Let me tell you about my complicated relationship with Anarkali kurtis. For years, I avoided them like they were some sort of fashion kryptonite. They seemed too dramatic, too princess-y, too... much. I was convinced they were reserved for people who had their lives together enough to carry off that kind of flowing elegance.

Then came my cousin's wedding, and in a moment of desperation (and aggressive persuasion from the shopkeeper), I tried on an Anarkali kurti. The way it flowed, the way it made me feel elegant without trying too hard, I was converted.

But here's what nobody tells you: owning an Anarkali kurti is easy. Styling Anarkalis for different occasions without looking like you're perpetually attending a mehendi function? That's the real challenge. Through trial, error, and several fashion mishaps, I've learned that the Anarkali kurti is actually one of the most versatile pieces in ethnic wear, but only if you know how to style it right.

Understanding Anarkali Kurti Before Styling It

The Anarkali is characterised by its fitted bodice and flared silhouette that flows from the bust or waist. This empire-line cut creates a distinctive, graceful silhouette we all recognise.

What makes Anarkalis special is their inherent drama. The flare creates movement, the length adds elegance, and the fitted top defines the silhouette. This combination makes them incredibly flattering for various body types when styled correctly.

The key to styling Anarkalis is remembering that the silhouette itself makes a statement. Your job is to complement that statement, not compete with it.

Styling Anarkali Kurti for Different Occasions

Casual or Everyday Wear

Fabric & design: Choose cotton or soft cotton blends in simple prints or solid colours. A knee-length Anarkali works best for casual wear.

Colour: Choose lighter shades like pastels, neutrals, or subtle prints like florals or geometric patterns.

Accessories: Keep it minimal. Small studs or hoops, a simple watch, and a casual crossbody bag complete the look.

Footwear: Comfortable kolhapuris, simple juttis, or even clean white sneakers for a contemporary twist.

Dupatta styling: Skip the dupatta entirely for a cleaner look, or drape it loosely around your neck like a scarf.

Pro-tip: Roll up the sleeves slightly and pair with fitted leggings in matching or contrasting colours. This creates a relaxed vibe perfect for coffee dates or shopping trips.

Office or Semi-Formal Look

Fabric & design: Choose structured fabrics like cotton, linen blends, or light crepe. Opt for solid colours or subtle prints.

Colour: Stick to professional colours like navy, grey, beige, burgundy, or forest green.

Accessories: Keep jewellery minimal, like small earrings, a delicate chain, and a watch. A structured handbag maintains the professional aesthetic.

Footwear: Block heels, formal juttis, or closed-toe flats work perfectly.

Dupatta Styling: Skip the dupatta or drape it neatly over one shoulder and pin it for clean lines.

Pro Tip: Pair with straight-cut pants rather than heavily gathered bottoms. A blazer or structured jacket over your Anarkali instantly elevates the formal quotient.

Festive & Wedding Wear

Fabric & design: Silk, georgette, chiffon, or velvet Anarkalis with embroidery, mirror work, or zari embellishments work beautifully.

Colour: Go bold with rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby red, sapphire blue, royal purple, or classic gold.

Accessories: Statement jewellery is your friend. Chandbalis, jhumkas, kundan necklaces, stacked bangles—this is the occasion to shine.

Footwear: Embroidered juttis, kolhapuris with embellishments, or elegant heeled sandals.

Dupatta: Drape it traditionally over both shoulders or let it flow from one side. Choose dupattas with embellishments that complement your Anarkali.

Pro-tip: Balance is key. If your Anarkali is heavily embellished, keep jewellery slightly simpler. If your Anarkali is plain, go bold with accessories.

Party Wear

Fabric & design: Shimmer fabrics, sequined Anarkalis, or rich silks work beautifully for evening parties.

Colour: Metallics, black with gold detailing, or vibrant colours create perfect party vibes.

Accessories: Statement earrings, cocktail rings, and an embellished clutch complete the look.

Footwear: Heeled sandals or stilettos add that party-ready edge.

Dupatta: Skip it for a sleeker party look, or choose a sheer, embellished dupatta for added glamour.

Pro-tip: Pair with fitted churidars or even straight pants for a contemporary fusion look that works brilliantly for cocktail parties.

Styling Anarkali Kurti by Body Type

Styling Anarkali Kurti by Seasons

Summer

Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen blends. Opt for lighter colours that reflect heat like whites, pastels, and soft yellows. Sleeveless or short-sleeved Anarkalis work best. Skip heavy dupattas or choose light, breathable ones. At Aramya, our pure cotton kurtis are perfect for summer as they keep you cool while maintaining elegance.

Winter

Embrace richer fabrics like velvet, heavy silk, or wool blends. Deeper colors like burgundy, emerald, or navy feel seasonally appropriate. Full-sleeved Anarkalis provide warmth. Layer with jackets, shrugs, or embroidered shawls for added warmth and style.

Monsoon

Choose quick-drying fabrics and avoid long hemlines that drag in puddles. Knee-length Anarkalis are practical. Stick to darker colours or busy prints that hide water splashes. Waterproof footwear is essential.

Colour Combinations & Pairing Anarkali Kurtis

The magic of Anarkalis often lies in smart colour pairing. Contrasting combinations create visual interest; pair a royal blue Anarkali with a golden dupatta, or a pink Anarkali with a green dupatta for traditional charm.

Monochrome looks are trending in 2025. An all-black or all-white Anarkali with matching bottomwear creates sophisticated elegance. Add metallic accessories for dimension.

For casual wear, pastel Anarkalis with white or cream bottoms feel fresh and breezy. For festive occasions, rich jewel tones paired with metallic or contrasting dupattas create impact.

At Aramya, our hand-printed designs in Block Prints, Bandhani, Lehariya, and Ajrakh styles offer beautiful color combinations that honor traditional aesthetics while feeling contemporary.

Current Trends in Styling Anarkali Kurtis (2025)

Jacket anarkalis

Layering Anarkalis with jackets is the biggest trend of 2025. Long jackets, short embroidered jackets, or even denim jackets create contemporary fusion looks that work for various occasions.

Belted waistlines

Adding belts to Anarkalis creates defined silhouettes and adds a modern edge. Metallic belts, embroidered belts, or even simple leather belts transform the traditional Anarkali into something fresh.

Sustainable fabrics

Conscious fashion is in. Anarkalis in organic cotton, bamboo fabric, or other sustainable materials are gaining popularity. At Aramya, our commitment to pure, soft cotton aligns with this sustainable fashion movement.

Monotone Looks

All-white, all-black, or single-color Anarkali ensembles create minimalist elegance. The simplicity allows the silhouette to shine, and styling becomes effortless yet impactful.

Conclusion

Here's what I've learned through my Anarkali journey: this isn't just a garment reserved for special occasions or people with perfect lives. It's a versatile piece that adapts to your lifestyle when you understand how to style it.

Fashion isn't about rigid rules, it's about understanding principles and then making them your own. The Anarkali kurti gives you that beautiful canvas to express your style, whether traditional, contemporary, or somewhere delightfully in between.

So go ahead, embrace that flowing silhouette. Experiment with styling. And remember, the best outfit is always the one that makes you feel like yourself, just slightly more fabulous.