Do you have a bunch of Indian outfits that have been laying at the back of your wardrobe, waiting to be worn? Indian wear is versatile and elegant, with fashionable pieces that are simply classic. But fashionistas everywhere are mixing and matching to style them up with western separates for glamorous everyday looks. This makes even your OTT Indian pieces a lot more wearable and you can create a plethora of unique styles to match every occasion.
Our famous and loved Bollywood celebrities have done a great job when it comes to fashion and styling outfits, especially indo-western fashion. So, get your creative juices flowing, bring out your Indian wear collection and let’s start making outfits you can actually wear all the time! Check out this video for some inspiration.
10 Mix-and-Match Ideas To Reinvent Your Indian Wear
1. Style Your Kurti With Palazzo Pants
A simple and safe option to style your favourite short kurti is with palazzo pants. A printed one goes well with a pair of pants in a solid colour. Or, grab two pieces with stunning prints and play it up by going bold. If you have a silk kurti, grab a pair of palazzo pants with similar fabric and add a statement neckpiece to complete the look. Cotton kurtis paired with printed or Chikankari palazzos look fabulous.
2. Flaunt Your Curves With A Crop Top & Sarees
Do you have quite a collection of sarees in your cupboard that you’re never able to bring out of the closet? Try pairing it with a crop top for a new take on elegance! You can also opt for an off-shoulder or perhaps even a full-sleeve high neck top to let the textile of your saree be the main focus.
3. Show Off In A Shirt & Skirt
If you have an Indian skirt sitting in your closet that’s waiting to be worn, then this look is perfect for you. A well-fitted shirt goes well with such a skirt. Pair the look with a chunky oxidised neckpiece or strings of pearls, depending on the colour scheme. A pair of juttis should do the trick of completing the look. Don’t forget to roll your sleeves and make a fashion statement!
4. Play It Up With Kurta Jacket & Jeans
A kurta jacket isn’t just for your kurta set, it’s a versatile piece you can play around with and create new looks. Wear your favourite pair of jeans and a body-hugging top. If your kurta jacket is plain and simple, go for a printed top and ripped jeans. For a kurta jacket that’s a stunning piece with work, regular jeans and a simple top work the best. Opt for a bun, boho earrings and chunky heels.
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5. Pair Your Saree Blouse With A Skirt Or Denims
We all have a blouse with a design that absolutely makes heads turn. But how often can you step out wearing a saree? Here’s how to make the best of your saree blouse. Style it with a skirt of your choice or even with some high-waist jeans. You can layer the look with an open jacket, stole or shawl in case you’re feeling self-conscious. The idea is to let the blouse be the showstopper. If you are heading to a mehendi or sangeet, pair it with a silk or net skirt. A choker, nose ring and wavy, tousled hair will do the trick.
6. Drape The Dupatta As A Top
Remember that silk/organza dupatta with buttis and golden work? It’s time for your heavy dupattas to shine. There are several ways of tying up and styling a dupatta as a top. Tie two ends, loop around your head and tuck into your bra to create a blouse. Style it with a contrasting lehenga, a solid skirt or even palazzo pants. Make sure you use safety pins to get that extra dose of confidence to move around freely or even shake a leg at a sangeet party.
7. Change It Up With Choli & Pants Or Skirts
A set of Chaniya Choli is a must-have in your wardrobe. But you only get to wear it during Navratri. So how can you make the maximum use of it? Cholis with traditional prints, embroidery, bandhani and mirror work can be used as tops. For printed or bandhani cholis, solid coloured palazzo pants will make a great pair. You can also pair your choli with a ghera or ruffle skirt, harem pants, and even high-waist jeans.
8. Make It Elegant With A Saree & Shirt
Ruffled sarees are the latest trend and no one can resist them. We all have at least one in our wardrobe, but how does one style it? It’s a simple yet elegant styling tip; pair it with a shirt. A plain white shirt with your ruffled saree makes for a great #OOTD. Even a plain blouse with buttons can take your look up a notch. Keep the shirt/blouse loose and your hair in a messy bun. Add some hoop earrings and a crystal-studded clutch!
9. Get Saucy With Your Sarees
Whoever said that sarees go with only a blouse and petticoat was truly mistaken. Your saree can be worn in a bunch of different ways. From jeans to pantsuits, you can pair a saree with an array of clothing pieces. A pantsuit in a solid colour compliments an elaborate saree well. And your favourite pair of jeans can be styled with a cotton saree to make it runway fashion that’s perfect for the cold weather. Pleat a chunk of the saree, tuck it in the pants or jeans, loop it over and drape! Keep the jewellery to a minimum and don’t forget your pair of heels.
10. Model Your Kurtas As A Dress
An Anarkali, flowy, A-line or fit and flare kurta that doesn’t have a slit down the sides is the perfect candidate for a dress. For a plain or Lucknowi kurta, go with a pair of flats or sandals and accessorise with oxidised jewellery. You can cinch the waist with a belt or tie a stole around to make it more fashionable. Alternatively, a pair of boots with a floral kurta creates a contemporary look. You can even drape a dupatta if you plan on wearing it to a desi event.
From Sonam Kapoor to Malaika Arora and Kajol to Tapsee Pannu, the trend of reinventing Indian wear has become a favourite. The beautiful fusion of Indian wear like saree, salwar kameez, lehenga, saree blouse with the western wardrobe pieces like jeans, pants and crop tops is an undying trend. So pull out your Indian wear from the back of your wardrobe and get mixing and matching!
