What is an everyday staple and an integral part of every Indian woman’s wardrobe? A salwar suit. This iconic ensemble includes a pair of pants or salwar, a tunic or kameez, and a flowing dupatta. The epitome of convenience and comfort, salwar suits have been the go-to option for Pakistani womens clothes of all ages for a while.
With minimum need for styling, this ensemble continues to receive much love. For years, it has stayed with us offering everything from daily ease to occasional glam. And with time, this piece has evolved. Now, its beauty lies in its diversity, which comes in an array of varieties catering to different occasions and personal preferences, be it the silhouette, the print, or the pants. And this variety increases our urge to own more. So, we have curated a list of 9 salwar suits that are a must-have for your wardrobe.
1. Straight-cut Salwar Suit
Usually featuring straight-cut pants with a straight, fitted printed kameez, these salwar suits come in a plethora of patterns. The kameez, which falls gracefully, is perfect for formal occasions like business meetings and office events. To this, add minimalistic jewellery and high heels—gold or silver, according to the accents of the outfit—for a polished look. Make sure your handbag also matches the accent colour to tie the whole look together.
2. Punjabi Suit
Also known as the Patiala suit, a Punjabi suit with a colourful embroidered dupatta usually consists of a short kameez paired with a pleated salwar (like harem pants). This kind of salwar suit is ideal for celebrating the vibrant spirit of Punjab and is the perfect outfit for festivals and family gatherings. Accessorize with jhumkas, a colourful stack of bangles, and a pair of threadwork or embellished juttis for a complete Punjabi girl look.
3. Angrakha Salwar Suit
These types of salwar suits come in a variety of fabrics as well as designs. The cross-over front style, sometimes fashioning an asymmetrical flap, and a tie-up closure add a touch of royalty to the regular salwar suit look. You can pick an angrakha style salwar suit for weddings and special occasions. Opt for rich fabrics, like silk and velvet, and pair them up with statement pieces of jewellery and embellished footwear.
4. Anarkali Salwar Suit
This combo of a flared salwar and skirt-style kameez boasts a fitted bodice and flowy silhouette. A voluminous and royal-looking choice, it is perfect for formal events and grand celebrations, such as wedding functions. Opt for a contrasting printed or embellished dupatta to enhance the charm of this outfit. For accessories, go for colourful, bold pieces that beautifully complement the anarkali suit. For footwear, try high heels for added grace.
5. Palazzo Salwar Suit
Offering both comfort and style, a palazzo suit features wide-leg pants with a matching kameez and light dupatta. If you’re going for a casual yet chic look, opt for this style of salwar suit in cotton or rayon. A palazzo suit works well for occasions like daytime outings and brunches. Keep the accessories minimal, like a pair of hoops or small jhumkas, for casual or formal purposes, and carry a tote bag for all your essentials.
6. Sharara Style Salwar Suit
A sharara style suit is characterized by pants that are fitted till the knee and flare down below that. The kameez of such a suit is also shorter, ending right above the knee joint of the pants. These suits are a great choice for sangeet ceremonies and festive gatherings and are available in various fabrics. You can add a maang tika, a kamarbandh, and traditional handwork juttis to add some finishing touches.
7. Asymmetrical Salwar Suit
Featuring uneven hems and unconventional cuts and silhouettes, an asymmetrical salwar suit in a pastel or neutral shade is a modern and edgy choice. This style looks great when worn to cocktail parties or contemporary events. You can experiment with statement necklaces and high-heeled footwear such as boots for a fashion-forward appearance.
8. Jacket-style Salwar Suit
This type of salwar suit is basically your regular suit with a long jacket or a cape, which adds a layer of elegance to your outfit. Wear a jacket-style salwar suit for formal occasions or to a wedding to make heads turn. Elevate the outfit with a statement belt and a matching clutch or potli bag.
9. Pant-style Salwar Suit
The pants-style suit means replacing traditional salwars with straight pants, cigarette pants, or cropped pants, offering a sleek and modern appeal. To kick it up a notch, you can go with a bold print, like an animal or motif-printed pant-style suit, for evening soirees and semi-formal gatherings. Throw on some statement earrings and a pair of stiletto heels for a glamorous look.
In addition to understanding these diverse styles, it is important to consider the occasions where they are appropriate to wear. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right style for the right event:
1) Formal Occasions – Opt for straight-cut, jacket-style, or pant-style salwar suits. Keep the colours and embellishments subtle for a professional touch.
2) Festive Celebrations – Embrace the richness of an angrakha, anarkali, or sharara-style suit for a festive event. Choose vibrant colours and pair them with traditional jewellery.
3) Casual Outings – Palazzo suits are perfect for relaxed outings, while asymmetrical suits add a touch of contemporary flair to your look.
4) Weddings and Receptions – Anarkali, sharara, and angrakha suits are top choices for weddings. AAccessorizewith elaborate jewellery and high heels for an even more dressed-up look.
5) Cocktail Parties – Experiment with asymmetrical or jacket-style suits for a chic and stylish appearance. Make sure you keep the uniqueness going with sculptural earrings and chunky eye-catching bracelets.
So, having a variety buy salwar suits in your wardrobe ensures that you are ready to dazzle at any occasion, whether it’s a formal event, a festive celebration, or a casual outing. It’s time to enhance your ethnic wear collection and make a statement wherever you go with different types of salwar suits.
