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    1. Fashion
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    17 Caftan Dresses That'll Be Your No-Brainer Summer Uniform

    Easy, breezy!

    Sara Holzman's avatar
    By Sara Holzman
    Published 19 January 2022 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    dresses
    (Image credit: Betina Du Toit)
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    A traditional garment in several cultures, including Asia and Northern Africa, a caftan can be worked into an everyday wardrobe with ease. The caftan, sometimes spelled "kaftan," has a free-spirited ethos that feels equal parts luxurious and liberating—and and the benefits are twofold when you wear one in the peak of the summer heat. A favorite among fashion icons like André Leon Talley, the Olsens, and Rihanna, we've seen editors, designers, and even politicians opting for the ethereal caftan in place of the ubiquitous sundress. Elizabeth Taylor—often regarded as the caftan queen—loved the glamorous robe silhouette so much, she decided to marry Richard Burton in a tie-dye and embroidered feather version. Invest in a caftan for music festivals, dressy social obligations, or to strut down city streets. Ahead, we've got 17 for you to choose from.

    caftan dresses

    Zara Print Caftan Dress
    $39.99 AT ZARA.COM

    This knit cold-weather caftan is perfectly suited for a flared jean and ankle boots.

    caftans

    Farm Rio Scarf Caftan
    $255 AT NEIMANMARCUS.COM

    Throw on a strappy heel and a pair of hoops and this is your night out caftan.

    caftan dresses

    Saint Holiday Caftan
    $320 AT SAINTHOLIDAY.COM

    This light-as-a-feather dress is crafted from an airy organic cotton fabric, ideal for heat waves or beach days.

    caftans

    Pippa Holt Tie Dye Caftan
    $1,070.00 AT MATCHESFASHION.COM

    Pockets reign in this special tie-dye caftan that's hand-woven on a backstrap loom.

    caftans

    Lem Lem Caftan
    $255 AT LEMLEM.COM

    This handmade caftan was crafted by local artisans in Ethiopia from lightweight embroidered cotton.

    caftan dresses

    Carolina K Vall Caftan
    $385.00 AT CAROLINAK.COM

    This floral flowing caftan looks good and does good. As part of Carolina K's Zero Waste collection, it's crafted from what would be otherwise discarded, dead stock fabric.

    caftan dresses

    Muzungu Sisters Cotton Caftan
    $273 AT MATCHESFASHION.COM

    A statement Ikat print will be right at home on the beach, paired with your favorite swimsuit, or styled alongside a Grecian sandal on city streets.

    caftan

    Petite Plume Stripe Caftan
    $78 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    This simplistic stripe caftan will keep you cool in the thickest of heat waves. Plus, it's machine washable, making it easy to wear on repeat.

    caftan dresses

    Zimmermann Caftan
    $375 AT MODAOPERANDI.COM

    This knee-length caftan is crafted from a water-absorbing terry fabric, making it the ideal uniform when you're pool- or beach-bound.

    caftans

    Tory Burch Colorblock Caftan
    $378 AT NEIMANMARCUS.COM

    The minimalist silhouette is the perfect canvas for layered necklaces and bangles.

    caftans

    La Vie Style House Caftan
    $650 AT MATCHESFASHION.COM

    We love this red and white printed caftan for warm weather outings or date night.

    caftan dresses

    Wales Bonner Kingston Striped Wool Caftan Dress
    $372 AT BERGDORFGOODMAN.COM

    This earth tone maxi-length caftan will be your new go-to. Layer it with gold necklaces and pop on a trendy flatform.

    caftans

    Fil De Vie Dove Embroidered Caftan
    $820 AT MATCHESFASHION.COM

    Embroidered doves and an elevated silk fabrication makes this elegant caftan a tried-and-true investment for all of your future destination weddings.

    caftans

    Cala de Cruz Striped Caftan
    $456.00 AT MATCHESFASHION.COM

    This chic striped caftan will transport you to the beach. Accessorize it with a wicker bag and a bucket hat.

    caftans

    Frances Valentine Stephanie Caftan Dress
    $364 AT FRANCESVALENTINE.COM

    There's no need to wear jewelry with this white and blue embroidered caftan dress.

    Caftan

    Cult Gaia Tie Dye Caftan
    $428 AT BERGDORFGOODMAN.COM

    Make a grand entrance with this tie dye effect, floor length caftan.

    caftan

    Everlane Caftan Dress
    $78 AT EVERLANE.COM

    If you can't go barefoot, pair this laid-back, slightly sheer caftan with a minimalist slide sandal.

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    Rihanna
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

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    Sara Holzman
    Sara Holzman
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    Style Director

    Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.

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