The pandemic and the extended lockdown have most of us working from home. And while much of 2020 was spent wearing jammies as we sat in front of our laptops to get the job done, there is something to be said about the positive effects of simply getting ready for the day. So, maybe you don’t need to put on that power suit to attend a Zoom meeting but, consider investing in comfortable, elegant, affordable Indian ethnic workwear that will make you feel motivated and productive, and help you get into beast mode for work, even if you’re doing it from home.
And with the winter coming to an end, the spring season calls for light, breezy outfits. They are super fun and airy, comfortable for long hours. And what’s more light and breezy like ethnic workwear? Palazzo pants, versatile kurtas, culottes and more.
Here’s our curated selection of 10 ethnic workwear pieces we’re loving for the upcoming Summer season.
Shop For Effortless Ethnic Workwear This Season
Your reason for a wardrobe refresh is here! Get ready and make space in your closet for these uber-cool ethnic workwear separates!
1. Peach Embroidered Short Kurti by Prayas
Kurtis that are comfortable and look smart can be combined with various other wardrobe pieces. From pyjamas or churidars to jeans or leggings, the soft peach kurti from Prayas is known for its versatility. It’s 100% cotton with delicate feminine embroidery.
Price: Rs 1, 450 (Rs 800 after discount)
Style Tip: Pair your short kurti with jeans or leggings, and add minimal accessories to give a soft glam look. For makeup, go for a natural soft look. Watch this video for styling tips.
2. Mehendi Green Cotton Slub Culottes by Tjori
With great fits comes great comfort. Culottes are versatile bottom wear that is super comfortable. They are similar to palazzos but shorter. Pair culottes with kurtis that are made using light, airy fabrics. This beautiful pair of culottes from Tijori in a dark earthy tone features buttons for sari attachment at the back and a side zipper.
Price: Rs 1,249 (Rs 899 after discount)
Style Tip: These earthy-toned culottes go great with anything. For a bohemian look, try pairing it with an off-white top, or jacket, layer with jewellery and winged eyeliner.
3. Lilac Stripes Hand-Block Printed Cotton Belly-Shirt By Tjori
A perfect addition to your spring-summer wardrobe, this Tijori cotton belly shirt is 100% cotton with a contrasting block print. The pastel colours are pleasing to the eye and perfect for workwear. Pair it with jeans or the bottom wear of your choice. This piece is a handcrafted product by Indian artisans.
Price: Rs 1,499. (Rs 799 after discount)
Style Tip: Pair this shirt with culottes, jeans or long skirts. You can also wear it as a blouse with your sarees. Accessorise this look with juttis and jewellery to accentuate its appeal.
4. White Gold Printed A-Line Jacket By AKS Clothing
A hack for those sudden meetings, shop for this jacket that you can simply throw over your cami top and jeans, culottes, or anything you’re wearing to instantly elevate your look. This white and gold A-line jacket from AKS Clothing has a slimming silhouette and a classy look. Best-suited to be worn over an anarkali kurta, an A-line dress, or fit-&-flare kurtis.
Price: Rs 1,299 (Rs 650 after discount)
Style Tip: Wear the jacket over your kurta for a layered look. Do not go overboard with accessories, keep it simple.
5. Boat Neck Peplum Top By Cottinfab
Neutral tones are perfect for workwear. The beige top from Cottinfab at Limeroad features a beautiful print. The peplum style adds volume and drama to an otherwise simple piece.
Price: Rs 1,449 (Rs 649 after discount)
Style Tip: Peplum tops give you an hourglass silhouette. Pair this top with jeans or culottes. You could also wear it with a dhoti pants for a super ethnic look. Add jhumkas and juttis to complete it.
6. Red Cotton Tiered Ethnic Dress By Sangakurti
Casual ethnic dresses are trending and are here to stay! This ethnic dress in a fresh shade of red with its three-quarter sleeves is a great buy from the label Sangakruti (available at Limeroad). The multi-tiered ethnic dress features a modern twist with its button-down top style, making it all about work on the top and all play at the bottom with its wide flare.
Price: Rs 2,299 (Rs 1,156 after discount)
Style Tip: Wear a sleeveless jacket to complete the indo-western look. Add some jewellery and natural makeup.
7. The Innocent Baby Blue Cotton Kurta By Tjori
This innocent baby blue A-line cotton kurta from Tijori features full sleeves with piping, and a v-neck with gathers in the front. It is a perfect and elegant summer kurta with a yoke and it can be paired with palazzos, culottes, leggings and jeans.
Price: Rs 1,449 (Rs 979 after discount)
Style Tip: Match the kurta with contrasting coloured pants to stand out. Team it with silver jewellery and very minimal makeup.
8. White Cotton Straight Tapered Pant By Ojjasvi
Everyone needs to invest in basics and these beautiful tapered pants in white are perfect for ethnic workwear. Made by Ojjasvi and available at Limeroad, snap this versatile piece of bottom wear that will work with shirts, crop tops, jacket kurtis, wrap blouses and so much more.
Price: Rs 999 (Rs 849 after discount)
Style Tip: Use contrast to make your outfit pop. A gorgeous red kurti or navy blue top would be perfect.
Adding A Little Sparkle To Your Outfit
1. Gold Plated Arrow Cut Out Necklace
A simple gold-plated necklace can take your look 360! The gold-plated necklace by Tribe Amrapali features an adorable arrow design for modern chic styling.
Price: Rs 580 (Rs 464 after discount)
Style Tip: Pair this with Tijori’s Belly Shirt or the peach short kurti from Prayas.
2. Silver Plated Tribal Masaba Earrings
For a bohemian look or an ethnic-modern look, these silver-plated tribal Masaba earrings from Tribe Amrapali are perfect!
Price: Rs 750 (Rs 638 after discount)
Style Tip: Pair them with the Baby Blue Kurta from Tijori or the A-line jacket by AKS clothing.
Check out 10 staple accessories you must have in your work wardrobe here.
3. Silver Plated Camera Brooch
This silver-plated camera motif brooch pin from Tribe Amrapali is crafted in a silver-plated alloy. It’s super cute and quirky, adding low-key but noticeable styling details.
Price: Rs 450 (Rs 382 after discount)
Style Tip: Add this brooch to secure your scarf or dupatta. You could also add it to your jacket.
Indian wear shouldn’t only be reserved for pujas and weddings. It can be simple and classy, perfect for your working days. You can always accessorise with jewellery and add more layers to your outfit when needed. And after work, during the golden hour, you can also snap a picture for your Instagram #ootd to motivate yourself and fellow colleagues.
