The connotations associated with Indian outfits are much more than fashion. It’s rooted in diversity and a rich cultural heritage and only the surface is fashion filled. From the choice of a color to the work, design and silhouette of the outfit, every little detail may have a meaning and significance in the culture. Lashkaraa unlocks each type of Indian dresses and when to wear each one of them.
Classic Indian Dress Styles
While women have a vast variety of Traditional Indian dresses to choose from – from everyday simple kurta styles that may be paired with a traditional pajama, churidar or salwar, or with jeans even, to opting for elegant sarees and lehengas for the festive and wedding season – men equally have a myriad of options to choose from.
For men, classics like kurta and pajama style come in many variations from simple and modern to OTT with a lot of handwork and embellishments. It really depends on where you’re looking at wearing them. It includes a knee-length or ankle-length kurta paired with straight-cut pajama trousers and is a common choice for semi-formal events. A more Indianized version is the dhoti kurta. This one reeks of tradition and is often worn on religious or cultural occasions. It consists of a dhoti, which is a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist, and a kurta, a long tunic-style top.
For formal occasions, men can wear the sherwani style outfit that is worn by men on formal occasions, especially during weddings and special events. It is a long, buttoned coat-like garment with intricate embroidery and is typically worn over a kurta and churidar. Another dapper choice for men is the bandhgala suit, also known as the Nehru suit. This one is usually worn by politicians and dignitaries on a regular basis in addition to donning them at events like an Indian wedding cocktail party. It features a closed-neck jacket with a buttoned front and straight-cut pants. It's known for its elegance and is often worn by politicians and dignitaries. A popular formal outfit in menswear is the sherwani, often worn by grooms during weddings. It's a long, buttoned coat with intricate embroidery, paired with a kurta and churidar or pajama.
Going a little south of the country, Mundu and Veshti are traditional outfits worn by men in South India. The mundu is a white or off-white drape that covers the lower body, while the veshti is similar to a dhoti. These outfits are typically worn with a shirt or kurta.
The Timeless Beauty of Sarees
Starting from the classic 6-yard staple, the Saree is one of the most iconic and traditional Indian garments. It consists of a long piece of fabric, usually around six to nine yards in length, that is draped elegantly around the body. Sarees are worn with a blouse and a petticoat. They come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and designs and are suitable for various occasions. Its timeless appeal and everlasting grace has made the silhouette stand the test of time. Sarees have remained a fashion staple through the ages. While modern fashion trends come and go, the classic charm of a well-draped saree endures. This sophisticated piece of wearable art is often carefully handwoven or hand-embroidered with intricate designs, making it a collectible piece to be cherished for generations. Moreover, over the years, sarees have been popularized by Indian film actresses, fashion designers, and celebrities both in India and internationally. They are often chosen for red carpet events, adding to their timeless appeal. While they’re steeped in tradition, they continue to evolve. Contemporary designers are constantly reinventing saree styles, making them relevant for the modern woman.
Graceful Salwar Kameez
The good old Salwar Kameez is a versatile and comfortable outfit. It comprises a long tunic (kameez), loose-fitting trousers (salwar), and a matching or contrasting dupatta. Keeping ease of movement at the forefront, it is often the first choice of everyday wear whether you’re home or going to the office. From casual cotton suits for daily wear to heavily embroidered or embellished ones for weddings and special events, there's a salwar kameez for every need. Despite its comfort, the salwar kameez is inherently elegant. The way it drapes and its silhouette flatters the body, gives the wearer an air of grace and sophistication. As an integral part of Indian culture and tradition, it is worn by women of all ages and backgrounds and is often chosen for its cultural significance during festivals and celebrations.
Lehenga Cholis Perfect for Celebrations
A popular choice for weddings and special occasions, the lehenga choli consists of a flared skirt (lehenga), a fitted blouse (choli), and a matching or contrasting dupatta (scarf). They’re perfect for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests to be worn at Indian weddings. Brides often wear heavily embellished and intricately designed lehengas on their wedding day, while guests and bridesmaids opt for lighter and festive lehengas. Other occasions to wear this Indian ethnic wear style are engagement ceremonies, Sangeet Night, Mehendi and other family functions and festivals.
Embrace Elegance in Anarkali Suits
Similarly, Anarkali Suits can be worn on festivals and pujas as they make for stunning traditional attires that are also comfortable. Our Light Pink Anarkali is one of our favorite picks for all occasions. Known for its grace and elegance, the Anarkali suit is a flowing, frock-style outfit named after the legendary dancer Anarkali. It typically includes a long, frock-style kurta, fitted churidar (leggings), and a dupatta.
Get Casual Chic With Palazzo Sets
A modern rendition of the salwar kameez, palazzo sets offer a modest yet stylish option for women who prefer more coverage. It is a popular choice among women of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Unlike sarees, which require intricate draping, this two piece ethnic wear style is relatively easy to wear. It also makes for a practical choice for women with busy lifestyles. These loose-fitting pants, known as "palazzo pants," and long tunics, are reminiscent of the kameez which has been popularized by Western fashion influences.