From Poolside to Dinner: The Kaftan & Kimono Edit
One Piece. Two Moments. Infinite Elegance.
The kaftan and kimono are the quiet powerhouses of resort dressing — effortlessly beautiful at noon, and with a few deliberate moves, utterly captivating by candlelight. Below, your complete guide to making the transition.
Step One: Choose Your Canvas — Length & Silhouette
Maxi length is your evening ally. A floor-grazing kaftan reads instantly formal; pair it with heeled sandals and you need almost nothing else. Our MAYA Maxi Kaftan and the SAVANA Maxi Kaftan were designed with exactly this dual-purpose moment in mind — architectural hems that skim the ground and command a room.
Midi and shorter cuts give you more room to play. The MAYA Kaftan and the painterly Marrakesh Kaftan invite layering: slip on tailored wide-leg trousers underneath for an elevated resort-chic silhouette that moves seamlessly from a late lunch into the evening.
Step Two: To Belt or Not to Belt?
A slim leather or woven belt at the natural waist transforms a relaxed kaftan into a defined, dinner-worthy silhouette. Use it on voluminous styles — like the Ombre Mermaid Kaftan or the richly embroidered Tribal Embroidered Kaftan in Purple — to draw in the shape without sacrificing the fabric's drama.
Leave it unbelted when the kaftan has strong structure of its own (a wrap-front, deep V, or bold print that anchors the eye) or when you want that free-flowing poolside ease to carry through to drinks on the terrace.
Step Three: What to Wear Underneath Sheer Styles
Sheer and semi-sheer kaftans and kimonos are among the most glamorous resort pieces — and the most versatile, provided the base layer is considered.
- A tonal bikini or swimsuit: perfectly acceptable at the pool bar and, when the kimono is exquisite enough, at an informal beach dinner.
- A silk or satin slip: the chicest transition layer. Neutral or matching the kimono's dominant tone, it takes any sheer piece into evening confidently.
- Seamless high-waist shorts or a bodysuit: for shorter kimono styles worn open as a layer over a simple outfit.
The Shimmer LUXE Kimono in White and the Shimmer LUXE Kimono in Gold are both stunning over a nude or ivory slip — think golden-hour drinks on a terrace.
Step Four: The Kimono as Statement Layer
A kimono worn open is an evening jacket with ambition. Drape the Royal Kimono or the vivid FuchsiaLUXE Kimono over a simple slip dress or tailored separates and the kimono carries the entire look. The print, the fall of the fabric, the way it moves — that is your statement.
For a more dramatic entrance, try the hand-painted Majestic Peacock Kimono or the Peacock Garden Kimono over a black column dress. Architecture meets art.
Step Five: Footwear Changes Everything
- Poolside / daytime: flat jewelled sandals, raffia slides, or embellished thong sandals.
- Sundowner / terrace: block-heel mules or strappy kitten heels — elevated but walkable on uneven resort paths.
- Dinner / evening: a sculptural heeled sandal in metallic, nude, or tortoiseshell. Let the heel finish the silhouette that the maxi kaftan started.
Step Six: Jewelry — Edit, Don't Stack
Resort dressing rewards restraint. When the fabric speaks loudly — as it does with the Tribal Kimono in Teal, the Glimmer Kimono in Fuchsia, or the Bohemian Queen Kaftan — keep jewellery to one or two architectural pieces: a wide cuff, a single gold hoop, a barely-there layered chain.
On more understated pieces like the soft Lilac Lovers Kaftan or the Grass Is Always Greener Kaftan, you can afford to layer — a gold collar necklace, stacked rings, small drop earrings.
Step Seven: The Bag That Closes the Look
- Pool to sundowner: a woven tote or oversized straw clutch — practical, textural, on-theme.
- Dinner: a structured minaudière, a beaded micro-bag, or a sleek satin envelope clutch. Small, intentional, finishing.
Shop the Transition
Find your evening-ready kaftan in our Dresses collection and discover statement kimonos in the Kimonos collection. Each piece is designed to carry you further than the pool — right through to the last course.
