Salwar Kameez

Exploring Salwar Kameez - Elevate Your Style with Salwar Suits

If there is something quintessentially Indian in terms of clothes besides sarees, it is a pair of salwar kameez. Salwar is a pair of trousers which is wide at the waist and tapers to a cuffed bottom. They are held up by a drawstring or an elastic belt. This causes them to become pleated around the waist. The kameez is a long shirt or tunic in which the side seams are left open below the waist-line. The shalwar kameez is accompanied by a dupatta which is a kind of a long stole.

While in earlier times, the shalwar kameez used to be worn both everyday at home and festive times. The colors and embroideries used to be different. Everyday ones used to be plain with no embroideries while the festive ones would have bright colors with traditional decoration. Nowadays, more and more women are choosing to wear them at festive occasions as well as work due to its comfort and versatility. Because of this, brands are making them for everyday modern workplaces with fresh takes on fabrics, necklines, outlines and pants. So, let us try to know various aspects of salwar kameez so that you can choose the right one.

Types Of Salwar Kameez

As mentioned previously, the typical three-piece Indian suits have a kameez, a salwar and a dupatta. But in contemporary designs, a dupatta can be excluded in certain designs, since it might be deemed inconvenient or unnecessary. Let's understand the styles that you may incorporate in your closet.

• Punjabi Suit: The Punjabi suit consists of a salwar that flows till mid thigh. The trousers have pleats and voluminous silhouette and the pants become narrow at the ankle. As an accompaniment to the suit, a dupatta is often draped around the neck. This is one of the most recognizable indian suits and pride of the Punjabi culture. It can be made of light fabrics such as cotton for daily wear or silk for festive occasions.It makes this ladies suit very versatile and a must-have in your closet.
• Anarkali Suit: Reminiscent of a billowing frock, the Anarkali suit’s highlight is its flowy kurta. It looks every bit royal in its design. The flare of the kurta is balanced with a pair of trousers or leggings that fit tightly around the legs. A dupatta accompanies this ladies suit. It is generally worn at occasions such as evening parties and wedding receptions. The anarkali suit’s kurta is known to be heavily embroidered at the periphery, giving it the festive look. There are some other anarkali styles as well. A high low style with a shorter hemline at the front and longer at the back. Cape style as the name suggests has a cape overlaying a layered and floor-length kurta. For the ones who can’t get enough of the flare, an anarkali suit with double-layer is ideal.
• Afghani Salwar Suit: Characterized by its loose-fitting silhouette, the Afghani salwar suit features a flowy kameez paired with a wide, pleated salwar. The kameez often features intricate embroidery, mirror work, and thread decorations. This suit is now trending in the shalwar kameez industry. You can opt it for a wedding function or a new year’s eve party. If you are tired of the same old shalwar kameez design, the Afghan suits can be your bet.
• Pakistani Salwar Suit: At first glance, the Indian and Pakistani varieties of ladies suit might seem similar. But there are subtle differences that will make you prefer one over the other. Indian salwar kameez is made from a wide range of fabrics, from cotton to silk. Pakistani shalwar kameez is mainly weaved from satin, velvet or georgette. Pakistani suit also have elbow sleeves or full sleeves compared to Indian suits that can have sleeves but can be sleeveless too. Pakistani ladies suit have a u-neck or v-neck whereas Indian suits are quite creative with their necklines. One of the most prominent differences between Indian suits and Pakistani shalwar kameez is that the former’s length is from short to medium whereas the latter’s length is medium to floor. Pakistani suits are best for wearing at a cocktail party, evening reception or a festive occasion.
• Kurta with Cigarette Pants: For all those who want a sleek yet traditional look, kurta with cigarette pants are your best friend. If you have a stock of kurtas, chances are that you might be sick of wearing them with leggings or jeans. Bring a fresh twist by pairing your versatile kurta with cigarette pants. These pants have a narrow and straight fit, giving you a slender appearance. Since this is a kurta paired with pants, you might leave out dupatta in case of formal events. This kind of salwar kameez is perfect for casual and formal occasions from corporate events to family gatherings.
• Churidar Kurta: If you are convinced that slim fit pants are for you, churidar pants are another option for you. The churidar pants are tight-fitting and gather at the ankles. This kind of salwar can be paired with a long kurta for a dressy look. The churidar kurta is versatile enough to be worn at the workplace for everyday as well as on traditional occasions.
• Kurta with Harem Pants: If you are a fan of loose pants, you can surely buy a pair or two of harem pants. Also known as ‘Elephant Pants’, these pants are baggy and cuffed at the ankles, giving a balloon-like appearance. Immensely comfortable, these pants can be paired with a medium or long kurta. In this way, you can make shalwar kameez by mixing and matching two separate pieces. Since they mimic pathani and punjabi salwar kameez, you can add dupatta for an ethnic touch. You can wear the suit at wedding functions, lunch gatherings or casual family get-togethers.
• Dhoti Style Ladies Suit: Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like, a pair of pants styled like a dhoti. This salwar is draped and pleated, mimicking the silhouette of the dhoti. It can be paired with a short or a knee-length kurta for a relaxed ensemble. The dhoti style salwar could be an excellent alternative to harem pants if you want a more textured and layered look. It is perfect for a workday or an intimate party.
• Angrakha Shalwar Kameez: The angrakha kurta is believed to have originated from Rajasthan. This kurta has an asymmetrical neckline and has a wrap-around style with a slightly flared structure. Because of its unusual neckline, it gives a sophisticated look effortlessly. You can pair it with a churidar or a pair of cigarette pants for a put-together look. It is ideal for a workday as well as a brunch gathering.
• Front Slit Salwar Suit: As the name suggests, there is a slit in the front of the kameez, giving it a striking appearance. The kameez is generally flared like an anarkali kurta but the slit gives it an edge. This kameez can be paired with a churidar for a structured look. The suit can be worn at a wedding, Diwali celebration or any traditional occasion.
• Asymmetric Salwar Suit: If you are bored of the same ethnic design that have mid-length or floor-length in parallel hemlines, asymmetric style is for you. As the name says, the hemline is not parallel but in a high-low structure. This imparts a refreshing playfulness to the ethnic top. You can pair cigarette pants or churidar with the kameez. The asymmetric design can be worn for everyday work as well as casual occasions.
• Jacket Style Salwar Suit: It is a modern take on the well-loved ankle length kurta. A jacket of the same length is added on the kurta to give it a modish look. This style is great for the cold windy days or winter months. A long matching jacket can be the perfect escape from donning a boring cardigan over your beautiful kurta. The kurta can be paired with a churidar for a slimming effect. This salwar suit would be appropriate at destination weddings, traditional functions or grand evening parties.
• Sharara Style Salwar Suit: Sharara suits have never really left the style building. The staple of wedding celebrations, Sharara is a kind of flared pants that is paired with a short kurta to let the flare take the spotlight. The ethnic cousin of sharara is the gharara. Gharara is fitted from waist to knees and then flares unlike sharara which is not fitted from waist down. Sharara suits are perfect for weddings and festive events and parties.
• Palazzo Salwar Suit: The western counterpart of sharara, palazzo pants can be paired with a long kurta for an indo-western look. These pants can be perfect when you want to wear something like a sharara without the extra flair and embellishments. Palazzo suits are great to wear at festive parties and traditional occasions.

From Earrings To Footwear - Spruce Up Your Salwar Suits

Undoubtedly, any style of Salwar Kameez that we mentioned would look fabulous due to its cuts and design. But then, any garment could be amped up easily with the help of make-up, jewelry and accessories. Let us understand how we can do the same.

For makeup, you can either accentuate your eyes with loads of kajal or go for bold lips with shades such as burgundy, marsala or brown. Pick either eyes or the lips to steal the spotlight. Keep the rest of the fresh with nude or blush pink base.

As Indians, we have stunning options of jewelry. Earrings such as chandbalis and Jhumkas set in gold or sliver are the fail-safe and classic choices. If you prefer necklaces, a polki or kundan choker would look beautiful on you. In case you want adornment for your hands, intricate bangles would give an authentic look.

With Indian jewelry already giving oomph to your ensemble, keep the other accessories to a minimum. An embroidered potli bag can prove to be elegant and useful for the occasion. For shoes, opt for kolhapuri chappals or strappy sandals instead of closed jutties for an uncluttered look.

Shop Salwar Kameez online at Mirraw Online Store

The world of salwar kameez online is huge and exciting. The styling makes them even better. So now you need not wait anymore. At Mirraw, you can get an amazing variety of salwar kameez online. With Mirraw’s easy-to-use filters, choose and shop salwar kameez online. Select from traditional Punjabi suits online to the modern front slits suits online. With free shipping in India and fast shipping internationally, Mirraw is sure to give you a memorable online shopping experience.