Style 9 Caftans We're Living in This Summer Meet your warm-weather wardrobe's MVP. By Betsy Cribb Betsy Cribb Betsy is the Home and Features Editor at Southern Living. She writes about a veritable potpourri of topics for print and digital, from profiling Southern movers-and-shakers and celebrating family traditions to highlighting newsy restaurant openings and curating the annual holiday gift guide. Prior to joining the Southern Living team in 2017 as the style editor, she worked at Coastal Living as an assistant editor covering pets and homes. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 8, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Vogue 1936 Models. Toni Frissell / Contributor We've already declared the house dress to be our unofficial at-home uniform, so it should only follow that we've deemed its sunny sister, the caftan, our summer wardrobe MVP. Unlike the original housedress, which was designed to #work, the modern Western interpretation of the caftan was designed for leisure. Picture glittering cocktail parties and Slim Aarons's pool scenes. The caftan still flies as formalwear these days (hello, beaded silk), but for our purposes, we're enamored of caftans that swing a little more casual, made from light-as-air cotton and as appropriate for running errands as parking it by the pool. Casual caftans are still effortlessly elegant, with a no-fuss fit that's comfortable for all-day wear and won't require a trip to the dry cleaners. So go ahead, Mama. Shake out your caftan, pour yourself a strawberry margarita spritzer, and settle onto the porch swing. If you close your eyes, it's almost like you're in Palm Beach. Our Top Picks J.Crew Pajama Set in Cotton Poplin at Jcrew.com Jump to Review J. Crew Tie-front Cotton-Voile Maxi Dress at Jcrew.com Jump to Review World Market Ivory And Black Block Print Gwyneth Dress at World Market Jump to Review Beautybatik Women Hand-Blocked Cotton Caftan at Amazon Jump to Review Lilly Pulitzer Frey Maxi Cover-Up at Lillypulitzer.com Jump to Review Bsubseach Women Stylish Beach Shirt Dress at Amazon Jump to Review R.Vivimos Women's Long Sleeve Floral Print Retro V Neck Tassel Bohemian Midi Dresses at Amazon Jump to Review Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress at Anthropologie Jump to Review Madewell Flutter-Sleeve Caftan Dress in Tropical Vacation at Madewell.com Jump to Review J.Crew Pajama Set in Cotton Poplin J.Crew View On Jcrew.com Throw it over your bathing suit as a pretty cover-up or tie on the optional belt for a more tailored look. J. Crew Tie-front Cotton-Voile Maxi Dress J. Crew View On Jcrew.com Pair it with sandals for an easy daytime outfit, or dress it up with wedges and statement accessories. World Market Ivory And Black Block Print Gwyneth Dress World Market View On World Market A detachable slip simplifies the caftan's day-to-night quality. Beautybatik Women Hand-Blocked Cotton Caftan Amazon View On Amazon This sunny 100%-cotton caftan comes in 25 different colors and patterns. Lilly Pulitzer Frey Maxi Cover-Up Lilly Pulitzer View On Lillypulitzer.com With the high slit and sheer fabric, this one isn't really designed to be worn beyond the beach or the pool—though we wouldn't blame you for trying. Bsubseach Women Stylish Beach Shirt Dress Amazon View On Amazon Hello, vacation uniform! We can't get enough of this fun coral print. Plus, it has pockets. R.Vivimos Women's Long Sleeve Floral Print Retro V Neck Tassel Bohemian Midi Dresses Amazon View On Amazon If the dress fits ... buy it in every color! This Instagram influencer favorite comes in 43 patterns and colorways, so there's no shortage of vacation-worthy options. Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress Anthropologie View On Anthropologie This pick is especially versatile: Wear it over your swimsuit this summer, or pair it with leather slides as an easy day dress this fall. Madewell Flutter-Sleeve Caftan Dress in Tropical Vacation Madewell View On Madewell.com Dress for the destination in this tropical flora-patterned frock. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit