The exquisite Chikankari kurta is every Indian girl's go-to ethnic ensemble. Delicate jaali embroidery and intricate needlework transform the humble kurta into a work of art. But did you know the same Chikankari kurta can go from running weekend errands to attending weddings by just switching up your styling? Read on for effortless tips to dress up or down with your Chikankari kurtas!
Understanding Chikankari Embroidery
Chikankari is more than 200 year old embroidery style from Lucknow where white untwisted yarn is used to create ornate designs on fabrics like muslin, cotton or voile. The signature techniques used by skilled artisans are jaali, taipchi, pechni, and shadow work. Jaali weaving seems inspired by lace while taipchi involves tiny criss-cross stitches. Together they infuse the kurta with textured elegance.
Dressing Down Your Chikankari Kurta Casually
Pair with Jeans
Want a fuss-free weekend look? Just throw on slim or boyfriend jeans with your shorter length Chikankari kurta. Add white sneakers or ballet flats for footwear. You caen even wear small stud earnings and sling bag to complete the laidback style.
Combine with Shorts
In hot, humid weather, team your straight or A-line Chikankari with comfy shorts. The breezy look works perfectly for a brunch date with friends. Just slip on kolhapuris for footwear and club with a handbag or sunglasses.
Team with Leggings
Leggings let you lounge at home in style while keeping traditional embroidery in focus. Flip flops or ballerinas make good footwear picks for this casual ensemble. Wrap a cotton dupatta or scarf around the neck to dress it up a tiny bit!
Layer with Casual Jackets
Add zing by layering up cropped or waist length jackets over your Chikankari kurta and denims/palazzos when stepping out. Boots, brogues or mules make fine shoe choices for this relaxed meets chic look.
Elevating Your Look from Daily to Dressy
Pair with Tailored Pants
Want an office ready look? Combine your Chikankari kurta with crisp formal pants or cigarette trousers. Heels or nice loafers polish up the look further. Go for statement earrings, printed scarf and a smart handbag for engaging business meetings.
Combine with Skirts
Feminine skirt styles like A-line and pencil cuts add elegant edge to Chikankari kurtas. Pointy heels, kitten heels or even mojaris make fine footwear partners. Cinch the waist in by accessorizing with a thin belt.
Team with Palazzos
Ultra wide legged palazzos with Chikankari kurtas is today's celebrity approved fusion style. The effortlessly glam vibe also works well for casual evenings or events. Finish with wedges, neutral block heels and chunky jewellery pieces.
Layer with Blazers
Amp up the style quotient by layering well-tailored blazers over Chikankari kurtas. This power pairing means business at work and pleasure during parties! Ankle length boots or brogues complement it well. Studded clutches and watches add polished flair.
Transitional and Versatile Styling
Chikankari kurtas are incredibly adaptable across seasons and occasions. Lightweight fabrics suit summers while layered styling takes you through winters. Some ideas:
- Throw a denim or leather jacket over your sleeveless Chikankari to transition the look from am to pm outings
- Belt a longline cotton shrug or cropped nehru jacket to add flair
- Experiment with fabrics too - crisp cottons for dailywear, flowy chiffons for evenings out
- Monochrome pieces make elevating a breeze - just switch out accessories from casual to dressy
- Play with modern fusion too. Mix your short kurta with a long asymmetric skirt or team palazzos instead of leggings. Fret not over colour schemes - vibrant bags, footwear, jewellery can pep up white or pastel kurtas.
Accessorizing for Maximum Impact
Let your accessories steal the spotlight and channel the vibe you desire:
- Casual Looks: Handcrafted jhumkis, beaded bracelets and scarves keep it chilled out. Tan handbags, totes, slings work any time of the day. Kolhapuris, juttis, espadrilles for comfy chic.
- Dressy Looks: Contemporary oxidized jewellery, chandbalis and studs add allure for evenings. Replace big bags with sleek clutches. Stilettos bring glamour but mojaris, wedges keep traditional touch.
So mix and match accessories to highlight aspects of the Chikankari kurta as you desire - the intricate embroidery, contemporary shapes, fluid fabrics! Stay creative.
Conclusion
Clearly, the versatile Chikankari kurta effortlessly transitions from daytime outings to evening soirees with smart styling tweaks. Keep the look laidback for casual settings and dress it up with fusion pairings for glam events. Mix ethnic and modern elements in the accessories too. So unleash your inner stylist to take the ubiquitous Chikankari kurta from desk to dinner dates and everywhere in between! This timeless wardrobe staple lets you flex your fashion prowess for both comfort and elegance.
