The first word that comes to my mind when we talk about Kurti is comfortability. This piece of cloth, which is made mostly of cotton and viscose is so versatile and comfortable that there is absolutely no comparison to it. It is not just an Indian outfit anymore but has evolved tremendously to meet the fashion forward world and I am not surprised that people are embracing it with open arms. Since gaining popularity in the early 19th century after several scholars and artist adorned it, kurtas or Kurtis have come a long way with a lot of innovations around the design and styling yet its core base remained unchanged, keeping its wearers at ease and simple. In fact, not just the early 19th century, Kurti gained more popularity following the hippie movement during 1960's and 1970's when people wore these loose and comfortable cloth to express their laidback and carefree spirit. And man, it has come a long way since then, winning hearts and embracing the fashion and cultural shift like never before, proving yet again that there is more to these Kurtis than just the simple design and comfortability factor.
When it comes to choosing an ethnic outfit for any occasion, it is always and always the Kurti that tops the list. In fact, we have a motto in our friend's circle that, if you're confused what to wear to an interview, always wear a nice Kurti and you'll be on the safe side. We laughed over it, but writing this article made me realize how true it is and thank God, it will never disappoint any woman. Looking for something casual to wear to the office or college, a minimal and simple kurti comes to your rescue, while you can accessorize it with bold statement earrings and comfortable flats. Similarly, when you're looking for something to wear for an occasion or simply all the festival, the heavily embellished and intricate embroidery Kurtis wins your heart yet again, as Kurtis are better options than sarees. Of course, sarees have their own aura and appeal but if you can opt for a better kurti than why not. Right? It is the perfect clothing for both young and the old alike, the traditional and the modern working women, the introvert and the extroverts. So, that came us to bringing 15 types of kurti every girl should swear to have in their wardrobe. Whether you like to wear your kurti simple or go extravagant, we have all kinds of styles that would satiate your weirdest taste.
1. Long Straight Kurti:
The long straight kurti is circling in trend for quite some time now and I’m betting that it will be here for 2017 as well. With the kind of craze it has created, I don’t think it’s dying down anytime soon. Though it looks stunning particularly in tall girls but it’s safe to say that it looks good on the average height women as well. And most of us comes under that! This particular kurti looks better when it’s in full sleeves and if the kurti has the length till your calf or the ankle. Pair it with Leggings, Straight Pant, Skinny Jeans, Palazzo, Skirt, and tights. This kurti can take you everywhere from college to office to parties and weddings when worn with the right accessories and footwear.
2. A-Line Kurti:
A-line kurtis never cease to amaze me for its popularity among the youngsters. Known for its simplicity and of course, the ‘A’ shaped flare from the waist, this is the perfect daily wear kurti for almost everyone. While I pair this kurti with ripped jeans, a simple kolhapuri and a contrasting scarf for an edgy look, it looks equally good when paired with Churidars, Jeggings, Jeans, Patiala, and Dhoti Pants. Kolhapuri’s are always the perfect choice but why stick to normality when you can experiment with your looks, so, bring in your bellies, mojris, and sandals. And also, I never go out without accessorizing when I wear a kurti, team yours with Stud Earrings, Jhumkis, Dangle Earrings, pendants and Bracelets for a ready to go look.
3. Anarkali Kurti:
If an Anarkali cannot make you look elegant, nothing can. Anarkali’s which comes mostly in Cotton, Silk, Georgette, Net and Chanderi, Brocade and Brasso fabric is that little-poised touch for its wearers that balances the rest. You can try Kolhapuris, Flats, Jutis, Pumps, Bellies and Heels depending on your occasion, but choose the right footwear as your choice in footwear matter when it comes to this delicate kurti. If your Anarkali is heavily embellished or have embroidery work then its best to keep it simple without many accessories but if it’s a plain simple one, team it up with a small sling or clutch and statement Jhumkis and Dangle Earrings. And if it’s a deep neck, wear a necklace or a delicate scarf to compliment the look.
4. Indo-Western Kurti:
When Indian and western style blends together, it is bound to create magic. It is the union of two extremes that does the trick here, from wearing your kurti with slim fit Jeans, Leggings, Palazzo and Straight Pants and Tulip Pants to accessorizing it with statement Ear Cuffs, Head Chains, Cuff and Ring Bracelets, Multi-Stranded and Fringe Neckpieces, Scarves, Hats and Sun Glasses, there is nothing that Indo-western kurtis can’t take on. If you want to experiment with your looks then Indo-western kurti is the piece you should be adorning. Go bold chic with a lot of accessories or simple sophisticated with nice scarfs and sunglasses. You can even take out your oxfords and strap shoes with this one, you just have to know your style and the attitude to carry it.
5. Pakistani Kurti:
Pakistani Kurtis is normally simple, long and straight and that’s where the risk lies, as it will take effort to style and carry one. But worry not, we have your back! Since its baggy and comfortable, you can wear it almost everyday and everywhere by dressing it down with the perfect Pallazo and Straight Pants or Jean and Leggings and pair it with Heels, Flats, Kolhapuris, and Bellies. Also, to be on the safer side avoid Patiala, Dhoti, and Haram Pants but I have a strong feeling that it will go well with skirts as well. Put on your normal Dangle Earrings, a Tote or Sling, and off you go.
6. Block print Kurti:
Block print kurtis are those that plays with different prints and colors in blocks. This one is best for those who likes to keep their look simple and classy, as it has a lot of prints blended together beautifully, you need not put that extra effort to make it work. All you have to do is pick the right color combination that would suit you, in order to get along with this kurti. This kurti can work really well around summer time, casual outings, dates and college look with minimal accessories and the right bag.
7. Shirt style Kurti:
This one is my favorite as it gives me a lot of options to explore with my look. And if you are a shirt and denim person, this kurti can be your savior. You can easily wear normal Jeans, Palazzo or a Skirt to make it all trendy. And like I said, this kurti gives you options to explore, so wear your craziest pair of shoes and surprise yourself with the outcome. From Heels to Sneakers, Shirt Kurtis will soak in all. You can even wear this as dress and with a belt around you’ll look even trendier. Loosen out those buttons till the waist and wear a ripped denim and a cool canvas or a tan gladiator and you’re all rock chic.
8. High-Low Kurti:
Like the name suggest, high-low kurtis have shorter front hem as compared to its back. This modern kurti is loved by everyone as it is by itself a statement making piece. I have seen this kurti making it’s rounds from receptions parties to college to office and weddings(heavy embellished ones). This kurti can take any style transaction easily as it goes well with Wedges and Heels, Gladiators and Sneakers. Take measure when accessorizing this piece as you might look out of place if you put on too many pieces of jewelry, instead keep it minimal with an Earring and a nice Bracelet.
9. Pintuck Kurti:
Pintucks, which looks fabulous on its wearers are much more delicate and tedious to make, and needless to say that everyone appreciates it. This kurtis instantly makes you look smarter while matching it with Jhumkis, Hoop Earrings, Tassel Earrings, Multi Chain Necklace, Cuff Bracelet, Bangle Bracelet and carry a Sling or a Tote or even a Hand Held Bag. And you can flaunt it with Jeans, Leggings, Bottomless, and Tights. Avoid palazzos and skirts with this one, as it might make you look shorter.
10. Slit Kurtis:
Slit kurtis are alluring when worn with the right palazzo and skirt because the slits give a style defining tone. With slits in the front or sides, these kurtis have been adorned by many and if you still haven’t tried, now is your chance! From nailing a girls day out or escaping a boring day in college to parties and daily wear, you can take this kurti everywhere, just be sure to accessorize it the right way with Dangle Earrings, Rings, Jhumkis and Chain Bracelet. This is one kurti that will compliment all the body shapes, be it hour glass shape or apple shape, have no fear, just flaunt it.
11. Asymmetric Kurti:
This kurti looks all smart and trendy with a flowy affair around them. Something exciting to try! You can wear it to all those girly outings, dates, college and parties or even as a daily wear. Pair it with anything apart from Pallazos, skirts, and Patiala. Otherwise, let your styling banners high and add some cool Earrings, Bracelets, and Sunglasses to your look. While you might even think about keeping the accessory minimal, there’s no one holding you back when it comes to wearing the right footwear, try Gladiator, Pumps, Peep-Toes, Flats, and Wedges.
12. Denim Kurti:
You’re never too old or too young to carry a denim and that’s the essence of it. Denim has spread its wings remarkably across the clothing industry and I am not surprised that I am writing on denim kurti now. You can always wear this denim kurtis as a normal dress, shirt dress or as a nice top by pairing it with a culotte and a belt. In fact, you can do a lot of styling around this kurti by putting on the right pair of footwear and pants. Try wearing rolled up loose jeans with sneaker and your college and casual outing looks are ready. Mix it with tights or an ankle length slim-fitted denim and a classic kolhapuri and you can have a denim on denim in a traditional chic way. You can also wear a palazzo and put on matching heels and accessories and you’re party ready.
13. Tulip Kurti:
The tulip shape design on the hemline makes this kurti stand out by adding that trendy appeal. It’s a must have for young girls as its very stylish and flatters every body shape. It is best worn with Straight Pants, Slim Jeans, and Leggings with Pumps, Flats, Kolhapuris, Heels and even Sneakers. I’d suggest a nice Clutch or tote and to keep the accessory minimal with just a stud earring and a simple bracelet.
14. Kurti With Jacket:
How do you want to put yourself across to your surrounding? As unruly or as someone elegant and poised or maybe both, depending on your mood. Well, Kurti with a jacket is exactly that, can transform you completely depending on how you style it. You can wear it to casual outings, college and festivals or even trips. You just need the right accessory and footwear to compliment your look.
15. Printed Kurti:
The most common kurti of all yet the most sought after. This kurti defines simplicity in a vibrant chic way, as you need not accessorize it much. Most of the people like to keep this look simple as normally it has all over prints, keeping it stylish by itself. Work around your printed kurti with plain Palazzos, straight pants, jeans and leggings and team it up with Heels, Flats, Bellies, Peep toes, Sneaker, and Juttis. You never know which one would work for you, keep your options open.
