12 of the best throw-on kaftan dresses in shops right now

The kaftan is our dress of choice this summer – here’s where to find 12 of the best 

When I was young and would hear the words ‘kaftan dress’, an image of Homer Simpson in his moo moo always flashed in my mind.

Shapeless and unflattering, and always paired with a white baker boy hat.

Now that I am older, I see kaftan dresses in a different light.

Instead of being shapeless, they are comfortable. Instead of being unflattering, they are complimentary. And instead of a white baker boy hat, it’s sandals, gold jewellery, and a fabulous basket bag.

The key with the kaftan dress is to let it do all of the talking. Keep it simple. From accessories to footwear, don’t overwhelm an item of clothing that already takes up space.

The beauty of this dress is the ease in which it wears and flows. There is no effort required and the best fashion reflects that.

Fashion mirrors the time. The design teams of the high street didn’t foresee a global pandemic while creating these dresses last year, but they couldn’t have appeared at a more apt moment. We desire comfort because the world around us is uncomfortable. There is a reason why we moved towards loungewear and exercise clothes and away from jeans and tight dresses. And the kaftan is our chic leisure item of choice.

H&M is leading the way with an array of kaftan styles in sumptuous blues and purples. Arket has designed a camel version for the minimalist lover. While Louisa Parris has created a multicoloured vision (and investment buy) that we will be wearing to the very first wedding that gets the go-ahead.

12 of the best

Lyocell-blend kaftan dress, €44.99 at H&M

Kaftan dress, €99 at Arket

Jacquard-weave kaftan, €39.99 at H&M

Forever U Curve pleated midi dress, €152.08 at Asos

Kaftan dress with pleat detail, €34.50 at Cos

Super-soft kaftan dress, €35 at Monki

Chiffon dress, €39.99 at H&M

Louisa Parris pink draper asymmetric silk-twill dress, €429 at Net A Porter

Wide kaftan dress, €69.99

Melissa Odabash Irene embroidered kaftan, €309 at MyTheresa

Cotton kaftan midi dress, €29 at & Other Stories

Cotton kaftan dress, €39.99 at H&M

Read more: 15 of the best basics to make the ultimate summer wardrobe

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Read more: 18 high street wedding dresses for under €250