16 Stylish Caftan Dresses for the Easiest Vacation Outfits Ever

By Monica Mendal
Updated: April 05, 2019
Courtesy of Cos/Net-a-Porter/&Other Stories

At long last, it's finally time to start planning our summer travels. I’ve been telling myself that summer is around the corner for the last three months, but now it really is. With our flights booked, hotels confirmed, and itineraries in progress, what’s next? What to pack, of course.

Packing for a trip is half the fun and shopping online for the perfect outfit for Miami, Costa Rica, Colombia, or wherever you're headed is a truly delightful part of anticipating your trip. (I mean, for what other reason can you justify buying a pineapple-shaped bag?) But let’s start with the basics. There's one staple item you simply can’t go on a beach vacation without: a caftan (or kaftan).

Related: 18 Comfortable Dresses That Are Made to Travel In

Though the garment dates back to ancient Mesopotamian, the caftan's essence has largely remained the same: it's lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting. It just so happens that these three characteristics make for the perfect piece to transition from a day on the beach to an afternoon exploring a new city — especially in the heat of summer.

Wear it atop a pair of light linen pants for a day of shopping. Toss it on over your swimsuit as a cover-up by the pool. Belt it and step into a pair of heeled slides for a night out. You really won’t need to pack much else. But if you do opt for a pineapple bag to pair with your caftan, just know you have our full support.

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1 of 17

Tory Burch geo embellished printed cotton voile kaftan

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $330

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2 of 17

Mes Demoiselles farouche leopard print cotton voile kaftan

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $285

3 of 17

Love Binetti Good Vibrations tie-dye cotton kaftan

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $384

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4 of 17

Pippa Holt embroidered cotton kaftan

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $560

5 of 17

Su Paris Sya metallic linen kaftan

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $665

6 of 17

D’Ascoli Emir cotton kaftan

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $373

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7 of 17

Juliet Dunn floral-embroidered silk kaftan

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $461

8 of 17

Loup Charmant striped cotton kaftan

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $475

9 of 17

See by Chloé tiger print tunic

Courtesy of Farfetch

To buy: farfetch.com, $357

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10 of 17

Missoni Mare printed rainbow stripe cover-up caftan

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $985

11 of 17

Figue paolina tasseled striped cotton kaftan

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

To buy: modaoperandi.com, $450

12 of 17

Adriana Degreas nautilus printed voile kaftan

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $1,066

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13 of 17

Emilio Pucci printed cotton and silk-blend voile kaftan

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $1,135

14 of 17

& Other Stories embroidered belted kaftan dress

Courtesy of &Other Stories

To buy: stories.com, $129

15 of 17

Cos oversized v-neck kaftan  

Courtesy of Cos

To buy: cosstores.com, $135

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16 of 17

Zara semi-sheer embroidered tunic

Courtesy of Zara

To buy: zara.com, $90

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