Fashion Slate

It may be the unsexiest article of clothing ever invented, and one can feel distinctly Mrs Roper wearing one, but I do love a good caftan, so I was pleased to create this post when a reader named Lori suggested I cover “Gorgeous caftans that don’t cost $800 and up (because: a) it seems ridiculous to pay that much for something that’s going to get wet and sandy; b) you *know* those Oaxacan weavers, Indian block-printers, and Moroccan silk-dyers are *not* getting paid such princely sums)”.  Good point, Lori, and now let’s move on to the actual goods:  Emerson Fry makes an different-colored iteration of this wonderful caftan seemingly every season, and I especially like it in dark blue.

I showed you this leopard print number back when I bought it at the beginning of the summer, but I’m doing a repeat because it has become a truly beloved item—I wore it every time I hit the beach—and the linen gets softer with every wash.

And here’s a cute striped and short one that’d be great to sleep in too.

I dig the bold and retroish geometric print on this one.

This has a really appealing color combination, and I like the plunging neckline.

This is from Lemlem and isn’t cheap, but boy, is it gorgeous; here’s another Lemlem caftan that’s been marked nicely down.

The stripes here are so good and beachy; here it is in extended sizes.

The eyelet and embroidery details here are just glorious.

A slightly sheer option that’d be perfect for the beach.

This is just so cute with all the little mini tassels.

I am a big fan of the poppy orange here, and the stripes give it a slightly Mexican feel.

And finally: I found this pink number on Etsy, and it’s pretty well-priced and especially comfortable-looking.