This is a feature post for Myntra.com
Introduction
In this post, we tell you just how to navigate the vibrant and oftentimes confusing and over-the-top universe of Indian-wear outfits and paraphernalia, to arrive at your ideal ethnic wear ensemble. Often, choosing between different styles and cuts of ethnic women’s wear like sarees, chaniya choli, ghagra choli, salwar kameez, churidaar, tunics, fusion prints, not to mention colour combinations and what to wear to which occasion can be quite a daunting task. But worry not! We tackle all of this, and additionally advise you on how to dress ethnically for your body type, because comfort is key!
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Casual Ethnic Women’s Wear
For day-to-day living in India’s big, metropolitan, balmy cities, simple ethnic kurtis along with leggings offer versatility, comfort, and ease. For the same reason, kurtis should be lightweight, suitable to be worn in all weathers, and not to mention, it should also be aesthetically appealing. Since cotton offers all the above mentioned qualities, it is the best fabric to choose. In the monsoon, you can opt for synthetic materials that dry easily such as chiffon and georgette.
Wear it to: College, to run errands, on a long day out travelling through the city, going to crowded spaces.
For The Pear-Shaped Body
A popular shape among Indian women, the pear shaped body is characterized by large hips and thighs. Draw attention instead, to your slender waist and upper torso with detailed collars and prints, fit and flare kurtas, anarkalis and tunics. Patialas are always a good option.
For The Hourglass – Shaped Body
Lucky you – with the body type every woman covets, it’s not that hard to accentuate your body type! Stick to fitted tunics that accentuate your waist and colours that suit you.
For The Apple-Shaped Body
If you have an apple-shaped body i.e. you are big-bosomed and / or have a fairly large tummy – Plain, A-line kurtas without much detailing, with a good fit and a V-neck will take away from your perceived ‘flaws’ (we all know that Big is Beautiful, though!)
For The Square-Shaped Body
Find ethnic women’s wear that creates the illusion of curves like kurtas cinched at the waist. Pick more pastel, effeminate colours and patterns reflective of a younger appearance, if you want to take away from the boxy/ square look.
Fusion!
Skirts, bikinis, bags, you name it and everything’s taken a tribal or ethnic twist of its own!
Ethnic Wear by Style Profile
For The Contemporary Indian Woman
More and more, women are shaking loose their inhibitions and emancipating themselves from the hold of age-old un-fashionable cuts and styles, opting instead for a fusion of Indo-Western looks, contrasting patterns and elegant styles.
Gold-Toned & Tan Brown colour blocked Open Toe Flats
Gold-Plated Handcrafted Contemporary Drop Earrings
For the Traditional Indian Woman
Although experimentation is a big plus point, sticking to the classics can also be a good idea if you choose the right patterns and fall that accentuate your body.
Blue & Gold-Toned Contemporary Jhumkas
Beige & Yellow Embroidered Sandals
Weddings or Formal Ethnic Women’s Wear
Us Desi Girls live for wedding season, of course! Bright colours like fuchsia pink, turquoise blue, sunflower yellow, bottle green come out to play. In terms of style, sarees are the number one choice. A more elaborate and dressier option would be a ghagra choli and even anarkalis with heavy embroidery work. Pull out all the stops for glamour, and thumka away!
Pink & Navy Blue Embroidered Semi-Stitched Lehenga & Unstitched Choli with Dupatta
Cream-Coloured & Mustard Yellow Chanderi Cotton Semi-Stitched Lehenga Choli
Green Block Printed Lehenga with Blouse
Women White & Gold-Toned Shimmer Platforms
Chantelle Menezes Brand Solutions 