Anarkali kurta design

Types of Anarkali kurta design

An Anarkali suit is a long, frock-style suit that is fitted at the bust and flares out from the waist in a style reminiscent of the Mughal period. The name comes from an old folklore tale of Anarkali, which was the name of a beautiful woman who lived during the Mughal Empire. The Anarkali kurta design is a representation of the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent and is popularly worn during weddings and other cultural events. It is mostly worn with a churidar or leggings and a dupatta. There are different styles of Anarkali suits, and they include the following:

• Classic Anarkali Suit

  This suit is fitted at the bust and flares out to the floor like a frock. It comes with a semi-circular or circular cut and is worn loose. It is mostly accompanied by a churidar or legging that is tight and a dupatta. The Classic Anarkali suit has three components: a long top dress, a pair of leggings or churidar that is worn under the long top dress, and a long scarf called a dupatta.

• Frock Style Anarkali Suit

  The frock-style Anarkali suit design is fitted at the bust and flares out from the waist like a frock. It is styled like a frock with an A-line shape and a knee or ankle length. The design commonly features a V or round neck, sleeveless or short sleeves, and an empire waistline. It is mostly accompanied by a churidar or leggings and a dupatta.

• Floor Length Anarkali Suit

  This suit is one of the longest Anarkali suits and is elegant and royal. It comes in different lengths, from the ankle to the floor, and is fitted at the bust and flares out from the waist. It comes with three components: a long top dress, a pair of leggings or churidar that is worn under the long top dress, and a long scarf called a dupatta.

• Short Anarkali Suit

  Short Anarkali suits are mostly worn during day events or casual get-togethers. It is mostly accompanied by a churidar or legging that is tight and a dupatta. The Short Anarkali suit has three components: a long top dress, a pair of leggings or churidar that is worn under the long top dress, and a long scarf called a dupatta.

• Straight Cut Anarkali Suit

  This suit is a variation of the Anarkali style, which is mostly fitted through the bust and waist and flows straight down from the hips. The design is less flared compared to the others, which gives it a more modern and sleek look. It is often paired with churidar or leggings and a dupatta, maintaining the traditional Anarkali aesthetic with a contemporary twist.

• Gharara Style Anarkali Suit

  Gharara style Anarkali suits combine the flared silhouette of the Anarkali with the distinct layered look of gharara pants. This style is particularly popular for weddings and festive occasions, offering a regal and luxurious appearance. The gharara pants are worn lower on the hips, with a loose fit that flares out to the floor, creating a dramatic look.

• Pakistani Anarkali Suit

  These suits are known for their intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and luxurious fabrics. Inspired by the traditional Anarkali style, they often feature long, flowing dresses paired with churidar pants and a dupatta. The suits are usually heavily embellished with sequins, beads, and detailed thread work, making them a popular choice for formal events and weddings.

Design of Anarkali kurta

• Flared Anarkali Kurta: This style is characterized by a fitted bodice and a flared bottom part, which is divided into numerous panels and creates a full-circle silhouette. It is a versatile outfit that can be worn for formal and casual occasions. The flare can be dramatic, creating a regal appearance, or more subdued for a casual look.
• Frock Style Anarkali: This design is similar to a frock with an empire waist and a full skirt. It is a favorite among younger women and is often seen in knee-length or mid-calf lengths. This style is usually accompanied by a pair of leggings or churidars and a dupatta.
• Straight Cut Anarkali: This design combines the Anarkali's traditional flared silhouette with a straight-cut style, offering a modern and sleek look. The flared hemline is subtle, providing a touch of the classic Anarkali while maintaining a contemporary and streamlined appearance. It's perfect for those who want to incorporate the Anarkali style without the excessive flare.
• Asymmetrical Anarkali Kurta: This design features an uneven hemline, often shorter in the front and longer in the back. This modern twist adds a contemporary edge to the traditional Anarkali style. It can also include asymmetrical patterns, cuts, or embellishments on the bodice and skirt, adding to its uniqueness.
• Gown Style Anarkali: This design is more like a gown with heavy embellishments, making it suitable for weddings and formal events. It is styled similarly to a Western gown with a fitted waist and a flared skirt. Gown-style Anarkalis are often seen in luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet and are heavily embellished with embroidery, sequins, and beads.
• Layered Anarkali: Anarkali kurtas are usually worn in a single layer, but this design introduces multiple layers or tiers for added volume and texture. Each layer can be made of different fabrics, colors, or patterns, creating a rich and dynamic look. These are ideal for weddings and other grand occasions where a lavish appearance is desired.
• High-Low Anarkali: This design features a high-low hemline, shorter in the front and longer in the back. This adds a modern touch to the traditional Anarkali style. It can also include high-low variations in necklines, hemlines, and embellishments, making the outfit more dynamic and contemporary.
• Jacket Style Anarkali: This design incorporates a separate jacket or overlay, often with its own embellishments or embroidery. The jacket can be worn open or closed, adding versatility to the outfit. Jacket-style Anarkalis are popular for their layered look, which allows for more styling options.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of Anarkali kurta design

Anarkali is a long, frock-style, which is fitted at the top part and flares at the bottom. It is named after the Anarkali, a famous courtesan in the Mughal Empire. The outfit consists of three parts: a long, fitted top, a flared bottom, and a dupatta. The Anarkali is usually worn with a churidar, which is a tight-fitting trouser worn traditionally in North India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This traditional attire comes in various styles, colors, and fabric combinations, making it versatile for different occasions and events.

When wearing or pairing Anarkali kurtas, there are several styles and accessories that can enhance the overall look:

• Bottom Wear: Anarkali kurtas are typically paired with churidars, which are slim-fitting pants that gather at the ankles. This combination is classic and widely preferred. Alternatively, one can wear loose Patiala pants or straight pants, which offer a different look. Palazzos and leggings are also popular choices for their comfort and modern appeal.
• Dupatta: The dupatta is an essential part of the Anarkali suit. It can be draped over the shoulders or head. For a traditional look, choose a dupatta with heavy embroidery or mirror work. Lighter chiffon or net dupattas with subtle embellishments are suitable for casual or daytime events. Color coordination between the dupatta and the Anarkali is crucial for a harmonious appearance.
• Footwear should complement the Anarkali suit and the occasion. Mojaris or juttis, traditional Indian shoes, add an ethnic touch. High-heeled sandals or wedges enhance the overall silhouette and are suitable for formal events. Flat sandals or ballet pumps are comfortable for casual outings.
• Jewellery: Statement earrings, such as chandbalis or jhumkas, can enhance the look of an Anarkali suit. A chunky necklace or a statement cuff can draw attention to the upper body. Bangles or kadas (thick bangles) are traditional choices that add to the ethnic charm. It's essential to balance the jewellery; if the Anarkali has heavy embellishments, opt for lighter jewellery and vice versa.
• Hairstyle: The hairstyle can significantly impact the overall appearance. A sleek bun adorned with fresh flowers or a decorative hairpiece adds elegance. Loose waves or straight hair can be worn with a side partition and a simple hairpin or a casual hairband for a modern look. Braids integrated with a bun or braid crown are trendy and add a unique touch.
• Makeup: For a traditional look, bold eye makeup with kohl and eyeliner, paired with nude or soft lipstick, works well. Alternatively, a bright lip color, such as deep red or plum, can be balanced with subtle eye makeup. For daytime or casual events, natural makeup with neutral tones is ideal.
• Occasion-Specific Styling: For weddings and festive occasions, opt for Anarkalis with heavy embellishments, rich fabrics like silk or velvet, and complement them with statement jewellery and elaborate makeup. For casual wear, choose simpler, more comfortable Anarkali kurtas in cotton or chiffon fabrics and pair them with minimal accessories.

Q&A

Q1: What distinguishes an Anarkali kurta from other traditional Indian attire?

A1: The Anarkali kurta is distinct from other traditional Indian attire due to its frock-style design, which features a fitted bodice and a flared bottom resembling a full-length dress. This silhouette differentiates it from other kurtas, which may have a straight or A-line shape. The Anarkali's versatility allows it to be worn as a kurta with leggings or as a dress, making it suitable for various occasions.

Q2: Can Anarkali kurtas be worn for both casual and formal events?

A2: Yes, Anarkali kurtas can be styled for both casual and formal events. Casual Anarkali kurtas may feature simpler fabrics like cotton or khadi with minimal embroidery, perfect for everyday wear. In contrast, formal Anarkali kurtas are adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, or zari work and are crafted from luxurious fabrics like silk, chiffon, or georgette, making them ideal for weddings, festivals, and celebrations.

Q3: What are the typical lengths of Anarkali kurtas?

A3: Anarkali kurtas vary in length, but they typically range from knee-length to ankle-length. Some styles may be shorter or longer depending on current fashion trends and individual preferences. The length of the Anarkali kurta can also be influenced by the occasion it is intended for, with longer lengths preferred for formal events and longer lengths preferred for daily wear.

Q4: How can one accessorize an Anarkali kurta for a complete look?

A4: Accessorizing an Anarkali kurta involves pairing it with the right bottom wear, such as leggings, churidars, or palazzos, depending on the style. Dupattas can be draped in various ways to enhance the look. Accessories like statement earrings, bangles, and a clutch or potli bag complement the outfit. Footwear choices such as juttis, mojaris, or heels complete the ensemble, adding to its elegance and charm.