In your quest to curate a wedding wardrobe that’s eclectic in shades and silhouettes, you may have become familiar with lehenga fatigue and find yourself craving an alternative. Shararas to saris, there are ample options for the sartorially-savvy bride to indulge in some crossover couture. Here, Khush gives you bookmark-worthy Indian wear interludes that’ll provide just the right amount of relief
The Sharara
Not as OTT as a lehenga and not as fussy as a sari, make way for the sharara. This versatile piece, comprising a kurta + flared pants, exudes a sense of effortlessness that every bride wants to embody.
Whether you're having a pared-back mehndi or planning to wear a scene-stealing ensemble for your sangeet soirée, a sharara set will make a statement. There are scores of options too, from embroidered numbers like this gorgeous Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor set to sequinned creations.
Outfits: Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor
The Sari
When in doubt, surrender to the sari. The six-yard staple has given India a distinct and elegant fashion identity. Purists can go for the classics for the big day—Patola of Patan, Kanjeevaram silks of Tamil Nadu, Benarasi from Varanasi or Paithani from Maharashtra among many others. If you’re looking for options beyond the traditional, KiraKira-friendly, sequinned cocktail drapes will surely catch your fancy for an evening look. Play with tulle, lace and transparency in delicate colours for maximum effect.
Don’t mistake the sari for an archaic institution—this evergreen and extremely versatile garment’s appeal doesn’t just end at its timelessness. You can reinvent the traditional six yards every time you wear it down the road. Try wearing the blouse over the sari, whereas a cropped top is great for long torsos. Update a vintage sari with modern pieces—rely on a statement necklace or brooches. Headed to a destination wedding? Say hello to your new saviour—the pre-draped sari. 100 per cent elegance of a sari and zero fuss of draping, these magic creations slim every shape. Contrast with old-world accessories.
Outfits left to right: Dolly J, Seematti
The Kurta
The humble kurta is a true wear-anywhere anchor-piece your wedding wardrobe needs. Its throw-on-and-go credibility, repeat value and accessory-friendliness demonstrate the many virtues of investing in the forgiving ensemble. While the kurtas might be most popular in its casual iterations, couturiers today offer several showstopping silhouettes on the docket and each one translates well for any kind of a special occasion including the wedding ceremony. In case of a pre-wedding celebration, we love a clean, sleek A-line kurta, whether embellished with metallic work, embroidered with resham threads or crafted using handwoven fabric like this stunning brocade creation by Payal Khandwala.
Short versions complemented with comfy palazzo pants will give your look a 70s inspired appeal.
Those drawn to a little drama can consider an anarkali for the engagement or mehndi party. For a bolder, more cocktail take on flared kurtas, floor-grazing pieces are big for the season, too. Meticulously painted by hand and embellished with pearls, sequins and gota patti, Anita Dongre’s Awa outfit in an eye-catching blue shade can double up as a gown too. So, what is your kurta style?
Outfits left to right: Payal Khandwala, Anita Dongre
The Jumpsuit
Whether the tag says “couture” or “ready-to-wear” or “spring/summer” or “autumn/winter” isn’t really the point; in 2021, a bridal ensemble is whatever you want it to be.
Perhaps that explains why designers, like Tarun Tahiliani, Papa Don't Preach by Shubhika and Mishru, are embracing comfortable contemporary silhouettes and injecting traditional touches to them in the first place. And among the best elegant-yet-easy ensemble is the jumpsuit. Think a breezy jumpsuit accentuated with classic Indian crafts.
Outfits left to right: Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika, Mishru
The Gown
Let’s face it, the Indian wedding has thawed out of its tried-and-tested ways. Apart from the traditional line-up, today, the itinerary also includes a cocktail party. It can be hosted in the sand dunes of Rajasthan, in a crumbling castle in Scotland or at a nightclub in London. This occasion has led to the evolution of a new dress code—the cocktail gown.
It’s formal, princess ballgown-esque, mermaid-style or fit-and-flared and crafted with intricate east-meets-west embroidery.
Outfits left to right: Shantanu & Nikhil, Anushree Reddy
The Kaftan
The diaphanous silhouette was once reserved for resort and lounge wear. But now, it has become a firm-favourite in occasion wear closets as designers like Arpita Mehta give kaftans a festive-friendly spin. Think vibrant colours, rich fabrics, playful prints, intricate embroidery and much more. Celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Kajol have made a case for kaftans too. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, for example, slipped into a white chikankari kaftan after the wedding reception to be able to dance the night away. Katrina Kaif, on the other hand, played the best dressed guest to a hilt in an ivory number at a wedding reception.
You can team it up with a maang tikka and pair of earrings, or go all out with a layered necklace. When complemented with the right jewellery pieces, the easy-to-style piece can go from a poolside cocktail, beach wedding to a garden mehndi party, and with minimal effort. Picking kaftans in jewel tones with metallic work will inevitably evoke glamour.
Oufits left to right: Arpita Mehta, Ithr
As seen in Khush Wedding 29. Buy this issue here