How to style a kaftan for petite women

A few days ago I came across a picture of La Contessa wearing one of my kaftan designs, it was featured in a blogpost from Cindy Hattersley . Kaftan lovers worldwide know that the Contessa lives and breathes kaftans and she most certainly rocks them!
Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with her height, but that doesn’t mean that we, petite women, can’t rock the kaftan too!

So today, I want to dive into the world of kaftans and explore how we can style this timeless garment to perfection. Whether you're already a fan of kaftans or looking to incorporate them into your wardrobe, we've got you covered.

  

Before I delve into the styling tips, let's start with a brief explanation of what a kaftan or caftan - both are correct, actually is.

Originating from the Middle East, a kaftan is a loose, flowy garment that typically reaches ankle length. It features wide sleeves and can be made from various fabrics, including silk, chiffon, or cotton. Kaftans are known for their comfort, versatility, and effortless elegance.

While kaftans have become increasingly popular in recent years, styling them can pose unique challenges for some.

The loose and voluminous nature of kaftans can sometimes overwhelm a smaller frame, making it crucial to find the right balance and proportions.

However, with a few styling tricks up your sleeve, you can rock the kaftan look with confidence and grace. 

Choosing the Perfect Kaftan for Petite Women

Kaftans could be a fabulous choice, offering a magical way to create the illusion of height and exude effortless elegance. When selecting the ideal kaftan, consider the following key factors:

Length:
Opt for a kaftan that falls at or below the knee. This choice will beautifully elongate your legs and create a harmonious, balanced look.

 

Color:
Steer clear of busy prints and instead choose solid colors or subtle patterns. This selection will avoid visually shortening your body and help you maintain a stunning silhouette.

Fabric:
Select a lightweight fabric that gracefully drapes over your frame, avoiding any unnecessary bulk. This choice will ensure a flattering and comfortable fit.

Accessorise with Confidence

Enhance the allure of your kaftan with stylish accessories, and watch your outfit come to life. Consider these tips to accessorise with confidence:

Belt it Up:

Choose a kaftan that includes a belt or add one yourself. Cinching in at the waist will create a defined shape and elevate your overall look.

  

Heighten with Heels:

Pair your kaftan with heels to add an extra touch of height and elongate your legs, enhancing your graceful presence.

Statement Jewellery:

Complete your ensemble with eye-catching, statement jewellery. This choice draws attention to your face, achieving a balanced and captivating appearance.

 

The vertical stripes in the above tie dye caftan for petite designs also help to lengthen your presence.

Additional Tips

To further enhance your kaftan styling, keep these additional tips in mind:

V-Neckline Magic:
Opt for a kaftan with a flattering V-neckline. This feature elongates your neck and creates the illusion of a longer torso, adding to your enchanting allure.

   

Short Front Kaftan:

Experiment with a short front kaftan, featuring an asymmetrical design. This unique style adds height to your silhouette and can be paired beautifully with leggings for a fashionable ensemble.

With these tips in your fashion arsenal, you can now confidently embrace the allure of kaftan dresses and effortlessly rock stylish and flattering looks. So go ahead and make a statement with your kaftan style, leaving everyone mesmerised by your impeccable fashion sense.