Tag Archives: Indian Ethnic Wear

Indian Wedding Dresses for Bride's/Bridegroom's Sister

Indian Wedding Dresses for Bride’s/Bridegroom’s Sister

Indian Wedding Dresses for Bride’s/Bridegroom’s Sister

By Sanchita

Wedding is just not the special day for the bride and groom, it is equally special for Bride’s/Bridegroom’s Sister. Every sister would want to deck up and to choose the best outfit for her brother or sister’s wedding. Well, gone are the days when saree and lehenga are the only options. Indian Wedding is generally all about the rich culture and traditional outfits but if you want the spotlight on you, you must check out the variety of outfits. Also, while choosing you have to keep in mind that the outfit should look apt and not clash with the elaborate outfit of the bride.

Wedding day means the crazy surrounding with variety of preparations. And, choosing an outfit to match your body and personality is another job altogether. There is a variety of ethnic options available to you to rock your brother or sister’s wedding. After all, you are the bridesmaid! Let’s have a look at the wedding dresses.

1. Lehenga with Embroidery Work

I recently saw Sonam Kapoor wearing a gorgeous off-white lehenga with golden embroidery work for her cousin brother Akshay Marwah’s big fat Punjabi wedding. the color was soothing yet was glamorous. It had a regal feel and needlessly to say, Sonam carried it off like a diva. She paired the look with golden jewellery, a braided up-do and subtle makeup. This is surely an outfit goal for the bride’s/bridegroom’s sister.

2. Floor Length Anarkali Suit

Floor Length Anarkali Suit makes a wonderful wedding outfit for the sister. It is inspired by the royal opulence of the Mughal era and radiates every bit of grandeur, ethereal charm and beauty. You can easily pair it up with statement jewellery and glowing skin. These floor length anarkali designs can be done in pretty colors, beautiful designs and intricate art work and lovely motifs as well. Currently, floor length anarkalis have created a major fashion statement across the globe as a wedding outfit.

3. Floor Length Indo-Western Gown

Gown is extremely popular in the western world as a wedding outfit but the classy Indo-Western Gown is an ethereal combination of east and west. Various Indian designers have created their own version of Indo-Western Gown and it is nothing but stylish. You can go bling or for softer colors like pink, yellow or coral. Pair it up with glowing skin and bold lips.

4. Half-lehenga Saree

Indian wear is always classy but when you fusion one with another, it is nothing less than outstanding. The Half-lehenga Saree is a combination of the saree and lehenga and is considered as one of the perfect traditional wear for weddings or parties. It has modernized styles on the runway with the conventional lehenga and some fantastic adjustments. Simply drape a choli around to give the impression of the saree.

5. Lehenga

This is one of the one of the oldest and obvious choice but as they say, old is gold. This is one of the most popular choice and you would find a variety of design when it comes to lehenga. If you want to stick to the ethnic ensemble. It adds an elegant touch to the look and you can either go for heavy jewellery or heavy makeup.

6. Lehenga with Jacket

A jacket for Indian wedding? Of course! Your fashion sense and style has to be on point when you sport the Lehenga with rich embroidery Jacket with it. It is a great time to experiment and this is a style that would surely turn heads. It is a great way to modernize Indian traditional wear and has a conventional charm as well. The Lehenga-Jacket is easier to carry as well with the right kind of makeup and hairdo.

7. Off Shoulder Top with Traditional Long Skirt

Off shoulder trend is ruling the western world and outfits, therefore, why not add some Indian traditional touch to it? Pair up an Off Shoulder Top with a beautiful traditional statement necklace and long skirt. Make sure that the skirt is flowy, has embroidery and traditional touch to it. This would easily balance out the Off Shoulder Top and add a wonderful contemporary touch to the ensemble.

8. Saree

This is one of the most popular choice as well. Saree has been worn at every Indian wedding and all you can do is choose the fabric carefully that would look nice on you and compliment the look. Needless to say, this is one of the safest choice as well. Also, saree can be drape in various ways as well.

9. Lehenga with Cape

Regular lehenga designs have gotten an upgrade in terms of style and silhouette over the years. The beauty of overflowing, floaty vibe of lehenga and cape is phenomenal. It has such gorgeous ensemble and it will definitely make to stand out in the crowd. Pair it up with Maang Tikka and bangles and see how dazzling it looks.

10. Long Jacket and Dhoti Pants

This is one stunning combination for a traditional outfit. The Long Jacket and Dhoti Pant with traditional design has the touch of Indo-Bohemian style to it. it is detailed with every bit of elegance, sophistication and richness of Indian traditional outfit and you can easily flaunt this for reception as well.

11. Saree Gown

This is one of the hassle free outfit and when our favorite celebrities flaunted them with such grace and elegance – you have to try this traditional outfit rolled with a modern touch.

12. Palazzo Suit

Palazzo pants were extremely popular in the 1970s and it made a comeback as a western outfit. Well, now you can wear it traditionally as well – paired with a traditional suit. The heavy work kurta along with a dupatta with match up extremely well with palazzo for a wedding.

Editor’s Note: Loved all the outfits Sanchita, very nice and helpful compilation.

So, which is your favorite wedding outfit?

Trendy Suit Sets for Everyday Wear

Trendy Suit Sets for Everyday Wear

Hi guys,

Suit sets look pretty good whether in office or just casual everyday wear and some even for family get-togethers and light functions.

Also the best part about suit sets is that you can mix and match them and wear the bottom and dupatta with your other kurtis too.

I think suit sets are amazing for office as they look formal but are yet comfortable and pretty. I found some pretty good suits for women online.

Here are my picks..

1. Off White Cotton Kalidar Suit Set

I absolutely love this! White always looks pretty, more so with florals. This red floral print on the white dress with the white net palazzos and red geomtric print dupatta makes for a perfect combination.

2. Peach Cotton Kalidar Suit

I love the color peach, this one is perfect for summers. Kalis look elegant and feminine and the matching churidar and crushed dupatta go well with it. The kurti has gold work towards the bottom, and this is something which you can wear for family functions too.

3. Turquoise Straight Pant Suit

Again a beautiful pastel turquoise color with bursts of other pastels in it, perfect for summer. The straight fit style gives it a Pakistani suit look. Makes for great office wear.

4. Orange/Pink Cotton Kurta Set

Orange cotton voile printed kalidar kurta with embroidery on the placket, paired with solid churidar and printed pink dupatta. I love orange and pink combination. The geometric print in pink on the orange kurta overall with the mirror work on the border of the dupatta and the neckline of kurti merges really well.

5. Blue Cotton Leheriya Churidar

Leheriya printed straight fit blue kurta in cotton voile paired with white churidar and printed dupatta bordered in pink. Leheriya is evergreen, something that will never go out of trend. The crushed white and blue dupatta with the pink border looks very pretty.

These were some of my picks, as you saw some had basic color churidhars and dupattas too which you can combine with your other kurtis. I feel 2-3 of these suit sets are must have in our wardrobes.

What do you think? Do you like suit sets?

Contemporary Designer Kurtis for Working Women

Contemporary Designer Kurtis for Working Women

Whether you are searching for casual wear or for any momentous occasion, the kurtis are the finest choice to select. It gives utmost comfort, enhance your casual look and boost your confidence. It is easy to carry out with jeans, leggings, churidaar or palazzos and makes it fantastic outfits. If you are looking to enhance your style quotient then it’s time to check contemporary designer kurtis for special occasions. These outfits will make you to look stunning and stylish. The trends become the perfect choice for wedding celebration and other special occasions.

If you are looking for a special dress that has ethnic look and at the same time seem to be stylish then you can browse the collection of partywear kurtis, designer kurtis, super stylish winter kurtis, casual, office wear, etc. Every piece of kurtis is prudently designed to give imperial look. You can purchase kurtis online at reasonable prices. You can customize and personalize the outfits that you want to purchase. It is one of the most unique and preferred outfit by the young girls and working women. They are light weighted, easy to carry without dupatta, and comfortable to carry out for 8 to 9 hours. They are the ideal apparels for any family occasions, social gatherings or any party events etc. Designer outfits are crafted with embroidery, digital prints; thread work, zardosi and zari work. It all depends upon your taste and preferences. You need to make a perfect choice and combination to get the rich look that will create a lasting impression.

Digital prints have made its presence this year with almost anything and everything being textured digitally. These outfits are versatile and fashionable that suits your personality. You can try this digital attire with leggings, jeans, palazzos etc. Winters are around the corner and yes it’s a time to change the look. You can try woolen designer kurtis for this winter and explore your beauty with the designer harems. Kashmiri embroideries are the alternate option for this winter.

The churidar kurtas, anarkali suits, kurta with lehenga, kurti with palazzos, are some of the awesome collections you can think about. Moreover, there are attractive designed dupattas available in myriad colors to match your kurtis. Therefore make an astute selection when you shop online. Try to visit some of consistent and recommendable online portals that offer you complete varieties comprising with sizes, colours, designs, patterns, shades, prices etc. You can even go for discounts offers, festive offers, season sale etc. Don’t be hesitate to experiment and adventurous. Just make sure the outfits that you are selecting are well-designed and colours of the attires compliments each other.

Kurtis for Different Occasions & How to Pair Them

Kurtis for Different Occasions & How to Pair Them

Hi guys,

Today I am talking about kurtis, how versatile kurtis are and there is one kurti for every occasion.

When it comes to the well-defined ‘Indian wear’, the first thing that comes to our mind while walking towards the closet is Kurti. This fashion trend never goes off and one of the best smart casual wear. In fact, Kurtis are so versatile that you can wear them for college, office, family events, day-out, party wear and literally every way you prefer.

Kurtis can be made adaptable with various styles like short or medium length, from various materials of cloth and the embroidery as well. thus, the exclusive designs, elaborate patterns, various hues and appealing shades blended with western as well as Indian styles has made Kurti so popular as a fashion trend. There are various reason to love them, different ways to pair them up.

I came across this site ‘Rangriti’ and they have such gorgeous kurtis. There is one for each occasion from work to more casual wear to more dressy ethnic. I have picked a few here and highlighted which can be worn for what occasion.

1. Yellow Short Kurti

Now this one is so colorful! I love the yellow and pink combination and the pom pom bead tie-ups. This is more of a casual wear. You can team it with denims or a nice, long, flared skirt. If going for a casual brunch, then with denims and if for some wedding related function like a mehendi, this would look perfect with a flared skirt in pink.

2. Indigo Blue mid length kurti

This will work with a white churidar for work and even a white skirt/palazzos for a more boho look. Team it with feather/beads/colorful accessories for a casual boho chic look.

3. Mustard yellow long kurti

Now this one can be a little dressy. Team it with a black churidar and maybe even a heavy dull gold work dupatta and you can wear it for a wedding.

There are so many ways to wear a kurti and one can dress it up or dress it down on teaming with correct bottoms and accessories. I love kurtis and have so many different styles of them in my wardrobe.

I love online shopping and the variety of kurtis available online these days is amazing. Also at very affordable prices. I would highly recommend to buy kurtis online.

What is your favourite way to wear a kurti? Do you go boho chic with kurtis? Let me know some of your ideas in the comments below.

OOTD: Indian Wear with Naari

OOTD: Indian Wear with Naari

Hi guys,

I know I haven’t done an OOTD since a long time. Today I am doing an Indian wear OOTD i.e. a kurti and matching pants.

Both the kurti and pants are from Naari’s Fluid Lines Collection.

Let me tell you a little bit more about Naari first.

About Naari: Desi elements fused with contemporary styles is what Naari is all about. This love love affair is prominent in every piece of fabric designed for an overall ethnic experience. A channel for your personal style and a gateway to high fashion prêt . Integrating the modern Indian woman’s quality, design and personal taste requirements, Naari is the fusion fiesta for the wardrobe.

So as you read, Naari is a perfect amalgamation of modern and traditional. It is Indian wear with a twist i.e. fusion wear. As you can see here, the kurti I have paired with unconventional pants and not the usual leggings. They also have palazzos, wide legged palazzos, slim pants and a lot of different options apart from the conventional leggings.

And they have different collections, i.e. True Blue, Fluid Lines, Real World, Mudcals, Secret Garden, etc. where the collection revolves around a particular concept.

One can buy kurtis, bottoms, dupattas, salwar kameez and even unstitched sets on their online website. They even have Gift Cards.

About the Fluid Lines Collection: If easy-breezy, fuss-free style is your thing, Fluid Lines must feature in your wardrobe! The collection not only boasts of a tantalizing movement of a color with a tinge of shaded pattern, but also rich Lucknowi embroidery to bring the whole look together.

I absolutely loved this simple white kurti with neon pink embroidery work, also the embroidery is placed well and it’s not all over, coz that wouldn’t be very flattering. The high low hem gives it a casual yet semi-formal look. The pink slim pants also has white thread work all over. They are stretchy and very comfortable.

Also I shot this, in the rains, so please excuse the pics :/

Kurti, Slim Pants: Naari
Watch: Michael Kors
Heels: Steve Madden

I hope you liked the outfit. If you love Indian wear or fusion wear, you should definitely check out ShopNaari.com

Types of Bajubands/Armlets

Types of Bajubands/Armlets

Hi guys,

I am talking about one more piece of jewellery today i.e. bajubands or armlets. There are number of different varieties of armlets available.

You can choose to go with a heavier one or a lighter one, depending on your outfit or occasion. You get them in pearl, kundan, simple basic ones, heavy ones with latkans,etc.

I recently came across this jewellery website gold24.in and loved their bajubands collection (you can see them here https://gold24.in/products/costume-bajuband). Some of my picks:

1. This gorgeous armlet/bajuband designed exclusively by Traditsiya is everything you need to stand out in an upcoming wedding. Pair it up with a saree, anarkali or a lehenga, it will help complete the Indian look by making your arms look graceful.

2. This one is made with alloy and has 22K gold plating. The kundan, emerald and ruby are set very well together in a tear drop pattern. I like the fact that it is broad and thick for heavier arms, something for people like me. This one is not meant for skinny arms.

3. This one is heavier with ghungroo and latkans. If you are a bride to be, this is perfect for you. A blend of pearl, kundan, emerald, ruby, diamond and golden ghungroos. Again 22K gold plated.

4. A basic, simple one that would work with almost all Indian outfits and even some Indo-western fusion wear. The best thing about these adjustable ones are that one size fits all and you can also use these as a choker. Chokers are IN these days, so this works in multiple ways 😀

You can even find simple pearl string ones to just a plain kundan lining one, which can work with any outfit, and not require color coordination.

I absolutely love baju bands, they make your arms look very elegant and graceful. And all girls should have atleast 1-2 bajubands/armlets in their stash.

What do you think of baju bands? Do you like them?

7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look

7 Bollywood Actresses Who Nail The Saree Look

By Nidhal

9 yards is all what it takes to raise your glam quotient by leaps and bounds. Swaddled in the 9 yards of a saree, there would hardly be any Indian lady who would not look resplendent! Given our proclivity for Bollywood actresses and their sense of fashion, why not take a sneak peek into the look book of some of our Tinsel Town ladies who take the gorgeousness of a saree to an altogether different height!

1. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- The darling of the masses whose body gives one major ‘Body Goals’ seems to have the perfect body for a saree. Curves? Check. Built? Check. And that dimpled smile… Melt! Seen here is Deepika swaddled in a traditional Kanjeevaram silk saree which accentuates her enviable frame impeccably. The gajra made up of jasmine flowers is the much-needed finishing touch, isn’t it?

2. SONAM KAPOOR- Touted as the ‘fashionista’ of Tinsel Town, there was no way Sonam couldn’t make an appearance on this list. She’s arrived and how! Keeping the makeup aside for a minute which anyway looks impeccable, she is seen here swaddled in an Anamika Khanna outfit that’s subtle but sizzling. The USP for me is the blouse which highlights one’s back in a way that will leave one drooling. Revealing yet not risqué.

3. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- Fondly called the ‘Begum’, Kareena Kapoor Khan compels you to turn back and take a second look with this revealing black saree that she swaddled herself in in the title track of her movie- Heroine. The saree is as simple as it can get but what catches the eyes is the subtle silver kamar-bandh and the pink-bordered bikini blouse that sets temperatures soaring. Not everyone can carry off such a saree. Well, Kareena surely can!

4. KATRINA KAIF- She looks angelic. Period. But when she wears a saree, all you want to do is take her to your mom (of course, boys are being referred to here). Seen here is Katrina Kaif swaddled in a cream-meets- beige coloured heavily embellished saree that is aptly teamed up with a red blouse that adds that much-wanted need of glamour. This was during one of the promotional episodes of her then, impending movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ on the reality show- India’s Got Talent.

5. ANUSHKA SHARMA- And finally both the leading ladies of JTHJ make an appearance on the list. The effervescent livewire Anushka Sharma was seen iin the same episode on the show swaddled in a royal blue Manish Malhotra saree with an ornate border that balances the look.

6. VIDYA BALAN- Vidya ‘Oh La La’ Balan proves that you do not need to be a certain body type to wear a saree. Her body type, is by far the most accurate representation of what an average Indian lady’s. She has donned a saree on multiple occasions and does so in absolute panache. Ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is responsible for the makeover to a great extent and seen here are two where Vidya glows in the yellow cotton saree with a laced border. There is a very minute pink border that looks in perfect harmony with the colour and border. Understated we say, Vidya! And you look gorgeous.

7. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN- Miss World 1994 is one sure-shot head-turner and for all the right reasons. Arguably the most easily recalled Bollywood face on the red carpet of Cannes, Aishwarya treats our eyes to this green Sabyasachi saree when she arrived for the premiere of her flick ‘Raavan’ in London.The hairdo? Looks elegant to say the least.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, Google, 5

Editor’s Note: Totally agree with each one Nidhal, well compiled.

Who according to you carries the saree the best?

Types of Anarkalis & Choosing Anarkali for your Body Type

Types of Anarkalis & Choosing Anarkali for your Body Type

Hi guys,

When it comes to Indian wear, anarkalis have been back in fashion since the past 5-6 years and they are still in trend, I don’t think that trend is going anywhere. Simply because they are super comfortable and easy to wear for weddings, etc. too. Anarkali is the only outfit which is traditional Indian wear and yet very comfortable to wear and roam around in 😀 When you get best of both worlds, stick to it.

Today I am talking about different types of anarkalis and how to choose one according to your body type.

1. Cotton Anarkali

These are the most simple and basic kinds, which you can wear to work or a light function. Comfortable yet traditional and very light. There are many options of anarkali suits online by BIBA and on Myntra, Jabong, etc.

2. Silk Anarkali

Silk ones can be a little heavier or lighter depending on the embellishments on it, but certainly expensive. You can go for the lighter silk ones for a daytime function and the heavier ones for some big function or wedding.

3. Asymmetric Anarkali

Asymmetric Anarkalis are quite in trend and look chic too. These again can be in lighter cotton ones or heavier silk or bridal ones. I love how it is shorter in the front and slightly longer behind, this would work on short girls too. I know how it is difficult to find a anarkali when you are short. Been there :/

4. Layered Anarkali

Again just like the asymmetric ones, layered ones are also pretty IN and I absolutely love them. They give a jacket kind of look or 2-3 layers which are shorter and keep on increasing in length. Currently the mesh capes are quite in trend and would look good over an anarkali too.

5. Bridal Anarkali

Now this is something very heavy, Sikh brides usually wear a suit or anarkali during their Anand Karaj. They can opt for a super heavy embellished anarkali. Also if you want to wear one for your mehendi or sangeet, the bridal ones are perfect.

Choosing an Anarkali according to body type

Inverted Triangle- If you have an inverted triangle body type i.e top heavy with broad shoulders, avoid boat necks, high neck collars or bulky shoulder patterns as that will bring more attention towards the broad shoulders.

Hourglass- Well if you have an hourglass figure, all anarkalis will look fabulous on you. Just make sure it accentuates your waist well and the flare starts below the waist.

Apple shaped- If you are apple shapes, wear empire line silhouettes in anarkalis which means the flare starting just below your waist which will help you hide your core problem area.

Pear shaped- If you have a well defined waist, then you can go for anarkalis starting below the waist and the flare will hide your lower problem area or else again empire line will work the best.

Short, petite girls- If you are short or petite, go for shorter kurtas with less flare as you don’t want the anarkali to look like a gown and neither like you wearing a tent.

If you are tall, anarkalis are made for you! You can wear them anytime, anywhere 😀

I hope this helped, do let me know in the comments below. If you are a bride-to-be, keep these tips in mind and choose an anarkali according to your body type.

Do you like Anarkalis? Which is your favourite type?

5 Colours & Fabrics for Winter Weddings

5 Colours & Fabrics for Winter Weddings

Hi guys,

Continuing the bridal series, today’s topic is the fabrics and colours that are perfect for weddings in the winter season. Fabric is the most important when it comes to Indian ethnic wear; also it should be something you are comfortable with, because comfort is most important when it comes to the heavy wedding attire.

There are different options to choose from like organza, mal, suede, silk, crepe, chiffon, georgette, etc. It is quite confusing for a bride to be honest. However, fret not, let me list down the best options for you according to the current wedding season.

1. Organza

Organza is one of the most fluid fabrics and it falls beautifully. It is perfect for the sleeves or as the top layer of your skirt/ghagra/lehenga. It looks amazing as a jacket or cape too. Zardozi work looks beautiful on the organza fabric.

2. Silk

One of the most used fabrics in Indian ethnic wear is silk. There are different types within silk like raw silk, cotton silk, etc. Raw silk looks the best when it comes to choli or the blouse. You can even wear an entire anarkali or ghagra choli of silk.

3. Crepe

Crepe works well for sarees and tunics. Crepe sarees look beautiful, even on curvy women as it gives shape and definition to the body and does not make one look bulky. Long crepe jackets are also a good option for winters.

4. Mal

Mal fabric is the softest and most comfortable for any attire. It is perfect for daytime weddings, though it is slightly on the expensive side, but, for days when you have to be out for a ceremony whole day, mal fabric outfit would be your best bet.

5. Velvet

Velvet is also a perfect fabric for winters. You can add it on the choli’s sleeves or as a thick border for your bottoms.

Coming to colours now…

1. Powder Pink/Blush Pink/Onion Pink

Pastel shades of pink are “in” this season and they look beautiful. Matched up with contrasting colours like navy blue and purple for the bottoms or borders, it makes the outfit stand out.

2. Bright shade of yellow

Oh yes! The sunshine yellow with floral print and appliqué style looks beautiful. Add gota patti border and it notches up the outfit. It is perfect for your mehendi/chooda ceremony. You can easily buy the fabric border and get it stitched as per your design.

3. Ivory/Toasted Almond

Now, ivory is not something you can wear for your functions as light shades are not really considered a good sign by some, but, you can definitely include it in your trousseau. Match it up with a bright red in a saree or anarkali and stand out, on a silk base.

4. Tangerine

Tangerine/Orange is my favourite! Bright orange paired with sunshine yellow/pink looks beautiful. You can go for a lehenga/anarkali in those shades with dull gold zardozi work on it.

5. Emerald Green

Emerald/jewel green is also “in” this season. It compliments lighter colours and makes for a nice contrast. Polki jewellery looks beautiful with an outfit that has a hint of green.

What are your favourite fabrics and colors for winter weddings?

Indian Festive Diwali Makeup & Outfit

Indian Festive Diwali Makeup & Outfit

Hi guys,

I wanted to do a video for Karwachauth look but couldn’t coz of time, but I am right on time for the Diwali makeup look. I am wearing this bright orange and pink anarkali with dull gold zari work on it. I wanted to keep my eyes neutral and hence went with dull gold for the eyes and bright fuchsia lips.

I paired the look with gold and pearl dangling earrings and this orange bindi. I quite like how the look turned out, totally me.

Products used:

If you like this look, please give the video a thumbs up and also subscribe to my Youtube channel HERE.

This Diwali look is brought to you in association with Indian Gifts Portal (IGP.com) , India’s leading Online Gift Store that delivers in 100+ countries. Check out their exclusive Diwali gifts range and bhai dooj tikka hampers.

Also I have a giveaway coming up on twitter in collaboration with Indian Gifts Portal on 5th November i.e. tomorrow, so follow me @bhumika_t and @indiangiftport for more updates 🙂

I hope you liked the look, do let me know in the comments below 🙂