How to Style a Kaftan – Tips to Enhance Your Look

A kaftan is a statement piece in itself — which means accessorising it well requires restraint rather than addition. The most common mistake is over-accessorising a kaftan: layering multiple pieces of jewellery, a belt, a bag, a hat, and a stole all at once. Here is a considered approach to completing a kaftan look.

The principle: one statement, everything else minimal

The kaftan already makes a visual statement through its print, its colour, and its silhouette. Accessories should complete that statement, not compete with it. Choose one focal accessory — a bold necklace, a statement earring, a striking bag — and keep everything else understated. This principle applies at every occasion level, from a beach day to a formal evening.

Jewellery

For beach and daytime kaftans: keep jewellery minimal. A pair of simple gold hoops, a single bangle, or a delicate pendant necklace is enough. Avoid heavy jewellery at the beach — it competes with the relaxed aesthetic and is impractical near water.

For evening and occasion kaftans: this is where you can go bolder. A statement necklace in gold, polki, or semi-precious stones brings a silk or georgette kaftan into occasion territory. Alternatively, dramatic drop earrings with nothing else at the neck — the asymmetry of one strong piece at one level is often more effective than multiple pieces.

For Indian festive occasions: traditional Indian jewellery — jhumkas, chandbali earrings, a temple necklace, kundan sets — works beautifully with a festive kaftan in rich embellished fabric. Choose the piece that complements the print colour rather than contrasting with it.

Footwear

The shoe choice does a lot of work in determining the register of a kaftan look:

• Flat sandals: the default for beach, day wear, and casual resort occasions. Kolhapuris, leather slides, or simple flat strapped sandals all work.
• Block heels: particularly good with floor-length kaftans — they add height without being impractical on uneven surfaces (cobblestones, garden venues).
• Heeled sandals: for formal occasions and evening wear. A strappy heeled sandal in gold or a neutral colour is the strongest choice with a kaftan.
• Juttis and mojris: for Indian occasion dressing — the combination of a festive kaftan with embellished Indian footwear is entirely coherent and works well.

Bags

• Beach: a woven tote, a raffia bag, or a canvas beach bag. Large enough for essentials, informal enough to match the occasion.
• Daytime resort: a leather or fabric tote, or a simple crossbody bag. Keep it unstructured and relaxed.
• Evening and occasion: a clutch — preferably in a colour that picks up one of the key print colours in your kaftan. Avoid large evening bags with a kaftan; the proportions don't work.

Belts

A belt can transform a loose kaftan into a more structured silhouette — but it's not always necessary or appropriate. A wide fabric belt in a coordinating colour works well with a kaftan tunic worn as a dress. A thin leather belt at natural waist adds definition to a very loose silhouette. Skip the belt for beach and pool contexts — it undermines the relaxed purpose of the kaftan.

Stoles and dupattas

A cotton stole or lightweight dupatta is one of the most practical accessories for a kaftan in India — it covers the arms for places of worship, provides sun protection on the beach, and serves as a wrap in air-conditioned spaces. Keep it simple: a plain contrasting colour or a simple woven stole is enough.

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Read our guide:  How to Style a Kaftan  |  All About Resort Wear