Everybody In Caftans! Stylish Ways To Avoid The Sun This Summer

Read more from Chatelaine's guide to summer — including a roundup of must-see tv and movies, a toolkit for sweaty gals, and a guide to summer beers, starring the women from Baroness Von Sketch Show. (All services and products recommended by Chatelaine staff and experts).

And then the heavens opened up, and the angels sang: Covering up is in. Yes, the fashion world seems to have (finally!) caught on to the fact that women want to look stylish in the summer without exposing every inch of skin to the sun.

Caftans — drapey and breathable, offering neck-to-toe sun protection and a smooth day-to-evening transition — are pretty much the ultimate summer garment. Go ahead and think of something coming up on your calendar (pool party? summer wedding? trip to the grocery store?) and ask yourself: Can I wear a caftan? The answer is invariably yes! Same goes for floppy hats, flowy pants, maxi skirts and dresses, and jumpsuits (which are basically caftans with pants).

Opt for natural, breathable fabrics over rayon or polyester, and you may never refer to summer as “bathing suit season” again. Here are some of our favourite picks:

1. A rad rashguard

No more awkward tan lines with this long-sleeved swimming top. The fabric, which is made of recycled fibres, is chlorine resistant and is UPF 50+ protected.

Whiteheaven rashguard, $65, lolewomen.com.

2. Maximum maxi

Stay cool in a gorgeous mixed-print maxi.

Dress, $150, marshalls.ca.

3. A comically big sun hat

Straw accessories are in, and when it comes to your hat, the wider the brim, the better.

Echo hat, $59, thebay.com.

4. Linen pants

Wide-leg pants that are stylish and breathable will be your BFF all summer long.

Pants, $50, uniqlo.com.

5. XXL sunnies

Tiny sunglasses might be trendy, but oversized specs will never go out of style. Block the sun (and the haters) with these fabulous frames.

Sunglasses, $149, olliequinn.ca.

6. The ultimate cover-up

An easy, breezy caftan looks just as good belted like a dress as it does over a bathing suit.

Caftan, $38, hm.com.

Style picks by Erinn Stewart.

Watch: Chatelaine's Summer Issue, Baroness-Style