Get the 'Palm Royale' Look With the Best Caftan Dresses to Kick-Start Your Summer Style

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Get the ‘Palm Royale‘ Look With These CaftansAlexandra Miro
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Thanks to shows like Palm Royale and Loot, the caftan dress is having a moment. Often made in cotton or linen—and almost always in a fun color or pattern—the contemporary caftan is new-age minimalism at its finest. The garment is understated yet loud, breezy but surprisingly full-coverage—the definition of effortlessly chic.

For several summers now, I’ve been a connoisseur. It all started with a neighbor’s hand-me-down, which was shapeless, paisley pink, and absolutely perfect. At first, I felt confined to wearing my caftan over a luxury swimsuit at the beach or on the way to the beach. But its beauty, of course, lies in its versatility. The caftan can be a swimsuit cover-up or a formal dress. It hides things. It’s mysterious. And when paired with chunky jewelry and a heel, it can even be a little sexy.

I’m calling it now: 2024 is the summer of the caftan. Below, a few favorite pieces to add to your closet, stat.

Satin Kaftan Dress

Yes, you can utilize convenience and still look put together. Take some of the hassle out of your daily routine with this draped satin kaftan dress and a pair of slides. Easy-peasy.

Sizes: XS-2XL

Colors: Black, Cream

Material: Rayon

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.hm.com%2Fen_us%2Fproductpage.1093256004.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Satin Kaftan Dress</p><p>hm.com</p><p>$69.99</p>

Carolina Caftan

Beat the heat in this breezy cotton caftan that permits extra ventilation with slits at the hem and loose, three-quarter-length sleeves.

Sizes: XS-3XL

Colors: Light Blue, Navy, Pink, White, Black

Material: Cotton

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftnuck.com%2F%2Fproducts%2Flight-blue-carolina-caftan%3Fvariant%3D43475190055134%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiA6LyfBhC3ARIsAG4gkF81BkuLlQ54jICFD1JGrpu3FjKxp5i1TxoIjsDPwXVoJwVxEasvGrEaAqvbEALw_wcB&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Carolina Caftan</p><p>tnuck.com</p><p>$98.00</p>

Women’s Kaftan Dress

This kaftan dress has 4.4 stars from over 16,000 reviews and it’s under $20. If you’re still on the fence, know that it comes in over 40 color and pattern options.

Sizes: S-3XL

Colors: 41 options

Material: Polyester

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098DL3226?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10051.g.42944512%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Women’s Kaftan Dress</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$19.99</p>

Shop Now

Women’s Kaftan Dress

amazon.com

$19.99

Exotic Coral Caftan

A pink patterned caftan like this one is made to be paired with some chunky jewelry. Perfect for a night out in summer.

Sizes: S-L

Colors: Pink

Material: Cotton

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytheresa.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fwomen%2Fadriana-degreas-exotic-coral-cotton-blend-kaftan-purple-p00919805&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Exotic Coral Caftan</p><p>mytheresa.com</p><p>$350.00</p>

Kelyk Broderie Anglaise Caftan

This piece from Charo Ruiz is just begging to be twirled around. It’s sophisticated and fun.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Material: Cotton blend

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.net-a-porter.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fcharo-ruiz%2Fclothing%2Fcoverups%2Fkelyk-broderie-anglaise-cotton-blend-kaftan%2F1647597326751492&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Kelyk Broderie Anglaise Caftan</p><p>net-a-porter.com</p><p>$735.00</p>

Roxanne transparent Caftan

This transparent black caftan from Alexandra Miro is resort wear at its finest.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Material: Viscose

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Falexandra-miro-roxanne-sheer-waterfall-kaftan-coverup-prod269000239&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Roxanne transparent Caftan </p><p>neimanmarcus.com</p><p>$675.00</p>

Kate Caftan

Yes, the caftan can be hot, especially with a side slit like the one on this Michael Stars piece.

Sizes: One Size

Colors: Grey

Material: Viscose

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fcontent%2Fdeeplink%2Fwomens%2Fproduct%2FMICH-WD778&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Kate Caftan</p><p>revolve.com</p><p>$68.00</p>

Tibara Caftan

The long sleeves, pleated shoulders, and billowing sides give this Andrea Iyamah caftan a flattering form.

Sizes: S-XL

Colors: Lime

Material: Polyester

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Ftibara-kaftan-andrea-iyamah%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F1539501475.htm&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Tibara Caftan</p><p>shopbop.com</p><p>$320.00</p>

Embellished Caftan

If you want a more traditional-looking caftan, consider this one from Tory Burch, which is 100 percent linen.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Warm Nutmeg

Material: Linen

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toryburch.com%2Fen-us%2Fswim%2Fcoverups%2Fembellished-caftan%2F87506.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Embellished Caftan</p><p>toryburch.com</p><p>$289.00</p>

Floral Lace Maxi Caftan

Without a doubt, you’ll stand out at the pool in this bright green option from La Vie Style House.

Sizes: One Size

Colors: Bright Green

Material: Polyester

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fopen-lace-floral-maxi-caftan%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F1571003522.htm&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Floral Lace Maxi Caftan</p><p>shopbop.com</p><p>$850.00</p>

Striped Blue Caftan Dress

Extra billowy, this affordable Amazon find is perfect for a day at the beach. Plus, it has pockets!

Sizes: One Size

Colors: Navy Blue

Material: Polyester

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C7MJZG4?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10051.g.42944512%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Striped Blue Caftan Dress</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$29.99</p>

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Striped Blue Caftan Dress

amazon.com

$29.99

El Tropico Silk Tunic

Hands down, the pattern on this silk caftan from Johanna Ortiz is absolutely stunning.

Sizes: 1-10

Colors: Green

Material: Silk

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fjohanna-ortiz-tejiendo-el-tropico-silk-tunic-dress-prod267090075&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Ffashion%2Fshopping%2Fg42944512%2Fbest-caftan-dresses%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>El Tropico Silk Tunic </p><p>neimanmarcus.com</p><p>$1995.00</p>
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