Beach to Bar: How to Style Your Kaftan for a Day Out in Australia

Australian summer days rarely stay in one setting. A morning by the water can turn into lunch, a walk through town and sunset drinks without much notice. A kaftan works beautifully for this kind of day because it provides colour and coverage while remaining relaxed enough for heat and movement.

The easiest beach-to-bar outfit is not a costume change. It is a simple base, one well-chosen kaftan and a few accessories that can be swapped or added as the day progresses.

Build the outfit around a calm base

If the kaftan is printed, keep the layer underneath uncomplicated. Swimwear works at the beach; a camisole with white or navy pants works for lunch; a simple slip dress can carry the outfit into evening. The open shape and print create interest, so the base does not need extra detail.

Choose underlayers before you leave home. Check that the neckline sits well, the colours do not show through unexpectedly and the length of the base works with the kaftan hem. A few minutes of planning prevents the outfit from feeling improvised later.

For the beach: prioritise ease

Wear the kaftan loosely over swimwear with slides, a sun hat and a generous tote. A shorter style is easy for walking on sand, while a longer one gives more coverage when moving between the beach and a café. Roll the sleeves gently if the cut allows, but avoid tying delicate fabric into tight knots.

After swimming, let the kaftan sit over dry or mostly dry swimwear so the fabric does not remain damp. If the garment is not designed as swimwear, follow its care label and keep it away from chlorine, sunscreen residue and rough pool surfaces.

For lunch: add structure through accessories

Change wet swimwear for a camisole and clean-lined pants, then add comfortable sandals and a smaller bag. Earrings or a simple necklace immediately make the kaftan feel more intentional. You do not need to belt it unless that is how you prefer to wear the shape.

White creates a fresh resort look, navy adds quiet depth and black can carry a vivid print into the evening. Choose one of those base colours across your pants, top and shoes to keep the outfit visually connected.

For sunset drinks: refine rather than reinvent

Swap flat slides for a dressier sandal, move essentials into a small bag and add one piece of jewellery that works with the colours in the print. If the evening is cooler, take a light scarf or wrap that can sit around the shoulders without obscuring the kaftan.

A full-length kaftan can stand alone as an evening dress when the fabric and coverage are appropriate. A shorter kaftan remains elegant over tailored pants. In both cases, a clean neckline and a well-balanced hem matter more than piling on accessories.

Choose a kaftan that can handle the whole day

Before buying, consider fabric, transparency, length and care. A fluid, soft fabric tends to transition more easily into lunch or dinner than a very casual beach-only cover-up. Check measurements and view the garment from several angles so you understand how much volume it has and where the hem finishes.

The best beach-to-bar piece earns its place because it makes the day simpler. Explore current kaftans from Claire Powell and choose one that works with the basics already in your summer wardrobe.

Related reading: the Australian cruise capsule wardrobe guide and how to style loose tops without losing shape.

More kaftan advice: Continue with what shoes to wear with a kaftan and what to wear under a kaftan.