India is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population that boasts of various ethnicities and traditions. One of the most striking aspects of Indian culture is its traditional clothing, which is admired all over the world for its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and exquisite craftsmanship. However, as we move towards a more globalized world, traditional Indian wear can sometimes seem out of place or difficult to incorporate into our modern wardrobes. But fear not, as we will guide you on how to rock traditional Indian wear in a modern way, blending the best of both worlds.
Whether it’s a saree, lehenga, salwar kameez, kurta or any other traditional Indian outfit, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to help you slay your desi look with confidence and style. So, let’s get started!
What is Traditional Indian Wear and How Can It Be Styled for a Modern Look?
Whether it’s menswear or womenswear, Traditional Indian wear includes a wide variety of garments that have been worn by Indian men and women for centuries. Some of the most popular traditional Indian fashionwear for women include sarees, lehenga cholis, salwar kameez, and anarkalis, while for men, the traditional wear includes kurta pajamas, dhoti kurtas, and sherwanis.
To style traditional Indian ethnic clothing for a modern look, one can experiment with different fabrics, colors, and prints. For example, pairing simple white tops for women with a colorful lehenga skirt can create a chic fusion look. Adding a contemporary jacket or blazer to a traditional kurta pajama can add a touch of modernity to the outfit.
Accessories play a crucial role in styling Indian traditional clothing for a modern look. For women, statement jewelry like chandelier earrings or layered necklaces can add a contemporary touch to a traditional outfit. For men, pairing a traditional outfit with modern shoes like loafers or sneakers can add a touch of trendiness.
It is also important to keep in mind the occasion and the dress code while styling traditional Indian wear as per modern fashion. For a formal event, one can opt for rich fabrics like silk or velvet and add a touch of glamour with embellishments like sequins or embroidery. For a casual event, one can go for lighter fabrics like cotton or linen and keep the styling minimalistic.
Also read: Indian Traditional Dresses – All you got to Know about Stylish Kurta Pyjama
5 Tips for Nailing the Perfect Fusion of Traditional & Contemporary Style
Indian fashion trends 2023 will see a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary fusion style. There’s a race between brands and designers for modernizing traditional outfits. Here are 5 tips to nail the perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary Indian wear:
- Experiment with fabrics: Mixing traditional and contemporary fabrics is a great way to create a fusion look. For example, pairing a traditional silk saree with a contemporary crop top made of denim or leather can create a trendy fusion look.
- Accessorize wisely: Accessorizing plays a crucial role in nailing the perfect fusion style of traditional and contemporary style. Pairing traditional jewelry with contemporary outfits or vice versa can create a unique look while also modernizing traditional outfits.
- Mix and match prints: Mixing and matching traditional and contemporary prints can create a fusion look that is both trendy and traditional. For example, pairing a traditional block-printed skirt with contemporary graphic t-shirts for men or women can create an interesting fusion look.
- Play with colors: Experimenting with colors is another great way to create a fusion look. Mixing traditional colors like red and gold with contemporary colors like black and white can create a unique and trendy fusion look.
- Be confident: Confidence is key when it comes to nailing the perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary Indian wear. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Embrace your unique style and make it your own.
Also read: 12 Stylish & Contemporary Kurta Designs For Women To Flaunt This Summer
How to Accessorize Indian Wear to Make It More Modern?
Accessorizing plays a significant role in elevating the overall look of any outfit, and Indian wear is no exception. However, accessorizing Indian wear is very easy given how versatile Indian fashion is. Here are some tips to make your Indian wear look more modern and chicer:
- Statement Jewelry: Statement jewelry is a great way to add a modern twist to traditional Indian wear or vice versa. Oversized earrings, chunky necklaces, and bold cuffs are going to remain jewelry trends of 2023. Choose modern statement pieces for traditional outfits to give it a twist.
- Contemporary Bags: Adding a contemporary bag to your traditional Indian outfit can instantly make it look more modern. You can opt for crossbody bags, clutches, or even backpacks, depending on the occasion and your personal style.
- Belts: Adding a belt to traditional Indian dresses for women can clinch the waist and create a more modern silhouette. You can opt for thin belts, wide belts, or even statement belts with intricate details to add a touch of glamor to your outfit.
- Scarves: Scarves are a versatile accessory that can be styled in many ways to add a modern twist to traditional Indian wear. You can wrap a scarf around your neck, wear it as a headband, or even tie it around your waist as a belt.
- Footwear: Choosing the right footwear can also make a significant difference in elevating the overall look of your Indian outfit. You can opt for contemporary styles like sneakers, boots, or even sandals, depending on the occasion and your personal style.
Also read: Fashion Accessories for Women – Finding the Perfect Pieces for Any Occasion
4 Ideas for Mixing and Matching Traditional Pieces into Your Everyday Look
Mixing and matching traditional pieces into your everyday look is all about experimenting and finding the right balance between traditional and contemporary elements. Here are four ideas for blending traditional clothing with modern looks:
- Pair a traditional dupatta with a plain western outfit: Dupattas are a versatile piece of traditional Indian clothing that can be paired with a plain western outfit to create a fusion look. You can drape a dupatta over a plain white t-shirt and denim jeans to create a chic and trendy look.
- Pair traditional jewelry with contemporary outfits: Mixing traditional jewelry with contemporary outfits is a great way to add a touch of Indian flair to your everyday look. You can pair a statement necklace or earrings with a simple western outfit to create a fusion look.
- Pair a traditional jacket with western jeans: Traditional Indian jackets like Nehru jackets or Bandhgalas can be paired with western jeans for men to create a fusion look. You can wear a plain white shirt with denim jeans for women and layer it with a traditional jacket or jewelry to create a unique and trendy look.
- Mix and match prints: Mixing and matching traditional and contemporary prints can create a fusion look that is both trendy and traditional. Pairing a traditional block-printed skirt with a contemporary graphic tee can be one of the coolest mix and match clothes ideas of 2023.
Also read: 3 Trendy Indo – Western Outfit Ideas for Different Occasions
Understanding Different Fabrics & Textiles Used in Making Indian Outfits
The different fabrics and textiles used in Indian clothing are a testament to the rich textile heritage of the country. From luxurious silks to lightweight cottons and flowy chiffons, each fabric has its unique texture and qualities that make it perfect for different types of Indian outfits. India has a rich history of textile art and production, and the country is known for its intricate and exquisite fabrics. Here are some of the most popular fabrics used in making Indian outfits:
- Silk: Silk is one of the most popular fabrics used in Indian clothing. It is known for its luxurious texture and is commonly used in sarees, lehengas, and salwar suits. India is home to a variety of silk fabrics, including Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, and Mysore silk.
- Cotton: Cotton is a versatile fabric that is commonly used in everyday Indian wear. It is lightweight and comfortable, making it perfect for the hot Indian climate. Cotton fabrics like chikankari, block-printed cotton, and ikat cotton are popular choices for Indian kurtas and salwar suits.
- Chiffon: Chiffon is a lightweight and flowy fabric that is commonly used in sarees and dupattas. It is known for its sheer and delicate texture and is often embellished with embroidery and beadwork.
- Velvet: Velvet is a luxurious and plush fabric that is commonly used in winter Indian wear. It is often used to make sherwanis and lehengas and is known for its rich texture and deep colors.
- Georgette: Georgette is a lightweight and semi-transparent fabric that is commonly used in sarees and salwar suits. It is known for its flowing texture and is often embellished with embroidery and sequins.
- Brocade: Brocade is a rich and intricate fabric that is commonly used in lehengas and sarees. It is known for its intricate patterns and is often made using gold or silver threads.
In a nutshell…
Traditional Indian wear is not only a beautiful representation of the country’s rich cultural heritage but also an excellent way to express one’s personal style. With the right tips and tricks, you can effortlessly blend traditional Indian wear into your modern wardrobe and make a fashion statement that reflects your unique personality. So, go ahead, embrace your cultural roots, and let your fashion sense shine!
