creates casual, chic elegance and style, while the shorts or pants underneath give this look a different, more structured take. Plus, this outfit is one of the few that are extremely comfortable but still cute and stylish, perfect for that late Sunday gathering at Kitchen Story.

Of course, match your prospective top and pants to a pair of cute, stylish sandals, or ankle boots; statement earrings that contrast your skin and hair color; a fashionable, wide-brim hat to elevate your look; and a cute black, mustard, and brown, or white shoulder bag to top things off in style, and you’ll be looking cool, fashionable.

Kaftans can be worn on the streets, in your living room, at the beach, or even while getting drinks. They can be dressed up for special occasions, worn as a cover-up at the beach, or as a glamorous, comfortable piece around the house when guests pop in. Kaftans are not meant to be worn to hide—share your favorite caftan with the world and show them how you style it.

Some women love highlighting the patterns with bright, red lipsticks. Others wear their kaftans with a plethora of gold bangle bracelets, while others wear packs of thin gold rings all on one hand. Dress your kaftan up to emulate your favorite styles.