Did you ask for another Kaftan picture? No. Did I still put it up? Yes…”
— captioned Kareena Kapoor Khan while posting this image. If you have been following her Instagram account closely, you must have noticed that the diva has been literally living and surviving the lockdown in kaftans! Printed to textured, Bebo owned the super comfy kaftan trend like second skin. We ain’t complaining because we love them too! They are anti-fit, versatile, has cool sleeves and can be dressed up or down, based on the occasion. t2 explored the kaftan love with a special fashion shoot…

With celebrations and parties happening all on a small scale at home with near and near ones, wearing LBDs might look OTT. Be it your birthday bash with family or your child’s birthday with a few of his besties, a rooftop or garden party maintaining social distancing is the new trend. Stay bright in this striped yellow kaftan by Benaras by Citrus that has cute tassels running along the border. The mood of this look is airy, happy and on trend. To keep the glam factor, we completed her look with a pair of classic hoops from Aurum and a sleek high ponytail to keep the humidity at bay. Throw in a sunglass for that sass! (Picture top)

If you are the one who likes to stay glammed up and prim and proper even at home, then make kaftan your BFF just like Kareena Kapoor Khan. This H&M pink kaftan has a certain flamboyance and chicness to it that we accentuated with a long pearl chain from Aurum for the classy touch. The hair is side-parted and a sleek pony with a pale pink natural make-up sure made Diti look like a boss lady at home. If you are speaking at a webinar, this easy-to-do smart look is for you.

The stress due to the pandemic is real, but you can de-stress by having a date night with your bae at home. Create a mood with mellow lights and rustle up a fancy dinner but don’t forget to dress up — just how you would have done in normal times. If you choose your fabric right, the simple comfy kaftan can get super sexy too! Diti looked stunning in the lilac satin kaftan from H&M; the delicate look was paired with solitaire earrings. Go easy on your face with fresh dewy make-up and an updo with a few wisps falling on your face.

This look spells vintage from head to toe and we can’t wait to step out stylish in a corona-free world and party when everything is back to normal! A classic white kaftan from H&M with a high slit for that oomph is styled with a string of pearls around the model’s neck, a white knotted turban for a neat and glamorous look. Red lips, winged eyes and groomed broad brows lend the Holly glam.

Pro tip: For a kaftan in a solid shade, accessorising the look right is the key!

Kaftans are shapeless, easy breezy and the sleeves make it not boring like regular maxis… err… nighties... and doing household chores in them is super comfortable. Diti’s morning look in this pure cotton Aztec embroidered kaftan in blue from Benaras by Citrus has the perfect cool shade to brighten up your day. Barely-there make-up and simple well-combed hair completed her look.

If you are looking for an ethnic look for a traditional do, opt for this kaftan dress from Ekru with a striking red border and temple work. “The colour and texture has a strong pre-Durga Puja feels. And the jute-khadi fabric, gives it a little ethnic yet edgy vibes,” said Ankita Banerjee, our stylist for the day who accessorised the attire with an oversized finger ring from Aurum.

Stylist speak

Growing up, I have always admired the concept of kaftans. Spending my childhood in Africa, it was a crucial part of their fashion and custom to wear kaftans and matching headties. Kaftans are very versatile and can be styled in various ways. Accessorising is the key factor to ace the game! Always make sure to go minimal with accessories and definitely balance it out, like if you wear earrings try not to disturb the neckline of the outfit. This is the best way to fight humidity and heat in style, because it’s easy breezy, it’s comfortable. Lastly, I think it’s great to have different lengths of kaftans to suit your body type and one should always avoid clenching the waist with a belt; if you want definition then buy kaftans with string ties

—Ankita Banerjee

Pictures: Pabitra Das; model: Diti Saha; styling: Ankita Banerjee; make-up & hair: Mainak Das; location courtesy: The Astor