How to Elevate Your Style with a Kaftan

If I can’t go to Santorini this summer, I can look like I am on the Greek island (precisely why I created the lipstick I am wearing today called Santorini). Yes, I know it’s not the same as actually being in the gorgeous Greek Islands, but the second I put on this custom made Kaftan I gloriously transport back to my Greek roots. What’s wrong with dreaming, fantasizing, and sipping on a little Ouzo while soaking up a few rays?

I received a DM in my inbox on Instagram from Carla Christoph, a woman who makes custom Kaftans out of Houston, Texas. I thought to myself, how does she know I am reading The Art of Southern Charm, which the author is all about wearing kaftans and sipping on a martini. I have been a massive fan of Kaftans for years. There is something so elegant and chic about the way a Kaftan fits and flows. I went right over to Carla’s website and fell in love.

I told Carla the designers to pull from for inspiration when she was creating my kaftan were Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera, the epitome of class and elegance. I trusted whatever she created would be amazing, and I couldn’t wait to receive my one-of-a-kind Kaftan.

I did a little research on when the Kaftan, I was curious about where it originated from, and it turns out Ancient Mesopotamia. The word Kaftan is Persian, and it’s believed that the Ottoman sultans from the 14th to the 18th centuries wore lavishly decorated kaftans. A true kaftan is a narrow cut, a long robe with full sleeves, with a deep neck or fully open to the floor. You will sometimes see one that has buttons. So how did the Kaftan make its mark? In 1966 Vogue described the Kaftan is an essential garment for every member of the jet-set elite. Designers from Halston to Tom Ford have put their stamp on this design. The Kaftan even has made its walk down the red carpet by designers Naeem Khan and Elie Saab.

I noticed after a lot of research that Kaftans are not the easiest thing to find. I love how mine was custom fitted to my body by Carla Christoph Designs, and supporting another woman entrepreneur is very important to me. Kaftans with high-quality material and craftsmanship are not inexpensive. I view buying a kaftan an investment piece to my wardrobe. It’s not a one-hit-wonder because there are so many ways you can wear a kaftan. I could have easily worn gold flip flops or flat strappy sandals with this design to give it a more casual feel, or you can style it as I have in these photos with a cuff bracelet, drop earrings, and nude strappy sandals. The second the neckline slips over my body, I feel elevated to another level. Exactly what I think everyone needs this summer.

I hope you are excited to throw on an ultra-chic and elegant kaftan this summer and escape to your backyard, beach, pool, or just your couch. Dressing in a kaftan is how I change my whole attitude; kaftans are my go-to when I want to feel feminine, gorgeous, up-leveled, and glamorous, which happens to be all the time right now.