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They’re comfortable, they’re easy to style, they break all the rules of “flattering,” and you always look like a queen when you wear one: Plus-size caftans are a blessing to us all, and they don’t have to go back into your closet when summer is over. These dresses—often characterized by their loose-fitting cuts, long lengths, flowing sleeves, and robe-like feel—make for an aesthetic that won’t feel constricting or sweat-inducing as the seasons transition, but that can be easily layered under or over wooly or leather-look garments when the temperatures do drop.
There’s something effortlessly regal about a good caftan that’s highly fitting for autumn. Maybe it’s their length, or the common appearance of bold and eye-catching patterns decorating their silhouettes, but caftans often feel like a way of saying, “I’m here. I’m assuming my right to take up space. Now admire me from afar.” In other words, they can be very fancy.
They’re also very comfortable, though. The ancient Mesopotamians clearly knew how to win at glamorous slouchiness, as did the myriad Middle Eastern cultures that continued to utilize the caftan in the centuries thereafter. It’s no wonder that every Western designer from Christian Dior to Balenciaga to the hippie style-makers of the ’60s would eventually put their own spin on the look.
This season, the caftan is seeing a major reappearance yet again. Whether you’re devoted to florals, Grecian cuts, or—yes—even sequins, there’s a caftan waiting for you.
This season, remind yourself (and the world) that looking fashionable does not have to come at the sacrifice of your comfort. As your caftan proves, you’re a queen and you know best.
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