17 Caftan Dresses That'll Be Your No-Brainer Summer Uniform
Easy, breezy!


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.
This knit cold-weather caftan is perfectly suited for a flared jean and ankle boots.
Throw on a strappy heel and a pair of hoops and this is your night out caftan.
This light-as-a-feather dress is crafted from an airy organic cotton fabric, ideal for heat waves or beach days.
Pockets reign in this special tie-dye caftan that's hand-woven on a backstrap loom.
This handmade caftan was crafted by local artisans in Ethiopia from lightweight embroidered cotton.
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.
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.
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.
This knee-length caftan is crafted from a water-absorbing terry fabric, making it the ideal uniform when you're pool- or beach-bound.
The minimalist silhouette is the perfect canvas for layered necklaces and bangles.
We love this red and white printed caftan for warm weather outings or date night.
This earth tone maxi-length caftan will be your new go-to. Layer it with gold necklaces and pop on a trendy flatform.
Embroidered doves and an elevated silk fabrication makes this elegant caftan a tried-and-true investment for all of your future destination weddings.
This chic striped caftan will transport you to the beach. Accessorize it with a wicker bag and a bucket hat.
There's no need to wear jewelry with this white and blue embroidered caftan dress.
If you can't go barefoot, pair this laid-back, slightly sheer caftan with a minimalist slide sandal.
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Sara Holzman is the Style Director for Marie Claire, where she's worked alongside the publication for eight years in various roles, ensuring the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation about fashion's ever-evolving landscape. With a degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is responsible for overseeing a diverse fashion content mix, from emerging and legacy designer profiles to reported features on the influence of social media on style and seasonal and micro trends across the world's fashion epicenters in New York, Milan, and Paris. Before joining Marie Claire, Sara held fashion roles at Conde Nast's Lucky Magazine and Self Magazine and was a style and travel contributor to Equinox's Furthermore website. Over her decade of experience in the fashion industry, Sara has helped guide each brand's style point of view, working alongside veteran photographers and stylists to bring editorial and celebrity photo shoots to fruition from start to finish. Sara currently lives in New York City. When she's not penning about fashion or travel, she’s at the farmer’s market, on a run, working to perfect her roasted chicken recipe, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork
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