It has recently come to my attention that some of you lovely people don’t know what a kaftan/caftan is or how to wear it. I’m going to use “k” for kaftan because it looks nicer to me and I’m the designer…However, if you’re a “c” for caftan person feel free to let that flag fly.
Brought to you by Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actress and fashion trendsetter
So as not to bore you to tears, I’ll make it simple: Kaftans have been around since Mesopotamian times (yup!) and have evolved over time to become a symbol of effortless elegance and style. Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actress and fashion trendsetter in her day, is often credited with introducing the Kaftan to the American audience and we’ve been wearing it ever since. Extremely versatile and comfortable they are a sort of free form dress and robe rolled into one. Kaftans are typically loose-fitting with long wide sleeves and ankle length.
For warmer climates they are often made of light cotton or silk. When I designed our first “kaftan” I struggled with what I should call it: a kaftan?; A robe?; A Rotan?; then a friend said she thought it was a dress with a hood…go figure. Although there is name confusion, you should not be confused about how to wear a kaftan. It can be styled as all of the above and should be your favorite choice for most occasions. I’m thinking no if you’re going to an office on Wall Street and no if you’re going to a funeral.
When to Wear a Kaftan
Everyday. Everywhere. Period.
For those of you who need more detail:
Beachside: Attention people: Kaftans are the epitome of luxury resort wear. Their airy and flowy design makes them perfect for a comfortable day lounging by the beach or pool. Plus, if you’re having a bad body image day all of those real or imaginary bumps and bulges disappear in a kaftan. It’s like magic. How did you not know what a kaftan was?! Now that you know this is the best garment ever, remember that beach means bright colors and prints so don’t be afraid to choose one that fits your individual vibe. As far as footwear is concerned, I like a bitchin’ flip flop or bare feet, but if you like being a bit more polished, sandals, including high heels with jewels on them (if you’re just gonna sit there, look fabulous and have someone wait on you- otherwise you will look stupid trying to walk through the sand)- are a good call. Finish your look off with your most stylish sunglasses, and make sure you have a straw hat on for so many reasons that we will address on another day.
Everyday Chic: The thing I like about kaftans is that I can wake up in the morning and put one on for coffee and finish the evening in it with a Negroni. They are not bad to sleep in either - true statement. A typical at-home weekend kaftan day involves waking up, throwing on kaftan and amusing oneself with a bit of coffee and every word/memory game that I can remember to play, then cleaning up the detritus from the night before, followed maybe by a trip to the plant nursery. As it’s not prudent to go in bare feet I’ll sport some fun sneakers-probs pumas or adidas. Lunch with friends may follow at a local place that has oysters please and everyone will tell me how cool I look. On the way home I’ll remember to go to the stupid drugstore because I somehow have the need to go there what seems like every day.
Once home I’ll do some work because I will likely have been inspired by some person/animal/thing/color I’ve experienced on my in-town adventure and then it’s cocktails/dinner time. To up the kaftan volume, I’ll put on some embroidered slippers or jeweled flat sandals and either no jewelry or 8 rings including my grandmother Ruth’s dangling R ring that is the epitome of fun and fierce. I tend to be sparse with jewelry with the exception of rings but my colleague/friend Kim loves to wear a “neck-mess”, so many bracelets it’s ridiculous and giant hoop earrings with her kaftans. If I’m lucky that night we’ll meet friends somewhere they have oysters and champagne please Your day may look similar or completely different and maybe you want to wear more casual sandals or slippers and your best sunglasses during the day and switch to a dressier sandal or shoe for evening. You might want to think about some makeup during any of this time - or not. It’s hard not to look chic in a kaftan which is why it is the perfect garment because it’s both so easy to wear and look great..
Evening Glamor: If I’m feeling like being a little fancier, especially at night, I’ll wear a fluid silk or viscose kaftan, definitely put on some mascara, bronzer and lippie and don some sandals that either show off my sparkly pedicure or slippers that hide my chipping nail polish. It will take 10 minutes maximum to get ready and then I’ll have time to have a drink while everyone else is still getting ready. When this happens I feel vaguely smug. It’s the Tiger and Monkey in me.