What Is An Anarkali Dress? Styles, Lengths, & How to Choose Yours
Anarkali dresses and suits have been a staple of Indian fashion for centuries, renowned for their timeless elegance and versatile charm. This graceful attire has evolved into a modern-day wardrobe essential. With its flowy silhouette and flattering cut, the Anarkali dress is loved by women of all ages for its ability to enhance the wearer’s beauty and confidence.
Whether you’re attending a lavish wedding, celebrating a festival, or simply looking for a sophisticated outfit, an Anarkali suit promises to be an excellent choice. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of Anarkali suits, how to select the perfect style based on your body type and occasion, and the best ways to accessorize your Anarkali for a complete and chic look.
What is an Anarkali?
Defined by its fitted bodice and gracefully flared silhouette, the drape of the Anarkali cinches at the waist before cascading into fluid, floor-kissing flares in a design that flatters every body type. The Anarkali suit is a timeless symbol of the rich history of India, tracing its origin back to the Mughal courts and the legendary courtesan Anarkali.
What was once worn by Mughal royalty has now evolved into a beloved essential in contemporary ethnic fashion among women. The Anarkali seamlessly adapts to occasions ranging from grand Indian wedding celebrations and festive gatherings to chic daytime soirees. This versatility is characteristic of its different forms, from floor-length kalidars to modern asymmetrical hemlines to the richness of the fabric, detailing, and craftsmanship used today.
Whether crafted in silk, cotton, or embroidered georgette, the Anarkali continues to evolve while preserving its regal heritage. Combining grace, comfort and cultural nostalgia earns this unique drape a special and cherished place in a woman’s wardrobe across generations and deems itself a style that will never go out of fashion.
What is the difference between a suit and an Anarkali dress?
A classic suit and an Anarkali dress both typically belong to the same family of Indian ethnic wear; however, their silhouettes and styles set them apart and create distinct impressions.
A traditional suit typically features a straight or mildly flared kurta paired with a salwar, churidar or pants, offering a more structured silhouette. The Anarkali, on the other hand, is all about the dramatic flare and movement with its fitted bodice and voluminous drape, creating a gown-like flow reminiscent of regality.
While the classic suit lends to both a casual and formal dressing look, it's the Anarkali is a go-to choice for moments that call for grandeur.
4 Anarkali Suits Styles: How to Choose Yours
Choosing the right Anarkali suit style depends on your body type and the occasion.
A-Line
A-line Anarkali suits are ideal for apple-shaped figures as they balance the proportions of the body, highlighting curves while providing comfort like our Pink Multicolor Floral Printed Anarkali. These suits flare out gently from the waist, making them flattering for most body types.
Frock-Style
Frock-style Anarkalis are a trendy and playful option, like Lashkaraa’s Lavender Printed Silk Anarkali. These suits feature a youthful cut, making them perfect for casual wear or daytime events. The flared design of the frock-style Anarkali is flattering on most body types and can be paired with casual footwear for a relaxed yet stylish look.
Pakistani Anarkalis
Pakistani Anarkalis are known for their intricate embellishments and opulent designs, making them perfect for weddings or cultural celebrations, as envisioned by our Light Pink Embroidered Anarkali Palazzo Set and Blush Embroidered Anarkali Style Lehenga. These suits are heavily embroidered with zardozi, mirror work, and sequins, creating a dazzling effect.
Pant-Style Anarkali
Pant-style Anarkalis are your essentials for celebrations with a modern touch and semi-formal outings, as they add a contemporary edge to your style while retaining traditional grace. The Rose Pink Embroidered Pant Style Anarkali is a choice for those looking for an understated contemporary look with a traditional silhouette, while the Red and Green Floral Printed Pant Style Anarkali is party staple. The pant-style Anarkalis are a fuss-free option with an added bonus of being versatile.
The versatility of Anarkali suits lies in their ability to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, offering endless possibilities for styling.
Anarkali Length Guide
The length of an Anarkali suit can dramatically affect how the outfit flatters your body.
Knee-Length
Knee-length Anarkalis are ideal for shorter women, as they don’t overwhelm the figure and provide a more balanced, comfortable look. These suits are perfect for casual gatherings or semi-formal events.
Ankle-Length
Ankle-length Anarkalis are versatile, suitable for both formal and casual occasions. They work well for women of average height and are great for a range of events, from family get-togethers to evening parties.
Floor-Length
Floor-length Anarkalis are perfect for taller women or formal events, offering a dramatic and regal look captured beautifully by our Pink Embroidered Viscose Silk Anarkali. Their long, flowing design creates a sense of grandeur and elegance, making them ideal for weddings or evening parties.
Regardless of your height, choosing the right length ensures that the Anarkali suits your body and complements your style.
Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Anarkali Suit
The right fabric is key to completely transforming the mood and elegance of Anarkali. Each fabric has its own character, often dictating how the outfit flows, feels and photographs for each occasion.
Silk Anarkalis
Silk Anarkalis are the epitome of luxury. With its rich, luminous and inherently festive appeal, silk Anarkalis like our Coral Embroidered Silk Anarkali or Red Embroidered Silk Anarkali are perfect for weddings, receptions and other high-glamour occasions. The graceful sheen and structured fall of silk will ensure you stand out from the crowd with royal finesse.
Georgette Anarkalis With Dupatta
If the fluidity of water and the lightness of air made a garment, it would be georgette Anarkalis. They are well-suited for sangeets, cocktail parties, and gatherings where comfort and grandeur go hand in hand, while dancing is definitely on the agenda. Our Sky Blue Georgette Anarkali captures that very essence, while Off White Lakhnavi Anarkali With Maroon Dupatta is an elaborately festive option for those who want to mix it up.
Brocade Anarkalis
Brocade offers a rich textured appeal, woven with intricate motifs that capture India’s heritage. Our Orange Brocade Anarkali is ideal for traditional ceremonies and engagement parties while our Dusty Aqua Blue Brocade Anarkali is sure to elevate your festive nights. Brocade Anaraklis bring a certain cultural charm to your overall look, a go-to choice if you want a fit that feels celebratory yet classic.
Satin Anarkalis
If you're dreaming of a look that feels luxurious the moment it catches the light, satin Anarkalis are an undeniable favorite. Known for their smooth, glossy finish and graceful fall, satin creates a silhouette that feels both regal and modern — perfect for evening celebrations, receptions, and any event where you want your outfit to shimmer with every step.
The subtle sheen of satin pairs beautifully with minimal embroidery or clean, contemporary cuts, allowing the fabric itself to take center stage, like our Rose Pink Satin Anarkali. Whether you prefer jewel tones or softer pastels, satin brings an elevated, almost cinematic quality to your look, making it an excellent choice for those who love effortless glamour with a touch of drama.
Tissue Anarkalis
Tissue Anarkalis are for those who love a little magic in their wardrobe. With their signature metallic sheen and slightly crisp texture, tissue fabrics create a luminous, almost ethereal silhouette that stands out beautifully in both natural and indoor lighting. One example is our Sky Blue Embroidered Tissue Anarkali, where the gentle stiffness adds volume and dimension, making every twirl look camera-ready.
These Anarkalis are perfect for weddings, festive evenings, and occasions where you want your outfit to feel opulent without being heavy. Available in golds, pastels, and jewel tones, tissue Anarkalis have a celebratory charm that makes them ideal for bridesmaids, engagement looks, or anyone aiming for a radiant, show-stopping ensemble.
Cotton Anarkalis
Soft, breathable, and effortlessly charming, the cotton Anarkali is the underdog of the wardrobe. Ideal for daytime functions, pujas, and casual celebrations, they offer a polished, comfortable ethnic look without the weight, especially during the warmer seasons.
Understanding how each fabric complements different occasions is key to helping you pick the perfect Anarkali every time. While the opulence of silk and velvet elevate festive nights perfect for winter celebrations, lightweight cotton and georgettes offer an effortless daytime charm ideal for spring and summer soirees.
The Complete Look
Styling your Anarkali suit involves choosing the right accessories to complement the outfit. For heavily embellished Anarkalis, it’s best to keep the jewelry minimal to allow the dress to be the focal point. Opt for delicate earrings, a subtle clutch, and a light bracelet to complete the look.
For simpler Anarkalis, you can go bold with statement jewelry. Chunky necklaces, large earrings, and multiple bangles can add personality to the outfit without overwhelming it. A well-chosen dupatta can also make a difference—whether it's heavily embellished or plain, in a contrasting color.
Footwear also plays a crucial role in completing the look. High heels or wedges are ideal for longer Anarkalis, adding height and elegance. For shorter Anarkalis, traditional footwear like juttis or flat sandals works well, especially for casual events.
Hair styling is equally important. For formal events, an elegant updo or a neat bun complements the Anarkali's sophisticated look. For a more relaxed style, soft waves or loose curls work beautifully, adding volume and texture to the outfit.
Explore Designer Anarkali Suits Online from Lashkaraa
From rich, heavily embellished Pakistani Anarkalis to light, breezy cotton options, there’s a perfect Anarkali for every event. Shopping for Anarkali suits online allows you to explore a wide range of options from the comfort of your home. Lashkaraa offers a stunning selection of designer Anarkali suits, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a wedding-ready suit or a simple cotton Anarkali for daily wear, Lashkaraa has something for everyone. These ready-to-wear suits are crafted with expert attention to detail, ensuring a perfect fit and luxurious look.
