Welcome to the second post in the series Jennifer of a Well Styled Life and I are doing monthly. Jennifer came up with the concept of trying something each month that is outside of our wheelhouse so to speak. Each month we will include another guest blogger and this month we invited our friend Susan of Une Femme d Un Certain Age. Jennifer suggested the caftan this month. Three short people in caftans? What do you think about caftans for women our age? This should be interesting! Let’s take a look at Over 50 Fashion-The Caftan Can We Wear It?
A kaftan or caftan (yes either is correct) is a variant of the robe or tunic, and has been worn in a number of cultures around the world for thousands of years and is of Asiatic origin. A traditional caftan should come to the ankles. Supposedly “a caftan is relatively shapeless, and tailoring does have its purposes. It provides support for larger busts, the definition for any and all waistlines, and elongation for short legs” Hmmm… I am not so sure about that.
I ordered this darling block print patchwork number on Etsy. I love everything about it. I just don’t think patterns and a lot of fabric works on me. I am 5’4 and curvy. It seems to make the large parts of my body look larger. If you know what I mean? Note the back view.
SHOP THE LOOK
One of my favorite online sources Peruvian Connection sent me this carnasserai dress, and the cowry shell hat. It is cut closer to the body than a traditional caftan and is much more flattering.
As with all their clothes this knit is lightweight and fits beautifully. Here I am wearing it with my Don Lucas earrings and older korkease sandals.
SHOP THE LOOK
According to stylist Rachel Zoe “caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black-tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I’m traveling because you never know where you’re going to end up and need a caftan!” I have to admit I am still not sold on caftans for women my age and size. I could wear a modified version of the caftan over leggings. Not quite so much fabric and a little more flattering. Here I am wearing it with the Peruvian Collection Cowry Shell hat and leggings.
This was the only shot I got all day without a hat. It was windy!
SHOP THE POST
How do you feel about Caftans for women our age? Yay or nay? Or are they only something the Caftan Queen (aka the Contessa) can wear?
CAFTANS YOU MIGHT ENJOY
Did you catch our last collaboration Over 50 Fashion-The J Crew Eyelet Shirt
You might enjoy this article Town and Country Magazine How to Wear a Caftan. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer and Susan have come up with. Pop over to
Jennifer at a Well Styled Life, and Susan at Une Femme d Un Certain Age to see.
Thanks for reading Over 50 Fashion-The Caftan Can We Wear it?
Thanks for this post.
I loved you in the Peruvian one. Not for me though.
The navy tunic with the white tights was just smashing!
I’m all of 5’3” and 70! Love the striped caftan! Great ideas and fun but I don’t like myself in short caftans…too much fabric! Love your site and love Susan’s too! Thank you.
I hear you! I too shrunk to the same height as you and although I love the look and functionality of a caftan, it would dwarf me. How about some style suggestions for those of us who are petite?
Cindy:
You look so much like Jenna in the last photo! Very cute!
Pat
Now that is a compliment! Maybe not for Jenna! We are hoping to go up and see Steven and Ester in the next couple weekends!
I love you in the second caftan, it shoes off your pretty shape. Sometimes the looser ones make us looks dowdy and far larger than we are. I do like the fabric of both.
I love your hats, I never knew you wore them due to the wind…clever! I use a lot of headbands and there are so many styles and fabrics, it’s hard to pick just a few!
Jane
All the caftans were gorgeous! I MUST get one. Thanks for the inspiration.
Take care and stay well,
Amanda
You look adorable and I love the way you styled them all! Enjoy your week!
Shelley
I generally think of the caftan as the domaine of our favorite Contessa. Has she ever met with a caftan that didn’t agree with her? No. Love the Peruvian Connection caftan on you. So chic and flattering … and you look so tall! I need this for my 5’4″ frame. xo
You look great, Cindy! I would look like a hot air balloon in a caftan…or Lady Macbeth!!!
Most caftans have too much fabric for me. I’m slim but they make me look like I have things to hide. Love your idea of a shorter version with leggings! xoxox, Brenda
The striped dress is very flattering on you…fabulous choice!
No caftan for me at 5’9 I can never find one that’s long enough, but love the leggings with a tunic and sandals, That’s right up my style alley.
You look so cute in the Peruvian outfit! I’m 5’7″ and curvy, but I still feel dumpy in a full length caftan. Way too much material for me. I much prefer midi length, or tunic over leggings. I found some cute midi dresses at World Market. I loved your blog on gray hair too! Just had mine cut in a pixie!
Hi Anita
I tend to feel dumpy in anything full length but am learning to embrace the look. I linked to a few of those World Market cuties! I wish I could wear my hair in a pixie it would be oh so easy!!
I agree with you. I do not find Caftans very flattering. I am 5’6 and I look overwhelmed if I wear too much fabric. I have yo be careful with tops and dresses also so that they do not have too much fabric. Some people can look beautiful in a Caftan, just not me !
OK, let’s face it. La Contessa looks the best in Caftans. I’m 5’4′ with shall we say ample bosoms. I would only wear a caftan at home where no one could see me. I love the black tunic. Where is that from? The shape of the Peruvian is wonderful. I also love the way you style your outfits. Just great looking. I love the idea of trying to make impossible outfits work. It’s lovely to see failures. We all have so many.
Cindy, what a trio of fun which is what a caftan should be!! I really am a “shrimp”, having shrunk to 5 ‘ 1/2″. Consequently, the only way to try and “feel” glamorous like the Contessa is to wear a caftan with my high neutral espadrilles. Sorry it’s no longer an option for you although the stripe and black tunic look exquisite with your sandals. Love from Camano Island, WA
Hi Diney
I bet you look adorable in your espadrilles and caftan! I think the traditional ones are not meant for my height and or body type! It was a fun challenge though!
From Bev
Cindy…Thanks for the blog on the caftans…like you, I thought they were only for old ladies, and most look like mu mus from the 50’s…channeling big hair, big glasses, round figures, etc. But I would encourage you and your readers to look at the website for a store in Portland, Maine called South Street Linen…they have 2 caftans…both of which I now own and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ! They are slimming and linen comfortable and cool! Each retails around $200, so they are not cheap…but they are made in the USA by their own seamstresses, and the linen fabric is soft and of good quality. I wear a large in clothing, and am 5’4″…and I ordered a size 01 in both of them…and they fit perfectly. These were the first caftans I have ever purchased, ( I am an active 70 year old ) so like you, I was not excited until I saw these. They are perfect to wear around the house, or to a cocktail party, or at the pool…Another site for linen clothes that I love is Crown Linen Designs out of Washington state. They also have beautiful home accessories…so check them out…thanks for your blogs…I always look forward to getting them.
Cindy, check out Ro’s Garden for a “kurta”. I just bought one for resort travel to warm climates. It is slimmer than a kaftan.
Hi Sharon
Thank you for reminding me about Ro’s garden! I found them awhile back and failed to bookmark them. Love them! How does their sizing work? You are going to get me into trouble I am afraid!
I agree the patchwork has too much fabric for you. And it dont look long enough even on you to drape correctly. Just my thought. Love the stripe one and the black with leggings looks great.
Hi Nancy
You are absolutely right. I almost didn’t even model it but thought it a good example of what not to wear. If it were full length I would trip over it!! Elizabeth suggested I cut it down the front and wear as a jacket. I just might try that!
I am 5’5″ and I love caftans. Wear them a lot. But usually an allover small print in a darker color. I usually wear a flat, barely there sandal, or an espadrille. I like your last two looks!
Maybe I need to work harder at finding the right one. I am 5’4. I do have one that I wear for a swim coverup but it probably isn’t a true caftan either. Thanks for weighing in always love hearing from you!!
Please share the brand of the black ankle sandals you are wearing. Love those!
Hi Rebecca
They are the Audrina from Kork-ease, no longer available. I have seen them on Ebay from time to time. That would be your best bet. I love them I wish they would bring them back. My legs are chunky and can’t usually wear ankle sandals. They hit in just the right place to be more flattering (a rarity). They came in saddle and silver. Wish I had gotten both!
You look great in the second and third caftans, but I agree that the first one isn’t very flattering. I haven’t worn a caftan in at least 40 years, but after seeing you and Susan in yours this morning, I may have to go looking for one or two! Now I’ll go see what Jennifer chose.
Hi Elaine
Those caftans were a challenge for the three of us that is for sure! Jennifer looks darling in hers! Pop over!
I love kaftans! My mom & her friends used
to wear them to pool parties in the 60’s with huge hoop earrings! I only wish I had them today!
HI Patti
Your mom sounds stylish and fun! Wouldn’t you love to have saved a few! Thank you so much for weighing in!
Great post! I love a caftan, but at 5’ 1”, they need to be full length and made from a soft, draped fabric. Anything in a fabric with too much body, sticks out and makes me look boxy. I love you in the Peruvian caftan and can see myself in it.
Hi Marcia
I agree with you totally. I rarely wear a fabric that isn’t natural (just a thing I have) so drapey would look good but just isn’t me. I favor linen, cotton, and wool. Thank you for the sweet comment and weighing in. We can all learn from this post!!
Cindy,
My favorite is the navy tunic…especially with the great hat! Now, I want to know about the darling black sandals you are wearing with the patchwork caftan and again with the navy tunic. They are SO cute!
Hi Sharon
I love those sandals too. They are by korkease (super comfortable). They are discontinued unfortunately but I linked to some similar ones below the picture. I love the brand for comfort and style. I wish they would bring that one back. I would buy in silver. They are called the Audrina. You might be able to find them on Ebay.
I think you look beautiful in all three but my favorite is the stripped linen. The cut looks great! Elizabeth looks fabulous in caftans and huge hats, and turbans and an eclectic wardrobe, her exuberant personality, and spirit matches her clothing.
I cannot wait to go check out the other ladies! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Elizabeth
You are so right about Eliz. Her personality is suited to a caftan! The Peruvian connection (caftan style) is more flattering on my physique for sure! Thanks for popping over!
I’ve been wanting a caftan, they seem like they would be so comfortable in hot weather! I think that it would be challenging to find one that didn’t have too much material, yet enough roomy enough to be comfortable. The three that you wore look very nice on you – three distinct looks!
Hi Alexis
I agree they are very comfortable. The traditional caftan just doesn’t work for me…too much fabric! It was fun trying however. Thank you so much for commenting!
You look awesome in the Peruvian connection caftan! I love it’s shaping. I may need that one. The brightly color one seems pretty bright on you.
Hi Jennifer
Yes you are dead on! All of Peruvian’s clothes are so well made and fit perfectly. They are hard to beat! You had another great idea…on to next month’s challenge!
Divine…. Cindy direi ok tutti i tre looks ma particolarmente il terzo, ti rappresenta di più. La Contessa che dire….. È così drammaticamente super indossa capi che per molte di noi sarebbero improponibili
Mi ricorda molto di una Contessa Italiana Marta Marzotto, donna di grande personalità. Complimenti per tutte.
HO CAPITO!!!
GRAZIE.
ALHORA DOVE ABITA IN ITALIA?
XX
Grazie di avermi risposto, abito a Bologna, ma possediamo una piccola casetta in montagna al confine con la Toscana, regione dove lei ha vissuto. Quando posso vado spesso a Firenze città che adoro e passo gradevoli momenti con amiche. Anche Bologna è una bellissima Città meno turistica rispetto ad altre più conosciute. La seguirò con grande piacere e spero di averle fatto un complimento confrontandolo alla grande Marta donna un po’ eccentrica ma umanamente di grande spessore.
Hi Dora
You know me! You are right! The Contessa really rocks the look, if only I had her height and looks!!
Cara Cindy
Tu sei perfetta così come sei. Ognuno deve rispettare la propria personalita. Io stessa non sono alta ed ora un po’ sovrappeso ho avuto un piccolo trapianto osseo nel mio piede sinistro e sono dovuta stare immobile per novanta giorni!!!! Ma tutto ok le mie splendide amiche e la mia famiglia mi sono stati di grande compagnia. Questo è quello che effettivamente ha importanza. Ammiro molto le tue amiche molto carine e diverse tra loro noi donne siamo spero solidali. Tra tutte certamente la Contessa ha una dirompente personalità che la rende unica. Buona serata.
The Contessa is my idea of caftan perfection!
I think shorter women look better in a tunic length. Too much fabric otherwise. The Peruvian Connection was the best caftan on you, but the black tunic was the best look in my opinion.
Great idea for the three of you to discuss. Thanks.
Hi Carolyn
the caftan queen has tried to have me join team caftan but so far I have not found them to be flattering on me. Elizabeth’s b-day party last year was a “caftan party” I wore a similar cp shades version of the black in a different color. I am a big fan of CP Shades and Peruvian Connection. Thank you so much for commenting!
Cindy, you look wonderful in all three of these. But they are NOT caftans. Cinch the tie belt a bit on the patchwork one (no part of you is large, by the way) or put on a wide belt, and as Contessa said, change out the black sandal for something neutral or with a tiny heel. You are smashing in the striped number and I wish it was in my price range. Number three is a tunic, and you look great with or without the hat.
Hi Judith
I tried a belt with the patchwork number. It didn’t help. It is cinched as tight as it would go. I no longer wear heels as I have foot issues. If I were to wear that one I would probably wear it as a swim coverup with simple thongs! Thanks so much for weighing in! Always so much fun to hear everyone’s comments!
Cindy! You rock a caftan! I love every look! That patchwork one is so fun!
Ha! Not the patchwork one! You could pull it off with your height but not a shrimp like me!!
The Peruvian one is lovely. The bigger more tent type styles remind me of something Endora the mother of Samantha on Bewitched would have worn. But that is just me. I always think if someone feels good in something their confidence helps them pull it off.
Ha! I so agree! I forgot about Endora!! For my figure type (the only thing small is my waist) they are not particularly flattering unless they are somewhat tailored. Thanks for making me chuckle Linda!!
I went back and forth with a custom caftan maker on Elizabeth’s blog. I just do not think caftans are flattering on short people. I liked the third look on you, but really would not consider that a caftan at all!
THANKS FOR TRYING CARA…………..XX
Hi Cara
I agree they are really tough on short people. I have the velvet graham and spencer one that I linked to that I wear as a swim coverup. I love it but it is also not a traditional caftan either. Thanks for weighing in!
YOU MADE ME LAUGH THIS AM!
THANK YOU FOR THAT!
YOU LOOK TERRIFIC IN THE PERUVIAN CONNECTION CAFTAN……….REALLY BEAUTIFUL and so APROPO for your LIFESTYLE!
THE PATCHWORK ETSY CAFTAN…….. THE SHOES ARE WRONG TO ME!Try with an ESPADRILLE or those ILSE JACOBSON flat shoes.Also try with a long pant or legging……………SEND ME A PHOTO!
WE WILL MAKE IT WORK!
THE LINEN TUNIC’s ARE SO YOU!!!!!!!!!!
OFF TO VISIT THE OTHER LADIES!!
THANK YOU for ADDING ME!
XX
Oh my! There is no way that patchwork number would work on me. That is why I shared it. It is too long to wear with pants and every shoe looked clunky. You have long narrow feet so you can make it work. The reason I shared it was to prove my point!!
AND I GOT THAT!
THAT IS WHY I SMILED………..I LIKE THAT.
WHAT TO DO AND NOT TO DO………….
YOU ARE UNIQUE IN THIS BLOG SPHERE WE ALL SEEM TO ENJOY!
KEEP GOING!!!!!!!!
XX
I love all three looks. The big block print would be good at a resort brunch! The other two could go everywhere. The shoes are key. I love the slipper style vintage contessa wears. The ones Jennifer wore were too dainty, forgot to tell her that. Sounds like I am gossiping…
Hi Gail
You are too nice. I definitely wanted to make a point with the patterned one. I do not do pattern or volume well! Eliz can pull it off not me!!
Cindy, thanks so much for inviting me to participate! I think all three looks are adorable on you. Now I’m off to see what Jennifer is wearing…
No you are being nice. The patchwork, not so good on me! When I received it I almost didn’t put it on but I thought it was a good example of what not to wear!
You look beautiful in all the caftans. I think the one from the Peruvian Collection is the most flattering on you, the colors are great with your hair. Enjoy them all!
Hi Cheryl
Thank you. It is really funny. I do not normally wear pink or blue, but that caftan/dress is a winner! I don’t know if you have ever purchased anything from them but their clothes fit beautifully and are well made.
I like the Peruvian Connection on you, too! But I would also recommend the caftan at South Street Linen, a store out of Maine. It comes in two striped colors, and I own both. They sell over the internet, so check it out. They are sooo comfortable, slimming and cool. Lovely quality linen…fits perfectly. Not like the old mu mu type of caftans which make you channel big hair, big glasses and frumpy figure.
Hi Beverly
Thank you so much for the tip. I am going to check them out right this very minute. A lot of fabric and pattern does not work for me. So glad you weighed in!