Yahoo Lifestyle 12 Best Caftan Dresses to Kick-Start Your Summer Style Early
- 1/14
12 Best Caftan Dresses to Kick-Start Your Summer Style Early
Another fall/winter New York Fashion Week has come and gone, which means that the spring and summer seasons will soon be in full bloom, along with their inescapable days of sticky, sweltering heat. And to quote one Honey Boo Boo, “The heat drains me.” Thankfully, the escalating popularity of the caftan dress (also spelled “kaftan”) presents a single-item solve in the form of a breezy, laidback staple that’s effortless yet easily elevated.
Culturally tied to regions of the Middle East and northern Africa, the loose-fitting caftan is designed to provide a reprieve from warmer weather as a single layer or a flowy overshirt (making it perfect to drape over your favorite one-piece swimsuit on beach days). Iterations of this historical garment have more recently been favored by the Olsen twins and even donned on the 2020 Oscar de la Renta runway.
While it may not quite be time to pack away your warmest winter essentials and toasty puffer jackets just yet, it’s never too early to start capitalizing on next season’s styles. After all, summer is a state of mind, right? Below, find 12 of the best caftan dresses to shop now.
courtesy - 2/14
Groovy Baby Maxi Kaftan
Free People
freepeople.com
$98.00
This kaftan may be retro in print, but it’s got a number of modern details (like a ruched center and deep V-neck) that make it easily appropriate whether you’re brunching or beaching. It also has an 89 percent recommendation rating from buyers, so you might want to snag one before it sells out.
What people are saying: “I don’t want to take this thing off. I feel like a literal goddess in it floating around my house and yard—cannot wait to wear it out! I’m kicking myself for not buying both patterns.”
freepeople.com - 3/14
Laurel Linen Cover-Up Caftan
Zimmermann
nordstrom.com
$695.00
If this sunny, baroque caftan has you instantly dreaming of a warm weather getaway, well, same. It’s lightweight, billowy, and even comes in petite sizes, so those who need to size down won’t be swimming in fabric. Add a pair of braided slides and a mini straw tote, and you’re pretty much packed.
What people are saying: “I ordered this dress for a recent trip to Greece and it did not disappoint! Received a lot of compliments. The linen is light enough for a hot day but the coverage kept me warm at night. Only complaint is the fit...definitely size down per the sizing instructions.”
nordstrom.com - 4/14
Plunge V-Neck Cotton Caftan
Everyday Ritual
nordstrom.com
$150.00
Like a style chameleon, this plunge-neck cotton caftan is easily adaptable to almost any environment—whether you’re hanging out poolside, or dressing up for a summer soirée.
What people are saying: “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this caftan. It’s soft and lightweight with the perfect touch of sheerness. Super comfy and sexy. Makes me feel like I’m lounging by the pool in St. Barth’s when I’m stuck at home...also love that it buttons up (making it super versatile for hopping on Zoom meetings).”
nordstrom.com - 5/14
Skylar Lace-Trim Caftan
Cynthia Rowley
neimanmarcus.com
$525.00
Not every caftan needs to double as a swimsuit coverup. This romantic, ruffled style from Cynthia Rowley is an instant date night look with elegant lace trim and tassel tie details.
What people are saying: “This lace-trim caftan is a beautiful black, flowing silhouette. Perfect, classic color for romantic moments at a summertime event or winery.”
neimanmarcus.com - 6/14
Satin Kaftan Dress
H&M
hm.com
$69.99
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.
What people are saying: “I love this! It runs large, but I can wear this anywhere...it’s casual & effortlessly chic...”
hm.com - 7/14
Luna Floral-Print Handkerchief Caftan
Frances Valentine
saksfifthavenue.com
$398.00
Florals? For spring? In the form of the cap sleeve caftan dress, they are groundbreaking.
What people are saying: “Beautiful, light, comfy, and striking colors! I got a small and glad I did...it runs a bit larger. It’s a little sheer, just so you know. I recently wore it and got tons of compliments! It hangs beautifully on, and is perfect for casual or dressed up. LOVE IT!”
saksfifthavenue.com - 8/14
Carolina Caftan
Tuckernuck
tnuck.com
$98.00
Beat the heat in this breezy cotton caftan that permits extra ventilation with slits at the hem and loose, three-quarter-length sleeves.
What people are saying: “My daughter bought this caftan and she loved it so much that I bought one as well. It’s the perfect caftan whether you are 30 or 60 years old. It’s beautiful, versatile, comfortable, and classic!”
tnuck.com - 9/14
Women’s Kaftan Dress
Miss Lavish London
amazon.com
$19.99
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.
What people are saying: “Did it keep me cool in the summer months? Yup. Did it fit as advertised? Yup. Does any of that matter as much as surprise pockets?? NOPE!”
amazon.com - 10/14
Swiss Dot Ruffle Kaftan
Free People
freepeople.com
$98.00
Complement your favorite looks and add a touch of femininity with this sheer, dotted kaftan. If you’re feeling bold, take on the no-pants trend and throw this on over a pair of white briefs and a boyish tank.
What people are saying: “I absolutely love this piece!!! Can’t wait to wear it!”
freepeople.com - 11/14
Animal Tree Caftan
WeWoreWhat
weworewhat.com
$118.00
Reach new heights with this tropical mini caftan from WeWoreWhat. You can even pair it with the brand’s matching Animal Tree bikini top.
What people are saying: “Great look & loose fit!”
weworewhat.com - 12/14
Palladio Kaftan
Sue Sartor
anthropologie.com
$495.00
This preppy cotton caftan is also fully lined, so it’s a great choice for that spring-to-summer transition period when the weather is constantly in limbo. Plus, it comes in standard, petite, and plus sizes.
What people are saying: “I am very excited about this dress for spring and into the summer. Sleeves are so beautiful and the dress is light and airy. I am 5’7” and usually a size 14...I ordered the XL and could have ordered the large, as the XL is a bit oversized for me.”
anthropologie.com - 13/14
Farrah Caftan
Michael Stars
revolve.com
$98.00
Wear this sweet, watermelon-pink fringe caftan as a beach coverup or upgrade it with a pair of strappy sandals to stroll the boardwalk after a day in the sun (just remember to wear your SPF).
What people are saying: “It’s honestly perfect...great fabric, lightweight, and gorgeous color!!! Perfect & a staple to my vacay travel bag.”
revolve.com - 14/14
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