It’s funny when a male queries what a particular item of clothing actually is. That’s what happened last year when a male colleague stopped me mid conversation while I was discussing my beach holiday wardrobe, enquiring what a Kaftan was? It certainly made me stop and think.
The word is quite newly introduced into fashion terminology but it turns out that they’ve been wearing these long collarless tunics under coats in the Middle East for centuries.
My answer to his question was simply “A Kaftan is a beach cover-up”.
The best thing about this piece of summer wear is that not only can you wear it to the beach with a pair of flip flops or sandals, you can also wear it to the bar afterwards dressing it up with a pair of heels and bangles.
So once you’ve sorted out your swimsuit, it’s time to turn the attention to the all important cover-up outfit. Today, we show you our Top 5 Kaftans – what to wear over your bikini or swimsuit so that you look chic at all times.
1. Split-sleeve cover-up tunic $28 (€20 plus P&P), Victoria’s Secret
If you don’t fancy something flowy and floral, you can opt for block colour instead. Jersey is a flattering fabric – so much so that the WhatSheWears.ie and friends team have ordered these fabulous jersey cover-ups all the way from Victoria’s Secret (USA) online (seen here in forest green but it also comes in black).
We voted this our sexiest Kaftan as its split sleeves effect both cover up but show off your arms at the same time. It’s quite like a tan coloured one Victoria Beckham wore to the beach once.
2. Black Laurel Kaftan from Accessorize, €93 (£55)
This black and floral cover-up from Monsoon’s Rose Garden collection is a romantically feminine piece featuring summer hibiscus and rose print. With an empire line cut and an open neck, this top will skim your tummy and the loose sleeves will give your outfit a breezy elegance.
3. Roberto Cavalli, Silk Kaftan in Coral, Net-a-porter €1,183
Being the colour du jour, this coral coloured Kaftan will satisfy the designer craving in you. Slip into Roberto Cavalli’s papaya silk Kaftan top to dress up denim for evening. You can up the style stakes with a metallic bag and sandals for a look that is effortlessly chic.
4. Purple Tunic Mini Dress , Chica €235
Recently visited by none other than Beyonce, Chica boutique in the Westbury Mall, Dublin 2 is full of statement, embellished Kaftans in bright hues at present. Not all of these are online (we have featured the purple tunic pictured here) but pop into their boutique in Dublin and London and you can salivate at these glamorous pieces for yourself.
5. Braid embellished Kaftan, €41 (£35), Monsoon
White and gold are easy to match, add instant glamour to your outfit and look great with a tan. So, it’s comforting to know then that Monsoon offers three white and gold cover-ups, one of which we’ve listed here. Combine it with gold gladiator flats for daytime and gold wedges for that beach to bar outfit.
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March 15, 2010 at 8:40 pm
hi – is there a new update for this Summer on kaftans as need to buy some in next few weeks ?
March 15, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Sure, I’ll update it with Kaftans for summer 2010 soon I hope. In the meantime check out Victorias secret and http://www.monsoon.co.uk/ who have some lovely kaftans and tunics at the moment (look under day tunics as well as kaftans). But apart from that, some lovely Kaftans in store asap on whatshewears.ie