The exquisite Chikankari embroidered kurtas from Lucknow are cherished for their delicate needlework and graceful silhouettes. While traditionally worn with simple salwar pants or churidars, these kurtas are so versatile that they can be styled in many modern and fusion ways too. Clever styling can transform their look, suitability and wearing occasions beautifully. Let’s explore 10 trendy ways to style your precious Chikankari kurta collection.
Importance of Styling
Thoughtful styling helps upgrade a basic kurta into a fashion statement. Mixing the right fabrics, silhouettes and adding complementary accents brings balance. For the ornate Chikankari kurta, coordinated outfits create an elevated, complete look. Choosing pieces that don’t overwhelm the lovely embroidery retains its elegance across settings, from festive wear to casual chic.
Ways to Style the Chikankari Kurta
Pair with Palazzo Pants
The volume and flow of palazzo pants contrasts beautifully with the graceful fitted shape of the Chikankari kurta. Choose palazzos in soft fabrics like rayon, silk or chiffon that balance the crisper cotton or muslin kurta. For casual wear, relaxed printed cotton palazzos work well.
Prefer solid lighter shades to avoid clashing with the ivory kurta embroidery. Go for wide-legged silhouettes. High waist palazzo pants helps gives a sleek silhouette that shows off the short kurta. Style with kolhapuris or mojris for a fusion ethnic look ideal for informal events.
Team with Jeans
For youngsters, try the trendy pairing of embroidered kurtas with jeans. Choose clean medium to dark blue denims with minimal fading or distressing. Slim or slight boot cut fits work better than exaggerated flares. Style the kurta sleeves full-length or fold them up for a more casual vibe. Complete the outfit with oversized sunnies, a potli bag and chappals or block heels. This gives a great contemporary desi look for college or hanging out with friends.
Layer with a Long Shrug or Jacket
Introduce intriguing textures by layering long knit shrugs, cropped jackets or breezy cotton-silk overlays on Chikankari kurtas. Opt for three-quarter or full sleeves only. Shrug colours that subtly pick one shade from the kurta embroidery creates an eye-catching, synchronized effect.
Wear such layered looks for informal get-togethers, light social events and even destination vacations that need a coverup. Finish the outfit with a potli or sling bag. Even a contrasting colour dupatta draped on one shoulder completes this ensemble beautifully.
Style with Leggings or Churidar
Every woman’s go-to ethnic look remains pairing kurtas with coordinating leggings and churidars. Pick leggings with minimal or matching patterns to avoid looking too busy. For festivals and weddings, silk or velvet leggings elevate the look. Prefer churidars for a dressier look. Choose colours like maroon, navy blue, jade green or orange that dazzlingly highlight ivory Chikankari embroidery. Finish off with a zari border dupatta, statement rings and dangling earrings or jhumkis. Strappy block heels, kolhapuris or embellished juttis complete this classic festive ensemble.
Enhance with Statement Jewelry
The right jewelry can radically transform the vibe of the Chikankari kurta - from daily wear sophistication to wedding guest worthy! Pic chunky Chandbali earrings in oxidized silver to contrast with the ivory embroidery. Opt for handcrafted silver cuffs for a boho flair. Multiple bangles with pearl or Kundan accents add traditional charm. Long necklaces with mirror work make cheery festival wear.
For grand occasions like weddings wear the Chikankari tunic with a matching white churidar and bring in colour through ruby and emerald jewelry sets. Kundan sets lend royal richness. Simple tiny pearls suit engagement parties for an ethereal appeal. So don your heirloom gold jewelry with fine embroidered pieces!
Accessorise with a Dupatta
No Indian ensemble feels complete without the graceful dupatta. For regular ethnic wear, choose Chikan dupattas with gota borders and subtle mirrorwork. Throw it on one shoulder doubling up as a stole. For extra volume, pin the dupatta pallu to the shoulders as a cape. Or take the traditional route with the dupatta covering your hair bun.
Printed or darker tussar silk and Chanderi dupattas make festive wear dupattas that upgrade a kurta beautifully. Use contrast colours that play off the kurta’s white base fabulously. Let the flowy dupatta edge gracefully sway as you move for added allure.
Mix with a Long Skirt
Long flowy skirts, be it flared Anarkalis or tight churidars make amazing fusion wear with Chikankari kurtas. Contrast the kurta with skirts in solid jewel tones, ikat prints or vivid global motifs. Cotton silk and georgette skirts lend elite sophistication. Opt for asymmetry with long side slits or ruffled hems. Elasticized waistbands cinch the silhouette in a very modern and chic way.
Accessorise minimally with a wrist stack, sleek high ponytail and earrings to let the innovative East-meets-West vibe shine through. This contrasting style makes a bold, unaffected statement perfect for date nights or even casual cocktails.
Pair with Dhoti Pants
Dhoti pants fuse the comfort of trousers with the traditional tie-up dhoti silhouette. The bloused silhouette of the pants provides an airy, voluminous contrast against the shaped embroidered kurta. You can opt for lightweight silks, soft rayon or flowy chiffons in the pants paired with handwoven cotton-mul kurtas. Keep things minimalistic by choosing a well fitted plain turtleneck blouse inside the kurta for sleek definition. Elongated chaand baali earrings, a spot bindi and metallic wedges effortlessly polish off this experimental style. This ingenious pairing translates well from esoteric cultural performances to chic modern fusion events.
Wear as a Dress
For petite ladies, calf or ankle length Chikankari kurtas easily double up as short dresses or tunics. Accentuate the waist with broad metallic or leather belts for a defined silhouette. This breezy short kurta look shows off legs beautifully when worn with wedges, strappy heels or even juttis with pompom socks. You can add a contrasting dupatta for ethnic flair. Compact diamond bands as belts also enhances heavier kurtas into dresses fitting formal or cocktail settings. Broad embroidered borders on kurtas additionally help accent shape even sans belts. Keep hair and makeup contemporary to balance this trendy dress avatar.
Conclusion
So let your precious handcrafted Chikankari kurtas lead multiple versatile lives by cleverly mixing and matching them with various Indo-fusion elements. Thoughtfully style each piece keeping in mind the occasion, personal sense of style and comfort. Experiment fearlessly with fabrics, colours, layers and accessories to discover new looks that never cease to flatter. Let your precious wardrobe of Chikankari ensembles evolve with your changing lifestyle and moods.
