2.28.2014

wardrobe planning s/s14: the chic caftan


we're due to get another snow blast this weekend. i'm responding by dedicating this post entirely to the caftan.

the caftan is one of those 'hmmm' pieces for me. 'hmmm' as in i deliberate on how to channel Liz Taylor/Talitha Getty/Sofia Coppola while staying clear of muumuu territory. my style is not at all boho, so this is technically an uncharacteristic wardrobe choice.

nonetheless, i've been circling back to the caftan for spring/summer this year. i don't have anything like it in my closet, and recently while planning a few trips (including a friend's early summer wedding), it occurred to me that it would be nice to have an easy off-duty/vacation dress. i mean, does anything say 'i'm on holiday and more pasta, please' more than a flowing, printed caftan with some k. jacques sandals and stacked bracelets?

with all this in mind, i couldn't resist getting this gorgeous Emerson caftan on sale. i really like that the cotton is light but not sheer – it can go from beach/poolside to 'real clothes places'. and what a lovely, flattering print! 
what do you think of caftans? if you're a fan, how do you wear them?

10 comments:

  1. I bought the same caftan! I'm actually finding myself planning my annual vacation around it. We're definitely going some place warm and by the sea this year!

    I love caftans and have 3, not counting the Emerson Fry. They are of varying lengths and I've worn them with black motorcycle boots, moccasins, sandals, sneakers. I was first inspired by Parker Posey in "Broken English." She looked so great in hers in that movie. When I started wearing them, I worried too much about looking like Mrs. Roper (of Three's Company fame), but lately I've been embracing her look!

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    1. i love your film inspiration and that you wear yours with a variety of shoes, not just sandals!

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  2. I love kaftans, but I don't own one as I haven't found the perfect one yet - or I have, but it was last S/S collection from Zara so I'm still looking. I'd wear a kaftan on vacation with flat sandals.

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    1. i think i tried that one on last summer - feeling slightly regretful that i didn't snap it up on sale!

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  3. I've always liked the idea of caftans though never for myself. Long skirts/dresses have never worked for me - they always make me feel clumsy, which isn't the perfect word for the sensation, though that's probably the best way to describe it. I guess I'll just live through your caftan adventures. I remember when the EM one came out and thinking it was quite gorgeous. I'm excited to see how you style it once warmer weather rolls around!

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    1. i know what you mean, though i just got my EF one and it's even lovelier in person. i feel very ethereal in it - definitely a departure form my usual go-tos, but i think it will become a fast essential once warmer weather rolls around...

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  4. I have been a big fan of caftans for a many years.. i have delved directly into Mrs Roper territory, flirted with avant garde and juxtaposed the hell out of them...

    I have hemmed several in the past into a knee length that was even better for pool side or summer parties.. I think that people SHOULD hem them to a length they find more appropriate for their bodies- mid calf can be nice, knee length or even a micro mini caftan.. the possibilities make it that much more exciting!

    I have a divine vintage silk twill one from Palm Springs in fluro and jade that I made into an evening dress and gold draped long chains and wore Margiela wedges with and wore to a wedding.. the rest of the fabric i made into a scarf!

    I have thin cotton one from India that is purely for House Use... and others that are deemed the perfect Brunch attire with a pair of Swedish Hasbeens.

    Basically i love textiles and caftans are a great way to embrace them.. i have wanted the EF one and keep putting it in my basket, but now i might have to commit..


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    1. ita i love all the ways you wear your caftans! i just got my EF one in the mail and it's even lovlier in person. the print is really gorgeous!

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  5. i think this would make me look like a fat cow, but i like it for lounging or as a cover up. i've always fancied it with lots of additional drapey layers vs alone....maybe a RO type jacket and a waterfall sweater and THEN the kaftan...hmmmm.
    ok i've ruined the idea. :)

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  6. i prefer the kaftan as an indoor garment since it's so light and sooo shapeless. i think it would make me look like a wind sock. however, i like the idea of it paired with more structured pieces, perhaps a nice RO jacket and a drapey hoodie underneath. and chucks.
    i think i've ruined the vacation concept lol. IT'S TOO COLD FOR THIS EXERCISE, MISS SOPHIE.

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