The Kaftan or caftan, as it is often spelled, is this year’s fashion icon. “Its comeback has swamped the sarong and overpowered the pareo to become the mainstay of the holiday wardrobe.” says Hannah on her fashionolic.blogspot.com.
Yet, mention the word kaftan and it may conjure up memories (for those old enough to remember) of Greek singer Demis Roussos in a diaphanous flowing tent! However, the kaftan is as “Iconically hippie now as it was in the '70s,” according to Shop Til You Drop’s article “Fashion Icon – The Kaftan” of January 2008.
Today’s kaftans (or caftans) can be slim-fitting, figure-hugging and trendy. Variations on the kaftan are perfect cover-ups on the beach, in the house or all the way to the most glamorous red carpet events.
How to Wear the Kaftan
Kaftans this year come in all shapes and sizes and can be worn long or short from tunics to long flowing, feminine gowns. Many have chic embellishments with jewels and beads, and clinch-waisted styles offer a far more feminine silhouette.
On the Beach
- Wear it over swimwear to camouflage lumps and bumps. Short tunic styles are great as respectable cover-ups on the beach. Wear them clinched at the waist to give off an hourglass figure. Long sleeved ones with low V-necks are flattering for bigger busted women and will disguise flabby arms, otherwise exposed to the sun.
Day or Evening Wear
- Wear a kaftan top in the city with skinny jeans and a wide leather belt.
- For evenings, long flowing kaftan gowns add feminine chic, but avoid voluminous loose tents which drown the figure. Figure skimming ones are the most flattering and right on trend with clinched waists and figure hugging cuts.
Add your own personality with your favorite accessories. Dress up your kaftan with chunky bracelets , belts and necklaces. Team it with flat jewelled sandals for sexy chic or chunky wedge heels balance out the volume. Add large shades and an oversized bag to be right on-trend. Wear hair long and loose or with this season's ethnic turban or a floppy wide-brimmed hat.
"My holiday must haves are my Michael Kor kaftan and Jimmy Choo jeweled sandals. Together they are perfect for laidback luxury and work from poolside to cocktails, " says Shelly Barrett, founder and CEO, Model Co in Shop Til You Drop's article "What's the one-piece you'll take on holiday," of January 2008.
What is a Caftan?
According to www.Wisegeek.com, “A kaftan is a long flowing garment that has long sleeves, and is ankle length. The kaftan in original form was made of either silk or cotton and usually worn with a belt or sash around the waist... Sleeves may be either long or elbow length.”
Many women worldwide favor the caftan due to its versatility and comfort. In the United States kaftans ( caftans in the U.S.) are also called muumuus: loose fitting dresses of Hawaiian origin with bold prints.
Today's styles are no longer necessarily floor-length, with kaftan tunics offering versatility for the beach and the city.
The History of the Kaftan
Originating in 14th century Persia the caftan was first worn by men, says Shop Til You Drop in their article “Fashion icon – The Kaftan”. “Many years later it resurfaced and was embraced by women as a stark reaction to '60s mod.”
The kaftan is still worn by men today as a traditional garment in the Eastern Mediterranean or worn over pajama style pants in countries like India and Pakistan. Variants on the caftan can also be seen in certain Middle Eastern and African countries. A spotless white variation (the Dishdasha) is the traditional dress of Arabic men in Gulf states like Dubai and Sharjah.
The kaftan's popularity is due to its anytime, anywhere versatility and the fact that is suits all ages and body shapes, with updated styles and fashion accessories to keep it right on-trend. It is one of the fashion world's ageless and timeless dress styles.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
