The elegant and versatile salwar kameez is the epitome of Indian ethnic fashion. While traditionally a staple for women across North India and diaspora, its comfort, modesty and graceful femininity has charmed fashionistas globally too.
However, the outfit comes in abundant styles originating from diverse regions and sociocultural contexts, which can leave one overwhelmed! Here is your ultimate style guide to help you discover various ways to elevate the graceful salwar kameez.
Choosing the Right Silhouette
The key to acing salwar fashion starts with picking the right silhouette for your body shape. Timeless options include:
Punjabi/Patiala Salwar Suit
Ideal for rectangle and lean body types, this classic style features a knee length kurti paired with loose salwars tapering near the ankles for volume and flair. Opt for bold colors, vibrant prints, lively dupattas and kolhapuri slippers to get that peppy Punjabi look.
Anarkali Salwar Kameez
The long, flowy Anarkali suit universally flatters most body types. The crinkled flares skimming over your body coupled with slim churidars is perfect for curvier and pear shaped figures aiming to balance proportions.
Straight Cut/A Line Kurti
Featuring looser, straighter fits from top to bottom, A-line kurtas work wonders to hide problem areas around the hips for fuller bottom and pear body shapes. Team with churidars and mojris for everyday ethnic style.
Fusion Kurtis/Tunic Tops
The East-meets-West trend spotlighting Indo-western combinations is hugely popular for daily and work wear versatility. Fusing the relaxed silhouette of Western tunic tops with intricate mirrors and thread embroidery gives the salwar kameez a glam makeover for the urban career woman.
Selecting the Best Fabrics
When choosing fabrics, consider factors like climate, occasion and personal preference based on aesthetics and comfort. Breezy natural fabrics suit summers while rich silks and velvets are perfect for winter weddings and festive wear. Go beyond cottons with options like:
Chanderi/ Crepe Silk: With a luxurious sheen and lightweight feel, these are perfect for formal or festive wear year-round. The fabrics drape beautifully on the body as Anarkalis or flowing skirts.
Georgette: Sheer like chiffon but with a crisper look, these make stunning decorative dupattas and cropped tops/jackets to layer over chanderi kurtas for an occasion.
Handloom Cotton & Silk: From vibrant Ikat prints to lustrous Kanjeevarams, explore diverse regional handlooms. Not only are these ethical, sustainable fabrics, but the signature weaves and prints also make profound cultural style statements.
Crafting a Coordinated Look
Salwar suits look best when the three pieces are cohesively aligned through ornate embellishments, complementary colors and contrasting textures. Designers often use the versatile dupatta differently as an ethnic waist belt, head cover or neck scarf. Mix and match solid kurtas with printed dupattas, team embroidered cholis with digital printed pants. Such creative coordination adds personality!
Accessorizing the Outfit
Elevate the ornate salwar kameez with jewelry and footwear aligned with the occasion. Intricately crafted gold and Kundan sets along with gaudy glass bangles suit upbeat Punjabi suits for celebrations. Pearl strings and stud earrings match better with silk Anarkalis worn for weddings.
Jhumkas and chandbalis work both for daily or event wear with subtle sparkle. Pointy mojris, kolhapuri chappals, and ornate juttis are chic ethnic footwear choices. Retro sunglasses, potli bags and silk clutches add spunky finishing touches to complete the aesthetic.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
Workwear: Fuse trendy straight tunics featuring muted prints with cigarette pants or harem salwars contrasted with broad dupatta belts on the waistline. Finish with Kolhapuris or ballerinas.
Casual Daywear: Nothing like a lively Bandhani top with palazzos and a scarf for brunching or shopping sprees with friends. Keep jewelry minimal with just small hoops or studs.
Festive Occasions: Illuminate celebrations by donning vibrant silks with grand Anarkalis, swirling flared kurtas and heavily worked dupattas. Accentuate with ornate jewelry like Kundan jhumkas.
Weddings: Opt for regal fabrics like Banarsi or Kanjeevaram silks fashioned in lehenga-style Anarkali suits featuring fine zardosi, badla and pearl work. Contrast with deep solid colors for the dupatta to make the gorgeous embroideries pop! Finish classically with gajras, choodas and embellished juttis!
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