How to Wear a Kaftan in Winter: Plus Size Winter Kaftan Outfits
Kaftans aren't only for summer. With the right layers, a kaftan for women is one of the most comfortable things you can wear all winter: at home, to holiday parties, on a winter getaway, and out to dinner. Here's how to wear a kaftan in winter, what to layer it with, which colours and fabrics to choose, and our favourite winter kaftan dresses. Most Gypsie Blu plus size kaftans are one size that fits 1X-3X.
How to wear a kaftan in winter: the basics
- Layer on top: a long cardigan, a denim jacket, a blazer or a wool coat over your kaftan.
- Layer underneath: a fitted long-sleeve top or thin turtleneck under the kaftan for warm arms.
- Cover your legs: leggings or opaque tights with a tunic (short kaftan) or a maxi kaftan.
- Swap your shoes: ankle boots, knee-high boots, loafers or sneakers instead of sandals.
- Choose deeper colours: black, navy, burgundy, wine, teal and rich prints feel right for the season.
Winter kaftan outfit ideas
1. Satin kaftan + long cardigan + ankle boots
A solid satin kaftan with a drawstring waist looks polished with a long black cardigan and ankle boots. Try the navy blue satin kaftan or the teal satin kaftan, both with a V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length.
2. Tunic + leggings + knee-high boots
A 36-inch plus size tunic is the easiest winter kaftan: wear it with black leggings and boots. The burgundy red satin tunic and the red ombre leopard tunic both work for everyday and the holidays. Read our tunic tops guide.
3. Button kaftan + blazer
A button kaftan has a collared V-neck that looks smart under a blazer. The red satin button kaftan has rhinestone buttons down the front that open only to the bust, so it pulls on over the head.
4. Print kaftan + denim jacket + sneakers
For weekends, a darker print with a denim jacket and white sneakers is casual and warm. Try the wine medallion kaftan or the gray dashiki mandala kaftan.
5. Holiday party: embroidered or lurex kaftan + heels
For Christmas and New Year's Eve, the black embroidered satin kaftan or the lurex kaftan, rayon with shimmering lurex stripes in 9 colours, look festive with heels and a faux-fur wrap. More ideas: holiday party kaftan styles, red kaftans and black kaftans.
6. At home: kaftan + cosy socks + a throw
Indoors, a kaftan is the most comfortable house dress there is. Add slipper socks and a long cardigan. See our muumuu and lounge dress guide.
Best fabrics for a winter kaftan
- Satin: smooth with a soft sheen; dressy for holidays and easy to layer under coats. It isn't real silk; see our silk vs satin guide.
- Rayon: soft and drapey; our lurex kaftan adds shimmer for parties.
- Polyester prints: light, colourful and easy to wash; perfect under a cardigan or jacket.
- Cotton: soft and breathable for heated homes; see our cotton kaftans.
Best colours for winter kaftans
- Black and navy: classic and easy to layer.
- Burgundy, wine and red: warm and festive for the holidays.
- Teal and emerald: rich jewel tones that look great in photos.
- Gray and darker prints: easy everyday wear with boots.
See our colour guides: black, blue and red kaftans.
Winter getaways: what to pack
Heading somewhere warm this winter? Pack light kaftans and cover-ups for the day, plus one layer for cool evenings and the flight. See what to wear in Florida in winter, what to wear in Hawaii and our resort wear packing list.
Plus size winter kaftan tips
- Choose a long, open cardigan or coat: it adds warmth and a long vertical line.
- Match your tights or leggings to your boots for a longer leg line.
- Tie the drawstring or add a belt over the kaftan, under an open coat, for shape.
- One size 1X-3X kaftans leave room for a thin layer underneath. See our kaftan size guide.
More: plus size kaftan styling guide and kaftans for women over 50.
Kaftans as winter gifts
One-size sizing makes a kaftan an easy gift. Our 2-piece kaftan sets give her two kaftans in one order, priced 10% below buying both separately, like the black and red satin set. See our Christmas gift guide and the Christmas sale.
Kaftan in winter: FAQs
Can you wear a kaftan in winter?
Yes. Layer a cardigan, jacket or coat on top, add leggings or tights and boots, and choose deeper colours.
What do you wear under a kaftan in winter?
A fitted long-sleeve top or thin turtleneck, and leggings or opaque tights.
What shoes go with a kaftan in winter?
Ankle boots, knee-high boots, loafers or sneakers. Save heels for parties.
Is a satin kaftan warm?
Satin is smooth and light, so it isn't warm on its own; layer it with a cardigan or coat outdoors. Indoors it's comfortable as is.
How do I wear a short kaftan in winter?
Wear a 36-inch tunic over leggings or slim jeans with boots and a long cardigan.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock styles arrive in 6-11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12-18 business days, with free US shipping.
Keep reading
- How to wear a kaftan
- Red kaftan for women
- Black kaftan for women
- Plus size Thanksgiving outfit ideas
- Kaftan size guide
