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Planning your next vacation? The kaftan is one of the most versatile items you can pack in your suitcase. Kaftans come in all shapes and sizes; can be worn long or short; from tunics to long flowing, and elegant gowns. The fact that it suits all ages and body shapes, with updated styles and fashion accessories, keeps it right on-trend.
The good news is, you don’t just have to wear your kaftan over your swimsuit. So what should you wear underneath your kaftan? How can you ensure this summer essential is the perfect pick, no matter what kind of vacation you’re planning?
Here are our top tips for taking just one kaftan and ensuring that it looks great no matter what the occasion:
In this photo: Pampelonne Beach Short Kaftan Dress
Sheer kaftans are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a versatile piece you can wear both on the beach and when sightseeing. This makes sheer kaftans ideal for city breaks and weekends away. Wear yours over a swimsuit when you’re on the beach, or over a slip and pants or leggings when you’re exploring the city.
A uniform colour should be worn underneath sheer kaftans. Pairing a kaftan, for example, with white pants means you need to also wear a white cami (exception: when the kaftan print disguises the waist where skin meets the top of your pants).
The colour of the underlayer you choose will completely change the look and feel of your outfit. Bright white leggings and coordinating cami, for example, will add a tropical holiday feel ideal for a day exploration or a city brunch, whilst the same outfit with a black slip or black pants would be perfect for evening cocktails on the terrace. One kaftan can be worn so many different ways!
In this photo: They Hayman Short Kaftan Dress
Cruising is growing in popularity as an easy, high end way to see the world, and cruises are notorious for their high-end and glamorous fashion options both day and night.
If you want to add a high end, luxurious look to your kaftan then why not consider pairing it with nude coloured underlayers, such as a flesh coloured slip. The secret here is to choose a slip that is a slightly darker tone or shade than our skin colour (personally, I like a coffee au lait colour). Next, make sure that it’s also not shiny. Many nude slips are a pale colour and shiny, which reflects the light and washes out the colour of the kaftan which also draws attention to your slip. A flat, non-shiny slip that is not too light in colour brings out the colours of the kaftan and will disguise any bumps and not-so-desirable parts you don’t want the world to see.
In this photo: Clara Cotton Slip
This is the perfect option for wearing on a cruise liner, allowing you to flash a little flesh whilst protecting your modesty. To add an extra touch of cruise ship glamour, don’t forget to accessorise your kaftan. Cinching in the waist with an oversized belt or adding a longline necklace will instantly elevate your outfit, creating a dress effect from your favourite kaftan.
Of course, the traditional use for a beach kaftan is wearing on the beach! The beach kaftan is an absolute essential if you’re taking a beach vacation, perfect for popping on directly over your swimwear to protect your modesty and provide extra coverage from the sun.
It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a long kaftan or a short kaftan, their voluminous nature means that your body will instantly look more streamlined under your kaftan. When you head off the beach for lunch or to grab a cocktail, take advantage of that streamlined look by popping on a pair of slim fit shorts or a close-fitting slip dress underneath your beach kaftan.
In this photo: Adele Microfibre Slip
Kaftans are lightweight, fold much smaller than you might expect, and are incredibly versatile. If you’re travelling light on your next vacation then popping in just a couple of kaftans will give you a wide range of different outfit options both for day and night. You’ll be amazed by just how many different ways you can wear yours!
