La Redoute Style Challenge - One Kaftan 5 Different Ways & WIWT

Recently I was contacted by La Redoute to see if I'd like to take part in a styling challenge & seeing as I love a challenge I jumped at the chance.  The theme set by La Redoute was to style an item of my choice from their beachwear collection five different ways.  So the obvious thought was swimwear but apart from adding a different kaftan or sarong I was struggling to come up with five separate looks & if I'm honest I didn't relish the chance of five photos of me in swimwear!

So after a bit of brain storming I came up with the idea of a beach cover up....something a lot more versatile that can be worn on holiday & at home & what better item to pick than a kaftan.  Obviously once I'd decided on a kaftan I then needed to spend a happy hour or two trawling through La Redoute's website, where naturally I got side tracked at all the lovely goodies stocked, but eventually  I picked this stunning kaftan.

Long Sleeved Dress With Embroidery & Studs £79

Plus this fab pair of Havaianas for summer.

Havaianas Slim Flip Flops £25

As I've previously mentioned footwear for me during the summer is all about comfort so the Havaianas are a great addition to my shoe collection - comfy, practical & will go with everything plus they don't need wearing in :-)

The kaftan is stunning too.  It's made from 100% textured cotton which is always useful when wearing in hot climates & has the most beautiful embroidery & decorative stud detailing.  Plus a laced front tie & internal pockets.

So without further ado here's my five looks.  

Firstly here's how I'd style the kaftan for going to the beach.  The detailing is so lovely that I've decided to keep the accessories quite simple & have simply teamed it with a classic straw panama hat, my Havaiana flip flops and a large basket.

Panama - H&M, similar here

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Basket - bought in Majorca, similar here

Flip Flops - La Redoute £25

Then for my second look I've kept with the holiday theme & simply tucked the kaftan into a pair of denim shorts to create the illusion of a top & teamed with a classic saddle bag & my Clarks mid heel tan sandals.

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Bag - Clarks, similar here

Shorts - H&M, similar here

Sandals - Clarks £55

Then for my third outfit I've created a look that would be perfect for travelling on holiday & have paired the kaftan with my panama hat, Havaianas & finished the look with a distressed pair of boyfriend jeans that I've turned up to create a laid back summer vibe.

Panama - H&M, similar here

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Jeans - Zara, similar here

Flip Flops - La Redoute £25

As perfect as the kaftan is for holidays it's also an ideal top for dressing up for evening too.  For my fourth look & first evening outfit I've styled the kaftan with a simple pair of pleather leggings & teamed it with statement heels & a leopard print clutch to add a spot of interest.

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Bag - Zara Now £22.99

Leather Cuff - Banana Republic, similar here

Pleather Leggings - Zara, similar here

Sandals - Zara £19.99

Finally for my fifth outfit I've styled the kaftan as a dress to be worn on a night out.  Keeping the look simple & understated so that the embroidery & stud detailing can stand out.  This time I've gone bare legged & paired the kaftan with heels, a simple clutch & a tuxedo jacket.

Tuxedo Jacket - Zara, similar here

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Bag - Zara, similar here

Sandals - Zara £19.99

So there you have my five different looks & how I'd style a kaftan, which hopefully goes to show just how versatile a top like this can be & how if you really had to you can travel light when going on your holidays.

Finally I'm finding the kaftan so useful that I've styled it a sixth way for my outfit for today.

Tuxedo Jacket - Zara

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Bag - Clarks

Jeans - Massimo Dutti

Sandals - Clarks £55

Tuxedo Jacket - Mango Now £29.99

Kaftan - La Redoute £79

Bag - Mango Now £39.99

Jeans - Boden £69

Sandals - Clarks £55

So what do you think of my five different looks, do you have a favourite?  I'd love to hear what you think & if you can think of another way it could be worn.  Plus I'd be interested to hear if you shop at La Redoute.  When my son was little I used to get all his clothing from there plus of course the odd sneaky purchase for myself too but I have to admit that I've let them fall off my radar.  Why I don't know & not a mistake I will continue making as they have such a great selection of clothing with something to suit all budgets & the speed in which the items arrived was fantastic.  In fact they've currently got a great offer on - £50 off £100 including sale see here & use code 8520 at checkout.

Have a great Wednesday & if you want to see the feature on La Redoute's website & how other fashion bloggers have chosen to style their beachwear click here.

See you in the morning & before I leave you a couple of sales klaxons - Clarks now have up to 50% off with more styles added to their summer sale see here & Jigsaw have just launched up 50% off click here.  Happy shopping ladies.