Petite Challenges
Happy Tuesday, ladies. I am back today with another collaborative post with a few blogger friends. We decided it would be fun to challenge ourselves to style something we each thought we would never, ever wear.
Last month, Cindy Hattersley and I styled eyelet here …which was a first and last for me. As cute as some of the looks were, the eyelet is just not my style. I don’t feel confident wearing it, and that’s an important criteria for me.
This month, Cindy from Cindy Hattersley Design and I are joined by my friend Susan, who writes une femme d”uncertain age. I’m sure most of you follow Susan, but if you don’t, you are in for a treat. It was surprisingly easy for us to agree on which garment to style. We are all petite, and none of us wear caftans. I’ve long admired the look of caftans on other women, so game on!
Caftans make great bathing suit coverups, but I seldom go to the beach or pool, so I bought mine to stay cool in the beastly heat we get during the summer. This one is from Emerson Fry who uses organic, hand-loomed fabrics focused around heirloom handprint and dye techniques that are part of India’s beautiful textile heritage.
The challenge with a caftan is not having it make you look much larger than you really are. All three of us are petite so that posed an issue too. Most caftans are also made with printed fabric, which I seldom wear.
When the temperatures go crazy here, nothing but loose cotton or linen will do. Even when I hide in the AC, I need loose, loose, and looser and took a chance on this one because I adored the color.
My husband is not used to seeing me in this shape so he kept saying, “couldn’t you belt it or something?”. I think that would defeat the whole airy and cool purpose so I just let it flow.
Most caftans are made from very sheer or semi-sheer fabrics so you need a slip. I knew a polyester slip would defeat the whole purpose of wearing something cool so I ordered this cotton one. 
Was I able to prevent this caftan from making me look larger than I am? In a word, no. But when our temperatures are muggy and sweltering, there is nothing comfier than a light cotton caftan.
No one in my family thought this caftan was flattering on me, including me. But here’s the thing… I feel confident wearing it and it has a distinctive purpose so I will happily wear it all summer.
Now, let’s go over and see what Susan wears her caftan. I have a feeling she will knock it out of the park. Then come back so you go over to see how Cindy styles hers.
Do you love caftans? Do they evoke and stylish age when women dressed to impress and drama was the name of the game?
Be well, be kind, and wear what makes you feel confident.
Love your blog. You look great in the blue kaftan. It’s not meant to flatter your shape but to be airy and comfortable.
Do you have a link to where your purchased the one you wore on your blog?
It is this kaftan, in a different color.
I love this caftan, and the colors are very becoming on you. I am also a petite, and my suggestion is to hem this about 3 or 4 inches to slightly above or at the knee. Remember, this cut was likely designed for a women 3 or 4 inches taller than you are. I think your family would like it better on you if it was a little shorter. Otherwise I think the cut is really nice on you.
I love this- color(my favorite) , vertical stripe lines and v neck- perfect. I am going straight to the website.
That shade of blue is flattering to all skin tones, I would guess.
Love your Emerson Frye caftan … I’d wear it! Being 5’4 I too am hesitant to go the caftan route. I love the look and appreciate its forgiving nature … especially after three months in quarantine (ahem … baking, cooking, eating). Bring on the caftans! xo
The color and print of this caftan are very nice on you, but what I’m really drawn to is that necklace! Can you please tell us where you got it?
My necklace is from Julie Miles Love. I hope to have a post up soon.
Thanks!
Caftans REALLY make sense in the heat. You look nice in the blue caftan! I have found nothing cooler or more comfortable. I wear mine at home, it is a nice change from pants. They are a nice vacay addition for beach, lounging or as a robe substitute.
I love how they feel so will be on the lookout for other ones. They really are perfect for at home.
I think the caftan looks great on you! The color and print suit you well. I would wear this. Of course it looks best with the small heels. I have a linen dress I wear in hot humid conditions, such as while on vacation in Mexico; I have a great hat that goes with it. I don’t comment very often, but love your posts and everyone’s comments.
Thank you Nancy. I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m thinking that caftans prompt a love/hate relationship . . . love the billowing and cool breeziness of them, hate the way they add the illusion of about 30 pounds to my frame! I have a maxi dress that fits into this category, and I’m toying with the idea of a loose belt around my quickly disappearing waist. But I will say . . . when I’m going to be in a hot and humid environment, my personal comfort will win out, every time!
I totally agree Patti! Beastly, humid heat calls for comfort.
“Some one MUST find me a Cessna Citation IMMEDIATELY since there is NO WAY I’m getting on that wide body 767 !!! It makes my butt look HUGE !!
Ladies, ladies… get a grip. Caftans are garments to cover your privates. What matters is how you feel. Nothing binding, nothing fussy, naked but decent.
Jennifer, you look like a radiant, svelte woman who happens to be wearing a voluminous, airy, indulgently comfy garment. Please, let us not judge each other on apparent size. Why do women want to be small ?
I adore this Rosie;) XX
The only one I think I could wear is the black or navy lineny looking one that Cindy is wearing in the last two photos of today’s post. I couldn’t find any info on brand or where to buy. Can you tell me?
It’s from the Peruvian collection.
Hey, Jennifer, you look just fab in that kaftan. So cool and comfortable and just as I would like to look in one myself. I am totally with you on this one, being a little lady myself and a similar age. Waft away and don’t you be put off by ANY comments that are not entirely complimentary! Very charming necklace too. X
Thanks Rowena, no comments have deterred me from loving it for what I bought it for..100+ degree days and lounging at home. Xx
I’m sorry but I agree with your husband. A belt would have helped . However something that made me look huge would not get near my body no matter how cool it makes me feel .A beautiful women such as you Jenifer must never look frumpy!!
A belt would help but it looked weird with this shape.
OK, you convinced me. I’ll buy one for wearing around the house. Not in public. Of course, no one sees me anyway these days. But I can see it being cool for the hot weather.Let’s face it La Contessa is the only one who looks fabulous in a caftan. But then again we all need to be 5’11!
Lol, you’re so right. I didn’t know she was that tall!!
The colours, smaller print of the caftan suit you well. Love that necklace!
But (sorry), the boxy cut is not flattering. You have a nice trim figure & I’d suggest shortening this caftan to slightly above the knees and wear it with very slim white leggings, capris, and/or cropped pants and casual sandals.
It is an awkward length and width on me.
Love the caftans. I bought two in Sri Lanka last year which fit perfectly. I’m 5’0″ so that is challenging. I guess the women in Sri Lanka are generally shorter, so I was happy to find these comfy dresses. I usually wear them only at home lounging on the deck, but I can see them making their way into public on a hot day. Mine are a bit wider, but sewn most of the way down the sides about three inches from the edge, adding to the flowy look, and giving a sense of sleeve. They also have a drawstring just under the bust which draws the garment in, but since it doesn’t carry on all the way around the dress, as part of the drawstring goes inside the dress. Hard to describe I find as I try to do it.
You look cool and fresh Jennifer. I love the cat heel sandals too – where are those from?
The drawstring on mine helps the silhouette a bit, too. I do appreciate the drawstring is partially hidden. I want another caftan because the colors are so fun! I look for vertical lines within a print.
These sandals are about 15 years old. I seldom wear them so they’ve lasted a long time.
I have several caftans I bought recently. They are perfect for wearing around the house, much cooler than pants and a top. I like prints, and the choices are endless.
They’re a great alternative to leggings and a tee when you’re hanging out at home.