How to Style a Kaftan for Every Occasion

How to Style a Kaftan for Every Occasion

Kaftans are a wardrobe must-have for Australian women seeking versatile, stylish, and comfortable outfits. Whether you're heading to Bondi Beach for a relaxing day in the sun, attending a dreamy wedding on the Sunshine Coast, or jetting off to Hamilton Island for a tropical getaway, a kaftan is your perfect companion. At Ivy Pearl, we design Australian-made, ethically sourced kaftans with vibrant prints and flowing silhouettes, catering to women of all shapes and sizes. Here’s a detailed guide to styling a kaftan for every occasion, with references to some of our most-loved pieces in stock.


Why Ivy Pearl is Your Kaftan Expert

Ivy Pearl stands as a leader in bohemian-inspired fashion, offering a collection of kaftans that blend comfort, elegance, and quality. Our designs are uniquely Australian, reflecting the vibrant lifestyle and diverse climates of the country. Each piece is ethically sourced and crafted with breathable fabrics, ensuring all-day comfort, even in Australia’s warmest conditions.

Not only do we cater directly to customers, but we also wholesale our stunning kaftans throughout Australia, helping boutique retailers bring Ivy Pearl’s distinctive style to their communities. This commitment to both quality and accessibility makes us a trusted name in the industry. With an inclusive size range from XS to 4XL, Ivy Pearl ensures every woman feels confident and beautiful in our designs.


Casual Beach Days: Relaxed and Breezy

For a day by the sea, nothing beats the effortless comfort of a lightweight short kaftan. Perfect for throwing over your swimsuit, short kaftans like our Maldives Pink Kaftan keep you cool while looking stylish. The breathable cotton fabric and relaxed fit ensure maximum comfort, even in the summer heat.

How to Style: Pair your short kaftan with flat sandals, a wide-brimmed hat, and a woven beach bag. Keep accessories minimal to maintain a casual, carefree vibe. For added sun protection, throw on oversized sunglasses and lather on some sunscreen.

Where to Wear: Casual kaftans are ideal for morning walks along Byron Bay, lazy afternoons at Coogee Beach, or picnics on Noosa’s sandy shores.


Tropical Holidays: Vibrant Prints for Resort Glam

Tropical getaways call for bold, statement-making pieces like our Anna Long Kaftan. Full-length kaftans with vibrant prints embody the relaxed luxury of resort life, making them the perfect outfit for sipping cocktails by the pool or enjoying a sunset dinner.

How to Style: Elevate your look with statement earrings and a pair of metallic strappy sandals. For daytime outings, pair your kaftan with chic slides and a sun hat. Transition to evening by swapping the hat for an elegant clutch and some heeled sandals.

Where to Wear: Pack full-length kaftans for trips to tropical destinations like Hamilton Island or Port Douglas, where you’ll want to look stylish yet feel comfortable in the warm climate.


Weddings: Boho Elegance for Formal Occasions

Kaftans aren’t just for casual wear; they can be effortlessly styled for formal events like weddings. Our Anna T Bar Kaftoan in one size is a showstopper for such occasions, offering an elegant silhouette with luxurious fabric and intricate detailing.

How to Style: Choose a kaftan with embellishments or rich colours. Add strappy heels, a sleek clutch, and understated jewellery to let the kaftan take centre stage. Silk fabrics work beautifully for evening weddings, while cotton or viscose blends are perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

Where to Wear: Beach weddings in the Whitsundays, winery weddings in the Yarra Valley, or backyard celebrations in Brisbane are all perfect venues to showcase a kaftan’s boho charm.


Weekend Getaways: Versatile Travel Companions

When packing for a weekend escape, versatility is key, and kaftans are the ultimate multi-functional piece. Mid-length options like our Flo Short Kaftan offer the flexibility to transition from daytime casual to evening chic.

How to Style: For a daytime outing, pair your kaftan with sneakers or flat sandals and a crossbody bag. For dinner, add wedge heels, a statement necklace, and a lightweight shawl for an elegant touch.

Where to Wear: Ideal for winery tours in the Hunter Valley, boutique shopping in Mornington Peninsula, or a relaxed getaway to Margaret River.


Music Festivals: Bold and Bohemian

Stand out in the crowd with a short kaftan like our Willow Short Kaftan, featuring bold prints and vibrant colours that match the lively energy of music festivals. Kaftans not only make a statement but also ensure you stay comfortable during long hours of dancing and exploring.

How to Style: Pair with ankle boots, a fringe crossbody bag, and layered jewellery for a festival-ready look. Add a wide-brimmed felt hat to complete the boho aesthetic.

Where to Wear: Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Splendour in the Grass, or other outdoor events where comfort meets style.


Casual Lunches and High-Teas

Kaftans offer an elegant yet comfortable option for brunches or high-tea outings. Pieces like our Ava Dress strike the perfect balance between casual and polished.

How to Style: Pair your midi kaftan with espadrilles, a pearl bracelet, and a compact shoulder bag for a sophisticated daytime look. Keep your makeup light and fresh to complement the relaxed elegance.

Where to Wear: The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney or an elegant café in Southbank, Melbourne.


Beach and Poolside Glam

Kaftans are a must-have for lounging by the pool or heading to the beach in style. Our Blue Kaftan doubles as both a cover-up and a chic outfit for grabbing drinks afterward.

How to Style: Wear your kaftan over swimwear with slides or flip-flops. Add oversized sunglasses and a beach tote for a laid-back but glamorous vibe.

Where to Wear: Perfect for poolside lounging at a Bali villa or beach days on Queensland’s Gold Coast.


Why Trust Ivy Pearl?

At Ivy Pearl, we’re more than just a clothing brand—we’re a community of women who celebrate individuality and style. Here’s why we’re a trusted name in kaftans:

  1. Australian Expertise: Our kaftans are designed locally, reflecting the vibrant culture and climate of Australia.
  2. Ethical Sourcing: We partner with skilled artisans in India to create pieces that are both high-quality and ethically made.
  3. Wide Reach: We wholesale our kaftans across the country, ensuring that boutiques everywhere can share the Ivy Pearl experience.
  4. Inclusive Sizing: Our pieces cater to all body types, making Ivy Pearl a brand for every woman.

Kaftans are more than just a wardrobe item—they’re a lifestyle. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, attending a wedding, or exploring a new city, Ivy Pearl’s collection of short, long, and full-length kaftans offers something for every moment. Explore our latest styles today and discover why Ivy Pearl is Australia’s go-to for boho-chic fashion.

Shop our kaftan collection now and elevate your style!

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