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Get the Palm Royale Look With the Best Caftan Dresses to Kick-Start Your Summer Style

It’s caftan girl summer.

By Ashley Achenbach and
a woman posing for a picture
Alexandra Miro

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Thanks to shows like Palm Royale and Loot, the caftan dress is having a moment. Often made in cotton or linen—and almost always in a fun color or pattern—the contemporary caftan is new-age minimalism at its finest. The garment is understated yet loud, breezy but surprisingly full-coverage—the definition of effortlessly chic.

For several summers now, I’ve been a connoisseur. It all started with a neighbor’s hand-me-down, which was shapeless, paisley pink, and absolutely perfect. At first, I felt confined to wearing my caftan over a luxury swimsuit at the beach or on the way to the beach. But its beauty, of course, lies in its versatility. The caftan can be a swimsuit cover-up or a formal dress. It hides things. It’s mysterious. And when paired with chunky jewelry and a heel, it can even be a little sexy.

I’m calling it now: 2024 is the summer of the caftan. Below, a few favorite pieces to add to your closet, stat.

Best to Dress Down

H&M Satin Kaftan Dress

Satin Kaftan Dress
Now 31% Off

Yes, you can utilize convenience and still look put together. Take some of the hassle out of your daily routine with this draped satin kaftan dress and a pair of slides. Easy-peasy.

Sizes: XS-2XL

Colors: Black, Cream

Material: Rayon

Best for Keeping Cool

Tuckernuck Carolina Caftan

Carolina Caftan

Beat the heat in this breezy cotton caftan that permits extra ventilation with slits at the hem and loose, three-quarter-length sleeves.

Sizes: XS-3XL

Colors: Light Blue, Navy, Pink, White, Black

Material: Cotton

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Best Amazon Steal

Miss Lavish London Women’s Kaftan Dress

Women’s Kaftan Dress

This kaftan dress has 4.4 stars from over 16,000 reviews and it’s under $20. If you’re still on the fence, know that it comes in over 40 color and pattern options.

Sizes: S-3XL

Colors: 41 options

Material: Polyester

Best for a Night Out

Adriana Degreas Exotic Coral Caftan

Exotic Coral Caftan

A pink patterned caftan like this one is made to be paired with some chunky jewelry. Perfect for a night out in summer.

Sizes: S-L

Colors: Pink

Material: Cotton

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Best for Dancing

Charo Ruiz Kelyk Broderie Anglaise Caftan

Kelyk Broderie Anglaise Caftan

This piece from Charo Ruiz is just begging to be twirled around. It’s sophisticated and fun.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Material: Cotton blend

Best Swimsuit Cover-Up

Alexandra Miro Roxanne Sheer Caftan

Roxanne Sheer Caftan

This sheer black caftan from Alexandra Miro is resort wear at its finest.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Material: Viscose

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Best Side Slit

Michael Stars Kate Caftan

Kate Caftan

Yes, the caftan can be sexy, especially with a side slit like the one on this Michael Stars piece.

Sizes: One Size

Colors: Grey

Material: Viscose

Best Long Sleeves

Andrea Iyamah Tibara Caftan

Tibara Caftan

The long sleeves, pleated shoulders, and billowing sides give this Andrea Iyamah caftan a flattering form.

Sizes: S-XL

Colors: Lime

Material: Polyester

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Best Traditional

Tory Burch Embellished Caftan

Embellished Caftan

If you want a more traditional-looking caftan, consider this one from Tory Burch, which is 100 percent linen.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Warm Nutmeg

Material: Linen

Best Contemporary Take

La Vie Style House Floral Lace Maxi Caftan

Floral Lace Maxi Caftan

Without a doubt, you’ll stand out at the pool in this bright green option from La Vie Style House.

Sizes: One Size

Colors: Bright Green

Material: Polyester

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Best for the Beach

Bsubseach Striped Blue Caftan Dress

Striped Blue Caftan Dress

Extra billowy, this affordable Amazon find is perfect for a day at the beach. Plus, it has pockets!

Sizes: One Size

Colors: Navy Blue

Material: Polyester

Best Pattern

Johanna Ortiz El Tropico Silk Tunic

El Tropico Silk Tunic

Hands down, the pattern on this silk caftan from Johanna Ortiz is absolutely stunning.

Sizes: 1-10

Colors: Green

Material: Silk

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