Desi Girl Era ✨
Indian wear is a tumultuously expanding umbrella of fashion extending from the Harappan Civilization to the modern-day catwalk. The weaves have carried history along them. To not step into it is ignoring a monumental chunk of fashion itself.
Many of us leave Indian wear counters for our mums. These very counters are a great place to start embracing our culture.
This particular blog will help you ease into daily ethnic wear. I've chosen apparel I genuinely have gotten the value for my money for. The following suggestions work for college, a job, or casual outings.
Here are our top picks for essentials in Indian wear.
1) Kurtas
Back in the day, sarees were for adults and kurtas for teens. Kurta-pyjama became casual wear for men and women. Men would wear straight-cut solid kurtas with minimal embellishments. Women wore more intricately patterned kurtas paired with harem pants and dupattas. Such apparel continues to be standard for small towns. Many schools also have them as uniforms.
Kurtas are essentially casual top-wear. One could sport them with a variety of bottoms. Currently, an array of kurtas adorn the market- Anarkali, straight-fit, kaftan style, collar-necks, etc. We could have a book about all the possibilities of a kurta.
For starters, simple cotton kurtas are best. They are comfortable, breezy and vivid. You could pick from the splendid colour palette of Indian hues.
Pair them with jeans, palazzos, or leggings ( specifically churidars ) for college/ work.
We have another picture of a collared kurta. You might have noticed a similar style in the movie " Hichki ".
2) Short Kurtis
Another branch in the kurta world is the short kurtis. I have seen my mother rock them on every occasion. They're similar to kurtas, just cut short. They are not worn with dupattas as kurtas are. They're a fresh and more casual approach to a typical kurti.
Beach? Wear them with shorts. Work? Grab a pair of straight pants. The options are endless!
3) Ethnic Tops/ Dresses
That completes the three levels of Indian tops. Kurtas are the most traditional, while short kurtas are more casual. Ethnic tops are simply the usual silhouette but in a different fabric. Peplum tops in handicraft fabrics or muslin tank tops with block prints. Several small businesses on Instagram offer creative options for you. I've seen diverse dresses in the most captivating traditional patterns and fabrics.
You may wear them like any other top or pair them with other elements mentioned here.
4) Ethnic Palazzos/ Skirts
They have to be my favourite from the list. These basic yet comfortable trousers are spectacular for making a statement. They make amazing outfits when paired with t-shirts. Breezy for the summers, but a good cover-up in the winters! The enduring patterns need no talking.
The best way to wear them casually is with solid tops/tees. You could accessorize with a stack of bangles or a bunch of necklaces. I could write at length about how versatile this piece is. Though, I'll save that for the next blog! They are the one article of clothing, I think, that are as traditional as they are modern. So classes to poojas, it's got your back.
5) A bit of glam!
This blog is supposed to have beginner-friendly ethnic wear. However, I had to include at least one category of jewellery. Basic Indian jhumkas and earrings can upgrade your look. Even if you're wearing a white T-shirt with blue jeans, oxidized jewellery can take it to the next level. I say, play with the earrings first. Try to find some that match your style. I daresay they're pretty irresistible.
The best place to purchase them is off the streets. You'll find gems for sparing costs.
If you're not keen on stepping out, check out our friends at Sterling Jewellery. Their crocheted earrings are a perfect starting point.
6) Footwear
This blog would be incomplete without footwear. Indian footwear is a vast ocean. Juttis (left) and Kolhapuris ( right ) are only two of the many types of footwear. Additionally, they are uncomplicated to slip on with any outfit. Besides, these are casual wear for both men and women all over the country. Be rest assured, generations have approved what you see today!
Thank you for reading so far. We hope you are inspired to have fun with ethnic wear. It is just a tiny section of a widespread line.
Share your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to tag @sunflowerness if we inspire your creativity!
Come back every Saturday and Sunday for more.
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