For young millennial women, ethnic wear has become synonymous with easy-to-wear kurtas and the occasional festive wear such as lehengas and sarees. We tend to overlook how rich our country’s heritage is and how much we can learn from traditional wear in other regions than our own. Each state in India has its own gem to offer, traditional dresses in a mix of styles, colours, textures and fabrics. Backed by a rich history, it is any self-proclaimed fashion lover’s responsibility to keep them alive and seen.
That is exactly what Sara Ali Khan did yesterday for the promotions of her debut movie, Kedarnath.
Image: Instagram
She wore a traditional Angrakha in a bright yellow colour with multicoloured embroidery all over it. This she styled with a pair of blue jeans to the promotions adding a desi fusion to her OOTD. All she needed were statement-making applique earrings and metallic nails to complete the look. We love!
An Angrakha is a short calico vest which is tied to either the left or right shoulder. The fit and flare silhouette is complemented by bright colours and statement embroidery. We love how this style has evolved with time and now Angrakha kurtas are available in a variety of lengths, prints and designs.
POPxo Recommends: Yellow Solid A-Line Kurta (Rs 2,199) by House of Pataudi.
Well, after Sara’s outfit with a traditional Rajasthani touch, we have been looking and there are more amazing styles that deserve your attention. A collection of completely unique Indian traditional dresses from all the four corners of the country, we curated the 10 best styles for you to try. From two-piece sarees to gorgeous embroidered robes, these pictures of Bollywood celebrities and Plixxo influencers will improve your desi fashion diction like nothing else!
Also Read About hairstyles for traditional wear
2. Uttar Pradesh & Chikankari Suit
Image: Instagram
Originating from Lucknow city, Chikankari is a fine and artistically done hand embroidery on fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon and a few others. A niche-style with urban women, you can find a variety of pastel-heavy Chikan suit sets and fabrics in your nearest boutique, just take a look. Anushka Sharma wore a pristine white Chikankari suit in Lucknow for the promotions of Sui Dhaaga. Don’t you just love the elegance pof the outfit?
POPxo Recommends: Biba Chikankari Embroidered Kurta (Rs 1,079)
3. West Bengal & Aatpoure Shari
Every girl gang has that Bong friend who will step out in the prettiest saree during Durga Pujo. Arguably one of the most recognisable saree styles, the Aatpoure or Ghorua is draped without pleats. Its signature look comes from the pallu that is tossed over your left shoulder. Get help with draping this style and maybe tie a bunch of keys at the end of the pallu if you wish to commit fully.
4. Punjab & Kurta + Lehenga
You might have seen your favourite celebs donning this style but did you know that it originated in Punjab? Traditionally, Punjabi women would pair their kurtas with contrast coloured lehengas and bright Phulkari dupattas. Recently though, the style has taken a less extravagant turn with deeper hues and detailing that is easier on the young eyes.
5. Kashmir & Pheran
Worn by both men and women of the region, the most popular outing for this style has been in the picture frames of Indian families who pose in the traditional garb on their vacation. These robe like garments are either ankle or knee length, with rich embroidery on the neck and sleeves. Try one on to create your own ‘Alia Bhatt in Highway’ moment.
POPxo Recommends: Kashmiri Embroidered Pheran Kurta (Rs 999)
6. Arunachal Pradesh & Galle
The Galle is a cotton ankle-length wrap-around skirt very popular in the region. Largely covered with geometric designs and prints, these skirts are also available in pristine white and cream palettes. Maybe switch your usual vacay sarongs with a couple of these pretty little things instead, eh?
7. Kerala & Mundum Neriyathum
A vision in white and gold, this is one of the earliest styles of saree, which essentially covered only the lower part of the body. Modern women today often wear it for weddings and Onam, in the form of a half saree with a blouse usually mirroring the saree border. A very simple yet elegant piece of clothing, this Kerala saree will be a breath of fresh air for the lovers of all things saree.
8. Assam & Mekhla Chador
Mekhla Chador is a two-piece garment, with a print-heavy cloth (Mekhla) draped at the bottom and a lighter fabric on top which is the Chador. With many designers from the Northeast coming front and centre in the Indian fashion scene, we expect to see this style more often. Recently, a variety of Mekhla Chador was presented by designer Sanjukta Dutta at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2018 show.
9. Tamil Nadu & Kanjeevaram Saree
Image: Instagram
A handloom saree originating in Tamil Nadu, Kanjeevaram is made of pure mulberry silk threads weaved into a fabric. The heavy silk and goldwork give it a royal look, just how we like it. It’s very easy to identify a traditional Kanjeevaram silk saree from others. Just look for the wide contrast borders and gold-like sheen. Deepika Padukone’s wedding saree was a classic Kanjeevaram. I think we sold it now!
Here’s a Rekha-proof guide to wear Kanijeevaram sarees in style.
POPxo Recommends: Yellow Kanjeevaram Silk Saree (Rs 16,895) by Sundari Silks.
10. Maharashtra & Nauvari Sadi
Image: Instagram
Shilpa Shetty’s traditional Nauvari saree caught our attention during this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and caught it right. The Kaashtha saree is a style of saree draping similar to the way the Maharashtrian dhoti is worn. The word ‘Kaashtha’ refers to the saree being tucked at the back. Since this saree is usually worn by using a single nine-yard cloth, it is also referred to as Nauvari which means nine yards. Women accessorise the saree with gold-toned jewellery adding to the saree’s charms.
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