Have you ever looked at a piece of Indian fabric like a saree, a lehenga, or a Sherwani and marveled at the flowing cuts, ornate designs, hand-crafted patterns, texture of the fabric, and unique motifs? Well, if not, you have missed out on appreciating some of the most unique and magnificent works of art in the world. Yes, indeed, Indian textiles can be considered a piece of art without a doubt.
The artistic finesse in our rich embroidery, prints, and motifs is something that is otherwise found only in paintings or sculptures. Indian ethnic wear has received international attention in the recent past due to its innovation in various aspects, including a blend of Western and indigenous trends.
The gaining popularity of Indian attire can be attributed to the fact that it is suitable for any event or occasion, be it religious events, weddings, parties, or casual or formal wear. Our fabrics incorporate rich hues and have bright and beautiful patterns which are ideal for any opulent ceremony. But we also have simple kurtas, salwar kameez, etc., which are equally graceful, but more subtle and formal and can be worn casually or to workspaces.
A bandh gala is the ultimate formal attire and is equally an informal casual jacket that can be paired with denim. A formal bandh gala jacket is ideal for sober evenings. It is usually made of cashmere, wool, or Matka silk. Now, apart from lightweight woolen fabrics like tropical wool, marina wool, and terry wool, some of which are lighter than cotton, bandhgalas are also made in linen, Irish linen, cotton chino, and silk.
The bandhgala has an unmatched quality when made in fine Italian suiting fabric. A bandhgala should be cut high on the armhole while the jacket should fit like a glove around the chest. This tailored look lends it a modern edge. It should always be like a second skin. The length is ideally dictated by the body type. But as a general rule to follow, the length should end just at the root of the thumb while the arms rest against the body.
Too long or too short with a boxy unstructured look will kill the purpose of the well-cut acket. Keep the Bandhgala suit color dark, preferably black, and add color by way of your accessories like cufflinks and pocket squares. Make sure they are all color-coordinated through. Wearing cufflinks is an individual choice, and naturally depends on the occasion.
Fine leather shoes and leather belts in a complementary colour are needed to top off the look. Opt for jewelled buttons and subtle and understated antique tone-on-tone embroideries on the collar and cuffs when getting your Bandhgala tailored for a dressy occasion. Alternatively, an all-over embroidered one is a good option too. A traditional version of the Bandhgala jacket is designed usually for weddings and revelry.
These are buttoned up, unlike the formal ones. The ability to combine the bandhgala with the choice of your clothing, including denim, completely depends on your ability to style yourself as per your character. The ultimate benefit of owning a Bandhgala is that it can flatter any body type and promise a royal look.
Kurta is one of the most popular attires worn by Indians, be it men or women. It is very comfortable to wear as it's not rigid like other formal wear and has sleeves that do not taper but fall straight towards the wrist. A Kurta does not have cuffed sleeves and its side seams are left open for the easy movement of the wearer. The traditional Kurtas do not have any collar and their openings are usually centred on the chest.
During the summer season, Kurtas made up of light silk and cotton are in great demand, while during winters, people usually look for heavy fabrics such as wool, Khadi silk, or maybe handspun. The buttons used in the design are mostly wooden or plastic. Kurtas are good for comfortable dressing and are great for both formal and casual occasions. They are undoubtedly classy and elegant, which is why they never go out of fashion.
Short kurtas can double as a semi-casual shirt that does not require to be tucked in, hence making them perfect to be paired up with jeans, and worn to just about any place and occasion. Meanwhile, long kurtas make a better choice for a more formal look. Juttis, leather sandals, and Kolhapuri chappals make up the only types of ethnic footwear for men. As for Western and ethnic fusion wear, casual footwear like sandals, boat shoes, and espadrilles work just as well.
While once handloom shirts were worn only by working men in the 40s-50s age group, nowadays there is an emerging trend of youngsters wearing the same. Men's formal popular shirts are becoming younger, and fresh and are emerging with a strong element of fashion. Colors are becoming younger, brighter, and fresher.
Handloom shirts are mainly made using Cotton, linen, silk, and wool. The color palette has a wide choice of beige, chrome, blue, fuchsia, brown, and so on. The design includes checks, micro checks, plains, and stripes. Blended fabrics in structure/dobbies for popular ranges of solid shirts are increasingly being used. More checks rather than stripes designs are seen in trend in the synthetics segment. This is because there is a wider scope in terms of style and designs in checks than in stripes.
This timeless Indian attire makes a bold fashion statement as well as gives you a classic and contemporary look. Nehru Jackets are available in various types, fabrics, and colors to choose from. Stripes are classic and never go out of fashion. A striped Nehru jacket is an ideal way to separate yourself from the crowd. Vertical stripes create an illusion of height so it is best for shorter men. The checked Nehru jacket is another exciting and stylish pattern to add to your wardrobe. Just like stripes, checks also make you stand out in the crowd.
When it comes to attire, sarees are a different genre altogether. From designer sarees to normal cotton sarees, they are an all-purpose item. But your best bet for formal wear is undoubtedly Handloom sarees. Tussar silk sarees. Khadi sarees, handloom cotton sarees, linen sarees, Jute silk sarees, etc. are some of the options you have to create a classy look for an official meet or a formal party.
The blouse is an accompaniment to the saree and should rightly complement the saree. The same color as the saree is best, but one can always wear soft colors that match.While bold prints get bad stares, the medium-size works best to spruce up your appearance. The small motifs, in floral, geometric, or abstract, appear nice. The handloom sarees can be a luxury and a fashion must-have in your wardrobe.
They are rich, elegant, and easy to carry, making them a perfect option for women of all age groups. They are not only artistically cultivated but also give the most dignified look like no other. Wearing the handloom sarees gives an earthy vibe and instantly levels up your personality. So, go ahead and give your personal fashionable spin to the down-to-earth handloom textiles.
Here are some all-time favorites of the modern women, when it comes to styling traditional Indian sarees for formal occasions-
These are the GI-tagged weaves from Andhra Pradesh, where fine cotton drapes are colored in appealing colors and covered in ethnic motifs, painted with hands by the artists. Kalamkari sarees are a unique blend of artistry and fashion, perfect for women who work in creative industries or have a work party that needs a hint of style with grace. Simply pair a Kalamkari with your favorite silver jewelry, and let the art of Andhra will heart at your workplace.
These Bomkai Sarees come from the Ganjam city of Odisha, a state known for its ancient crafts. These sarees are woven with pure cotton and have a plain and simple field and a richly woven border with ethnic patterns. A lesser-known saree, Bomkai has to be in your wardrobe for the regal appeal it creates with minimal details, a choice that fits the needs of a formal wardrobe.
Named after the town of Chanderi, these sarees are silk, cotton, and a blend of both, giving them a hint of richness with the lightness and wearability of cotton. Adorned with traditional motifs, with a plain body and a beautifully decorated border, Chanderi sarees are good for work events, celebrations in your office, or special days, when you need a style statement without appearing overdressed.
Pure cotton, georgette, and mixed fabrics, decorated with intricate hand embroidery, Chikankari is synonymous with a regal style that looks simple and gentle on the eye. This quality of Chikankari that blends in while standing out, gives it a good reputation among the working women, who prefer sarees in Chikankari as their favorite ethnic Indian work wear.
Handwoven with colored yarns that are neatly bound together by the craftsmen, creating rich patterns all over the drape, Ikat weave is tedious and requires a lot of training, a reason behind its high prices. However, those who have a few Ikat sarees in their wardrobe will tell you the commanding and elegant air these drapes give you. With geometric or simple patterns, Ikat sarees in black, grey, blue, and other work-appropriate colors work like magic, expressing your elite taste in fashion with their sophisticated weave.
Emerging from the humble sewing together of cots and other clothing in the home by women, Kantha from the beginning has a reputation for being simple and understated. This works perfectly for women looking for graceful handloom ethnic Indian wear. Earlier made with cotton, Kantha sarees are now available in silk and other fabrics as well, so that you can choose according to the occasion and look you have in mind.
If your workplace offers a casual-wear policy, you can go for peppy and fun prints, or if it is a serious space, you can still add prints in your formal wear, with simple patterns, delicate floral prints, or minimal colors in prints. Whatever the mood of your workplace, printed sarees are a great option, not only for important occasions but also as everyday ethnic work wear if traditional Indian fashion is your ballgame. Georgette, organza, cotton, and cotton-silk blends are some good options in printed sarees, which you experiment with to create fashionable and effortless formal looks.
Salwar suits are such an outfit that offers a wide variety of options to choose from. The Salwar Kameez is one of the most beautiful garbs that showcases Indian fashion in a simple and traditional form. Just like the famous saree, it is traditional attire that can go from simple and comfortable to intricate and decorative.
From Anarkali to Jacket style Salwar kameez, this three-piece dress is ideal for any formal occasion, be it a wedding, office, or any religious ceremony. If you want to add Salwar-suits to your formal wardrobe, here are a few great choices, which will make sure that you have comfort and the charm of ethnic Indian fashion by your side, every day-
Simple, monochrome pieces with patterns all over, make for beautiful and comfortable everyday work wear. This Chanderi silk suit set, for example, can be paired with your daily footwear and minimal jewelry to make it fit for formal as well as casual workspaces.
Patterns and prints with soft colors and comfortable fabric are always a good choice for ethnic Indian formal wear. This pure muslin kurta set, with cigarette pants, comes with traditional paisley motifs, adding a beautiful touch to the muted, monotone color of the fabric. Striking the perfect balance of fashionability and ease.
For the more casual and fun workspaces, palazzo pants with suits can be a good choice. The volume and flow of these bottoms offer a comfortable feel throughout the day, which is exactly what you need during those long work hours. Keep the colors soft like this pure muslin suit set, experiment with simple patterns, and style with elegant and minimal jewelry pieces, to make palazzo suits a part of your workwear.
The Desi office girls, just because you have to keep things simple, does not mean you ditch the dupatta! Go for a monotone salwar suit with a smart fit like this art silk salwar kameez set and pair it with a dupatta of your choice. Prints and colors when used stylishly and chosen as per the occasion, can create an elegant and simple look, even when you add a little bit of feminine charm to that dupatta.
Festive occasions in the office but you do not want it to be too much? Go for something like this monochrome pure cotton salwar suit set. The contrasting patterns all over the suit, the comfort of cotton, and the added hint of beauty with the matching dupatta make this a good outfit for festivities while ensuring an effortless vibe.
Diwali, Holi, or a big bash at the workplace. There are certain occasions that require you to go a little beyond that formal dress code. You can pick a flared ethnic gown like this designer digital printed piece. The use of georgette gives it a graceful flow and the traditional dot patterns inspired by Bandhani on the rich and festive color of the fabric, create a beautiful look. With full sleeves and a gorgeous yet modest neckline, this gown is a great middle between designer and dignified.
Exotic India has a vast collection of pure and authentic items inspired by Indian culture. Our array of formal wear is unmatchable with the added advantage that each piece portrays a traditional touch to it. We are indeed proud and happy about the heritage that we carry and want to bring it to people who share the same passion for their culture and traditions. Visit our website and browse through an amazing catalogue of Indian products and we assure you that you won’t be disappointed!
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