Wardrobe Explainer

A guide to Indian Celebration Wear for the uninitiated.
Help will be available at the wedding to drape saris and tie safas.

Saree

Outfit Description

There are three main components of a saree.

  1. BLOUSE: A fitted upper garment worn under a saree. It is basically like a crop top. When you buy a saree, the saree fabric usually comes with an extension of material on one end that can be cut and used by a tailor to sew a blouse. You can buy a ready-made blouse if you desire a different colour or fabric. Another option is to buy a stretchy crop top to complement your saree.
  2. PETTICOAT: The saree is usually worn over a petticoat, which is a thin underskirt. The fabric of the saree is tucked into this skirt at the top to hold it in place. The most common petticoat has a drawstring waistband, although elasticated is also available. The petticoat is purchased separately from the saree. You should try to match the fabric to the colour of your saree.
  3. SAREE: Sometimes spelt “sari”, this is a rectangular piece of beautiful fabric (usually silk) with a length varying from 4.5 m to 8 m by 60 cm to 1.2 m. It is wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff. The saree can be draped in various styles. 

Pair your saree with heels or slip-on dress shoes or sandals.

Lehenga Choli

Outfit Description

Lehenga choli is a 2 to 3 piece ensemble consisting of a skirt, top & optional shawl:

  1. LEHENGA: This is the skirt component. This skirt is ankle or floor-length. Some lehengas come with a removable underskirt in case you prefer a fuller, more voluminous look. The waistband is usually adjustable.
  2. CHOLI: A well-fitted, cropped blouse top to match the lehenga skirt. Because the fabric has little stretch, the blouse is usually tailored to your measurements. The lehenga skirt and choli blouse usually come as a set. You may choose to purchase a different blouse to customise your look.
  3. DUPATTA: This is a scarf/shawl that is draped around the shoulders. Many (but not all) lehanga cholis will come with a dupatta. You may tuck your dupatta under a waist belt to keep it from falling down (similar to the saree pictured).

Pair you lehenga with flats or heels. One benefit of a lehenga is that it conceals your footwear, allowing you to look fancy while wearing flat shoes. 

 

 

 

Salwar Kameez

Outfit Description

The Salwar Kameez is comprised of a long top/dress and pants. A dupatta is also usually included as part of the set. There are different variations of salwar kameez:

  1. Anarkali Style Salwar Suits: this salwar suit style includes a long frock-style top that usually extends to the ankle or floor along with a slim-fitted pant. The top consists of a fitted bodice upper area that then flares out at the waistline to look like a circular skirt. These may or may not have slits and are perfect for weddings and formal events.
  2. Cigarette Salwar Suits: this salwar style usually features slit kameez tops that extend to the knee paired with tight-fitting cigarette pants.
  3. Palazzo Suits: The main differentiating factor in this design is the loose palazzo pants paired with the salwar top. 

Pair your salwar kameez with heels or slip-on dress shoes or sandals.

 

 

 

 

 

Sharara

Outfit Description
In the simplest terms, a Sharara is a pair of flared pants. They are completely loose around the legs and have a rather impressive flare. 
Shararas are the party pants in every traditional event.
A sharara outfit is comprised of 2 to 3 pieces:
 
  1. KURTA: is a loose-fitting tunic style top. 
  2. SHARARA: Pants flared at just above the knee.
  3. DUPATTA: A shawl-style wrap (optional).

Pair this outfit with heels, flats or sandals.




Kurta Pajama

Outfit Description
 The kurta pajama is comprised of 2 pieces. 
 
  1. KURTA: is a loose-fitting tunic, usually with long sleeves and a buttoned placket. A kurta is usually knee length, the shorter style being known as a ‘kurti’. 
  2. PYJAMA: Slim-fitting pants or trousers. Usually have a drawstring waist and are made from lightweight fabric, often white.

Pair this outfit with Indian style slip-on loafers, slippers or sandals, A Western alternative might be loafers or lowcut dress shoes like oxfords or brogues or slip-on leather sandals.

 

 

 

Sherwani

Outfit Description
Sherwani is a long, full sleeved Indian coat with structured tailoring. Buttoned down the front, it falls below the knees, featuring a closed, stand-up collar. A shorter sherwani is sometimes known as an Achkan or Bandhi. Similar to Western suits, the sherwani is sometimes sold as a set with the trousers.
A sherwani outfit is comprised of 3 pieces: 
 
  1. KURTA: is a loose-fitting tunic, usually with long sleeves and a buttoned placket. 
  2. PYJAMA: Slim-fitting pants or trousers.
  3. SHERWANI: A below knee length coat.
Pair this outfit with Sherwani Shoes, which are Indian style loafers. You could also opt for any other matching slip-on loafers or low-cut dress shoes, without visible socks.

Nehru Jacket

Outfit Description
The Nehru jacket is a hip-length tailored coat typically worn by men, with a mandarin collar and with its front modelled on the achkan or sherwani. Unlike the achkan, which falls somewhere below the knees of the wearer, the Nehru jacket is shorter. It may come with long sleeves or without sleeves.
An outfit with a Nehru jacket is comprised of 3 pieces: 
 
  1. KURTA: is a loose-fitting tunic, usually with long sleeves and a buttoned placket. 
  2. PYJAMA: Slim-fitting pants or trousers.
  3. NEHRU JACKET: A short-length coat or waistcoat.
Pair this outfit with Indian style slip-on loafers, slippers or sandals, A Western alternative might be loafers or lowcut dress shoes like oxfords or brogues (without visible socks) or slip-on leather sandals.
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