A Salwar suit is an everyday look for many Indian women and holds a special place in everyone’s wardrobe. But even apart from casual everyday wear, salwar suits have evolved to become a part of celebrations. They offer a plethora of styling possibilities considering various factors. In this specially curated guide, we have put together factors that will help you style this garment with confidence, ensuring you always look and feel your best.
1. Pick the Right Fabric
Salwar suits come in a variety of fabrics – cotton, silk, georgette and linen. The choice however is crucial because it not only impacts comfort but also the overall aesthetic. To set the foundation right, you must know which fabric suits which occasion. Cotton, perfect for casual everyday wear, is breathable and comfortable and gives you immense ease of movement. Stick to muted colours, simple jewellery and closed-toe shoes. A tailored blazer or jacket can add a sense of formality.
Silk exudes elegance and luxury and is ideal for formal occasions, festivals, weddings and parties. Add jewellery, high heels and a clutch to complete the look. Go for some embroidery or sequins for added glamour.
Georgette or chiffon are flowy fabrics that create a graceful, feminine look, making them great for parties and special events. The embellished type is suitable for weddings.
Lastly, linen is a blend of casual and sophisticated. Linen suits work well for both formal and semi-casual gatherings.
2.Experiment With Colours
Set the tone of your look by picking the right colour palette for you. If you’re someone who sticks to classics, go for timeless traditional colours like red, blue and yellow. But if you are looking to experiment, pick pastel shades, neons or earthy tones. Consider the undertone of your skin and the occasion when choosing the colour. Darker shades often exude a sense of elegance, while lighter colours can lend an air of freshness and youthfulness. Winter weddings often feature velvet suits in deep jewel tones whereas summer weddings feature bright colours like yellow, pink and blue.
3. Try to Mix and Match
Salwar suits can easily be mixed and matched, the bottom of one with the top of another. And dupattas go together with anything and everything. The types of bottoms coming in salwar suits are many – salwar, churidar, palazzos, sharara pants, flare pants and cigarette pants. Along with that, even the kameez comes in variations depending on different necklines, backs, sleeve designs, long, short, anarkali and other silhouettes. This versatility allows you to create countless looks from a single set of salwar suits. Mixing and matching can also be done with colours and contrasts, for instance, gold and silver pieces can go with more than just one piece. Here’s a look: for a day out with friends or running errands, choose a comfortable cotton salwar suits and replace the dupatta with a scarf. Pair it with Kolhapuri chappals, gold hoop earrings and a crossbody bag for a relaxed yet stylish look.
4.Pay Attention to Necklines
Your appearance changes dramatically with a difference in necklines. Choose a neckline that complements the shape of your face and personal style. V-necks have the tendency to give an elongated look and flatter most face shapes, while round necklines offer a classic look. You can also experiment with boat necks, square necks, collars, princess cut or deep necklines for a modern take. Another option is to go for the trendy off-shoulder, one-shoulder or tube top designs.
5.Accessorise Smartly
Accessories are the finishing touches that can elevate your salwar suit look. For jewellery, consider statement earrings, eye-catching necklaces, and a stack of bangles to add glamour. Make sure the jewellery complements the neckline of your kameez. For example, a statement necklace pairs beautifully with a simple round-neck kameez. Whereas a V-neck would look better with dainty necklaces. For footwear, go for traditional juttis and mojaris for traditional looks, and heels and sandals for a touch of modern. The choice of footwear should complement the overall vibe of your outfit. Comfort in footwear is key, especially if you are dressing up for longer durations. For handbags, opt for embellished clutches or potli bags for grand events and small, stylish handbags for casual outings.
6.Layering
Add depth and texture to your salwar suit look with layering. You can throw on a jacket, shrug, statement dupatta or a cape to enhance your ensemble. Play with different fabrics, textures, prints, embroidery, and lengths to achieve the desired effect. This technique can also make your summer outfits winter-appropriate. Apart from clothing, layering can also be done with necklaces and hair accessories.
7.Hair and Makeup
When it comes to ethnic wear, hair and makeup become essential. Your hairstyle and makeup choices should complement your overall look. If you’re going for a traditional look, opt for curls, a sleek bun, or a braid. Loose beach waves and ponytails can work wonders for more contemporary looks. Similarly, opt for makeup that enhances your features without overpowering your natural beauty. Go for a dewy makeup look with heavy outfits and bold lips and eyes for the lighter ones.
Styling a salwar suit with confidence is all about embracing your unique style considering these factors. There are no rigid rules when it comes to styling, so make sure you have fun experimenting and creating looks that make you feel confident.
