"The ladies of The White Lotus this season all had killer style. But as I watched Victoria Ratliff traipsing around effortlessly in her flowy kaftans, I had a lightbulb moment. Should we all be wearing kaftans this summer for an easy, comfortable, flattering, and pulled-together look?
Ratliff wears a number of these long, drapey dresses throughout the show that make her look like the Southern aristocrat she is (well, was, pending her husband’s future). They look super comfortable as well—something that’s at the top of my must-have list for my wardrobe. They’re also considered a fairly universally flattering outfit choice regardless of body shape or size, which is a big plus in my opinion.
Kaftans have been a fashion staple since well before the 16th century, and The White Lotus—specifically with Victoria Ratliff’s character—is putting them back in the spotlight again. The exact origins are unknown, but it’s likely they originated in Persia before spreading to Morocco and the rest of the world.
You can buy the exact kaftan Ratliff wears in episode six. But if you’re looking to build a collection to live in all summer like us, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite options for all occasions.
Best Beach-Ready Kaftans
Looking for something that transitions easily from the pool to a round of piña coladas or popsicles? These kaftans are workhorses and can serve a myriad of purposes. All of these options can serve as a stylish cover-up for the pool or vacation, an acceptable option to wear post-pool to brunch, or simply an easy, casual option to wear any day of the week.
Best Kaftans for Everyday Wear
The flowy nature of kaftans makes them a great choice for the summer. When it’s unbearably hot, I don’t want any tight waistbands or anything really touching my skin, but I do like to look put together. Kaftans are the perfect way to accomplish both of these objectives, as the fabric will only lightly skim your body. Perhaps that’s why Parker Posey’s character wears so many kaftans in the scorching heat of Thailand.
Best Kaftans for Date Nights or Wedding Guests
We all can’t suddenly come into 5 million dollars, but you can certainly dress like you did with a kaftan. Materials like silk elevate the look and feel of a kaftan and make for an elegant statement dress for a date night or for any summer weddings. Accessorize with a chunky necklace or stack of bracelets to punch up the look. Or let the kaftan speak for itself, especially if it’s got a statement design.
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Elliott Harrell, Contributing Writer
Elliott is a mom of two little girls and is based in Raleigh, NC. She spends her days running a sales team and doing laundry and her nights writing about the things that she loves. She’s passionate about all things motherhood and women’s health. When she’s not working, writing or parenting you can find her trying a new restaurant in town or working on her latest needlepoint project.