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How to Look Stylish in Traditional Indian Wear

14 September 2026

TRADITIONAL BUT MAKE IT YOU

Traditional Indian wear has changed a lot over the years. The clothes may still have the prints, fabrics and silhouettes we've grown up seeing, but the way we wear them today is very different.

You might wear a kurta with sneakers, pair an Anarkali with minimal jewellery, or choose a linen co-ord when you want something that feels a little more relaxed.

And that's really the best part about traditional Indian wear. It doesn't have to look a certain way.

You can keep it classic, make it modern, dress it up or keep it simple. It all comes down to how you put the look together.

Choose the Right Fit

Start With The Basics

Before adding jewellery or deciding on your footwear, make sure the outfit itself fits well.

A kurta that's too loose or too fitted can change the entire look. The right fit, on the other hand, makes even a simple outfit look polished.

Anarkalis are especially easy to style because their flowing silhouette naturally creates an elegant look. Straight kurtas work well when you prefer something more structured and minimal.

The idea isn't to follow a particular fit. Pick what feels comfortable and suits the way you like to dress.

Pick Shades That Work Together

Colour can completely change the way your traditional Indian dress looks.

For a softer, understated look, pastel shades like lilac, peach and powder blue work beautifully. If you're dressing for a festive occasion, deeper shades like maroon, red or emerald can instantly make the outfit feel richer.

You can also keep the outfit in one colour and bring in contrast through your dupatta, jewellery or footwear.

For example, the soft lilac of Naseebo's Lilac Bloom Ombre Anarkali Kurta Set already creates a beautiful look, so there's no need to add too many colours around it.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR COLOURS

Don't Overstyle a Beautiful Print

Some prints don't need much styling and traditional prints are a good example.

Ajrakh, for instance, has intricate patterns and strong colours that naturally draw attention. When you're wearing something like this, keeping the rest of the look simple can actually make the outfit stand out more.

Naseebo's Zohra Ajrakh Anarkali Kurta Set is one such piece. The print already brings plenty of detail, so a pair of simple earrings and understated footwear are enough to complete the look.

Sometimes, the best way to style a statement print is to simply let it be the statement.

THE DUPATTA MATTERS TOO

Change the Look With One Simple Layer

A dupatta can completely change the way a traditional outfit looks. Drape it over both shoulders for a more classic look, leave it casually over one shoulder when you want something relaxed, or let a printed dupatta add a little contrast to a solid kurta.

You can even experiment with the fabric. A lightweight dupatta can keep a daytime outfit easy, while silk or a more detailed fabric can make the same kind of outfit feel more festive.

It's a small styling change, but it can make an old favourite feel new again.

The Right Pair Finishes the Look

Footwear is easy to overlook, but it can make a bigger difference than you'd expect.

Juttis and kolhapuris work naturally with traditional outfits and are great for daytime plans. For a more dressed-up look, you can add a pair of heels or embellished sandals.

The important thing is to make sure your footwear works with the mood of the outfit rather than competing with it. A heavily detailed Anarkali with very embellished footwear, for example, can feel like too much. Sometimes a simple pair works better.