We list out the sartorial investments you need to make to create a classic, versatile Indian wear wardrobe.
1. The easy breezy white kurta:
Equivalent to a white shirt, a white kurta needs to be a part of every capsule Indian wear wardrobe. It’s perfect for hot summers and extremely easy to pair with a mirage of things.
Off-whites and neutral tones work with almost everything and look good on almost everyone. Depending on what you pair it with, you can give the kurta a more ‘western’ or ‘Indian’ look.
Style it with denims for a boho-chic look or go more ethnic by wearing it with palazzos and traditional jhumkis.
2. Festive anarkali:
No Indian wear wardrobe is complete without a traditional anarkali. It has an extremely flattering style, making it suitable to be worn by women of all shapes and sizes. From festive parties to weddings, they can be sashayed to any event with pomp.
3. Statement lehenga:
If there’s one festive silhouette that always manages to make a statement, it’s a lehenga. From intricate traditional embroidery to printed florals, there is a lehenga designed for every occasion out there.
Choose a lehenga based on the function that you have to attend. Dress it up with a contemporary choli and statement jewelry or take a modern day spin by pairing it with a classic white shirt.
4. A classic sari:
No Indian wardrobe can be complete without a classic sari. While there’s nothing like a must-have sari style, a basic hand-woven saree representing a craft of India is a great place to start investing in.
While cotton, linen, chanderi sarees are extremely light, easy to drape, comfortable to wear and move around in, making them the ideal ‘workwear’ saree, precious weaves such as brocades, banarasis’ and silks are an ideal classic festive wear sartorial investment. They are evergreen and will never go out of fashion.
If you are looking out for something more modern, go for organza, chiffon and net sarees. Style them in different ways, drape them with pants, or elevate them with a belt or jacket for a ‘modern’ take on a classic silhouette.
5. Ethnic jewellery:
Your closet may have plenty of ethnic wear, but it is also important to pair it with the right jewelry to complete the look. Accessories can easily make or break your outfit. You can make a plain simple kurta stand out by pairing it with the right accessories.
We are partial to jhumkis, chokers and chandballis as they are extremely versatile. Not only are they great to wear with Indian ethnic wear but also give a great indo-western look when paired with dresses, t-shirts and tops.
6. Juttis:
We love a beautiful, fuss free jutti to slip into when we go traditional with our attire. Not only do they make your look dressier, they are extremely comfortable and functional and hence the perfect thing to put on, especially when you know you will be wearing them for several hours.
What is also great about them is that they are versatile enough to wear with jeans and lend an Indian touch to an otherwise casual western look.