Caftans - YouLookFab Forum

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Caftans

Iron Ethel Flint

Hi again from your completely clueless cyberfriend. I think I've found an eBay search term that I LOVE: "caftan".

I see pictures of beautiful fabrics that drape instead of pinch and they remind me of a beatnik lady I knew in my college days. I want I want I want....

But I'm not sure whether they are so hopelessly out of style that people would laugh at me or whether they are intended to be used as sleepwear so I couldn't justify owning more than one or two of them because I would have to change into (ouch!) jeans before I could go to the supermarket or check the mail anyway.

Fortunately, I know where to go to find out now.

Anyone want to enlighten me about what to DO with a caftan other than want one? Love you guys!

General

21 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Joy

Veteran

I think of them as loungewear, something to change into after work. My DMIL used to wear them and looked very elegant and comfortable at home. She never wore them to leave the house or yard.

carter

Veteran

I think of them as loungewear too, maybe a swimsuit cover up too. They feel a little "Mrs. Roper" to me to be worn past the mailbox.

abc

Veteran

Can you link to some you love?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think Rachel Zoe is a big fan of them.

Anonymous

I think of them mostly as at-home wear, something to lounge around in. I think there was a time in the past when they were worn by those who were hostessing parties in their home (these were called "hostess gowns" rather than caftans, I think). I guess if I saw someone on the street wearing one, I might assume they were from another country, or perhaps just expressing their individuality in a unique way.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://thezoereport.com/fashio.....s/#slide-1

deb

Veteran

I love caftans and wore them a lot in the 70's.

Deborah

Veteran

Australian Designer Camilla is known for her beautiful Kaftans.

http://www.camilla.com.au/shop/dresses/kaftan.html

Anonymous

Whoo, those Camillas are pricey but gorgeous! Works of art, really.

Iron Ethel Flint

Those are beautiful! Thank you soooo much for sharing.

I wish I had the audacity to wear what I want when I want anywhere I want, but I'm not that evolved yet so I guess I'd better choose carefully, but there are so many gorgeous possibilities even on a low budget.

The Camillas are spectacular and I love the one Rachel Zoe recommends for the wedding. Now I want matching earrings too!

Anonymous

What about maxi skirts and dresses? They're kind of in the same ballpark as caftans, and there are lots of options out there, at all price points.

Thin White Duchess

I roll around town in my Emerson Fry caftans with no shame. Not everyone agrees with me about this, tho.

rachylou

Veteran

Miz. Ethel! I've missed you!

Ok. So my declaration: Caftans are classic and always high fashion. There are shorter more dress-like ones (put a pic below), and then the full on gowns. I think pattern is everything. Like, I don't think you'd want pale little prairie flowers swanning around in the tropics...

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BethT

I kinda love them, but feel they go with a specific care-free, jet-setter sort of life style. I don't ever remember seeing anyone wear them in real life in the 70's except on TV, so that's where I get my totally unrealistic expectations from.

However, if my clothes were that loose, I'd be putting down some calories!

Jeweled

Veteran

Iron Ethel, it may be all in how you style everything around the caftan. For example, I think the color and style of your shoes and jewelry could elevate the caftan into a statement piece you could wear beyond the house. Accessories could really make a difference.

Echo

Veteran

I feel that printed caftans (and most are) are definitely more beachy, swimsuit cover-up than I'd normally be comfortable wearing (unless on holiday). But then again, I've seen some very fashionable women wear them well, but I think it takes killer confidence to do well. Because of their flowing nature, they easily lean dowdy unless one's posture is perfect and one's head is held high.

Anonymous

Andre Leon Talley knows how to rock a caftan! Of course, he's 6' 6" and has a larger-than-life persona.

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Iron Ethel Flint

This is what's on the way--I guess I did get a bit carried away, but two of them were part of a lot. I'm also getting two muu muus, which may or may not be worth a thread of their own.

I'm an am apple shaped gal who cannot STAND tight things around her waist, so I need loose but frumpy is getting old.

But I absolutely love these! I probably don't have the self-confidence to walk out of the door in them, but I so don't feel like I'm settling on what sucks least for a change.

Rachy, I've missed you lots! I'm getting ready to go shopping in my closet after I get some comforters and afghans mended for the winter and I'm going to start making something for myself, since little dude just wants to wear sweats all the time right now.

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frannieb

Veteran

I so love a caftan - I just bought one this year - I wear it for lounging around the house.
I hope you love your caftans.

Anonymous

I like the idea of them, just not sure about the execution of same. I think if they are deliberately NOT palm beach/lilly pulitzer type prints, and not worn with oversize Mrs Roper earrings, then they can look pretty chic (a la Rachel Zoe, as Anna mentioned). I've often flirted with the idea of finding one in a cool print to wear around the backyard or at the cottage in the summer -but I don't see them as urban wear at all. Pair it with flat leather Grecian sandals and a heavy gold bangle and it would be great!

rachylou

Veteran

Speaking of Mrs. Roper... No rope wedges and seashell necklaces with them...