Indian wear for women is distinguished by the variety of colors, fabrics, designs, cuts, embroideries and embellishments available. With a rich and diverse cultural tradition and a centuries old textile industry, there are plenty of sources of inspiration for high-end designer outfits as well as daily wear street fashions.

Moreover, the confluence of Indian and western styles has resulted in the emergence of a lot of new trends even within the traditional categories. In this way Indian outfits for women have truly come into the 21st century and gained an international appeal.

Indian sarees for classy drapes

The saree is perhaps the quintessential Indian dress for women. It typically consists of a long length of material (around 6 yards) which is draped around the waist like a skirt with pleats and then swept over the shoulder. It is paired with a thin skirt called a petticoat and a blouse, a well-fitted upper body garment ending just above the waist. This is a very elegant and chic type of Indian women’s clothing which is known for the flattering silhouette it creates and the feminine manner in which it brings out the sensuality of the woman. Certain regional varieties of the saree like the Banarsi silk saree or the Kanjivaram saree are favorite traditional Indian clothing for women frequently worn for occasions like weddings, ceremonies and festivals.

Salwar kameez for sleek silhouettes

The salwar kameez is an example of Indian clothing women generally wear in their day to day life. These are three piece outfits consisting of a long shirt, loose pants and a long scarf. They are highly comfortable and versatile, with many interesting variations in silhouette, neckline and sleeve-length available to choose from. This is the one item in Indian women fashion where a lot of bold cuts and innovative patterns can be used, from halter necks, deep necks and collar necks to back-less designs.

Lehenga choli for grand appeal

Lehenga cholis are the clothes Indian women wear for important events like weddings, festivals and ceremonies where dressing up is mandatory. This is a favorite bridal choice, since the long skirt and well-fitted blouse is the perfect design to flatter the figure in a modest manner. Moreover, the skirt or lehenga is typically adorned with glittering patterns and extensive embroideries which is a must for Indian brides.

Apart from these traditional options, lovers of ethnic fashion who want to incorporate modern styles will also find a lot of interesting choices. This includes hip Kurtas, Tunics, Patialas, Kaftans, Dhoti Pants and much more. These come with subtle but attractive Indian prints and motifs and are perfect for more casual occasions and office wear.

Varities and styles

When Indian women dress, they expect only the brightest colors and most beautiful designs. This is why the Indian clothing women wear typically comes in bold and beautiful colors like red, saffron, orange, green, turquoise, magenta, purple, violet, indigo and yellow. In casual clothes, hand prints like Batik, Bagh, Ikat, Bandhej, Baluchari, Bomkai are just a few of the ethnic prints used while the modern patterns of stripes, dots, geometric shapes and floral designs are also very popular.

In terms of embroidery and fabric, every region of India has a different style and technique. This varied choice of materials and patterns has been utilized by various designers to produce stunning Indian women’s clothes suitable for a variety of occasions. For instance, Brocade, Pashmina, Banarsi silk, Jamawar silk and Dupion Silk have all achieved international recognition while pure crepe, georgette and chiffon have become iconic saree fabrics.

Some of the most desired Indian designs are created using techniques like Phulkari, Zari, Zardosi, Aari, Booti, Chikankari, Kasab, Kundan, Neemzari and Kota Doria. Even western design materials like stones, beads, appliqué and sequins have become staples in wedding and festival outfits.

In vogue statements

Indian clothing for women has become an international trend and the many regional fabrics and techniques are starting to be appreciated and loved world over. Anarkali salwar suits are one of the trendiest Indian garments right now; paired with some sparkling stone studded dangle earrings and high heel sandals, they are perfect for creating a splash at a wedding or a party.

In fact this look has been seen on many red carpets as well. Another red carpet favorite is the silk saree which gives off an inimitable vibe of sensuality and luxuriousness and matches best with gold jewelry sets including bangles and mang tikkas. This can be the perfect outfit for a wedding since it is traditional while also being glamorous.

For Indian women, clothes have to be matched with ornate Indian jewelry and this is a trend that is catching on worldwide. Thus brides love wearing Kundan necklace sets, Thewa jewelry and Polki earrings. Indian women’s clothing can also be subtly accessorized with pearl or Meenakari jewelry.