Indian Traditional Dresses – Ethnic Essentials for Every Girl (2024)

Indian ethnic wear is evergreen and timeless. It has evolved hugely with time, giving eclectic options of the ethnic dresses to Indian women. The fashion designers have exhibited magnanimous innovation and ingenuity. Initially, the traditional wear was restricted to saree and salwar suit but now we have dhoti pants, designer stoles, straight pajamas, ethnic shrugs, and whatnot.

Here are the ethnic essentials that every girl must include in her wardrobe.

Ethnic essentials for every girl

This list of must-have traditional dresses includes:

Long skirt

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An ethnic long skirt is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. There are different varieties of skirts available in the market and online. A plain skirt with a broad Zari border is quite in fashion that looks gorgeous. Other types of long skirts that are quite popular are Jaipuri prints and Leheriya prints. The latter is made in the cotton fabric can give you a stunning look. You can pair it with a contemporary crop top or short Kurti along with a designer stole to complete the look.

Dhoti pant

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One of the best recent innovations is Dhoti pants. The women seem to be in awe of it who are buying different colors and prints of the same, extensively. It is an interesting outfit which is highly convenient to wear. It can be worn with semi-long kurti and if you can accessorize it with a heavy beaded neckpiece, nothing like it! Do wear traditional juttis with dhoti setto make you look like a stunner.

Anarkali suit

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A beautiful and pretty Anarkali suit can be spotted in most of the wardrobes of women. While some like it as heavy and gaudy, some prefer to buy a lighter version on Anarkali suit. Anarkali can give you a slimmer look, provided the fitting of the suit is apt. It can make you look stunning of all the people present around. So, the flattering Anarkali suit is a must fashion essential.

Ethnic shrug

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How can the list not include an ethnic shrug, which has the power to revolutionize the look of your ordinary dress? Shrugs can be worn till waistline or long until knee length, depending on the outfit worn underneath. Both the long and short shrugs give a new meaning and a fresh look to your ethnic wear. Shrugs can be worn with kurti and leggings, dhoti salwar and medium heighted kurti, long skirts and short tops, etc.

Palazzo suit

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Much in fashion and demand, next on our list is a mighty palazzo suit. Long kurti with palazzo pants always adds an extra effect of ethnicity to the dress. Just slip into a loose yet well-fitted palazzo pants to hit for a get-together.

Lehenga choli

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Lehenga choli is undeniably the favorite ethnic wear of almost all the women. Unlike before, now the lehenga choli is available in a light fabric with new and interesting designs. Lehenga with long kurta is crafted in varied fabrics and styles today to give a sea of choices to the people who want to feel comfortable and confident in what they wear. If you are looking for a lehenga choli that does not make you look like you have dressed too much, just wear a chicken lehenga or a white simple lehenga choli with a Gota-Patti work.

Designer dupatta

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A cultural and ethnic look cannot be completed without dupatta. A few designer heavy dupattas must find a place in your wardrobe. Various varieties of dupatta include Banarsi dupatta, Gujrati sheesha work dupatta, leheriya dupatta, phulkari dupatta, silk dupatta, and many more. You can wear these dupattas with a regular plain salwar suit. Some dupattas like gujrati and leheriya go well with the long skirts too, you just need to carry it in a scarf or stole style.

Saree

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Need to go for an evening party?

The traditional silk saree can never go wrong. Silk Saree looks splendid in almost all the occasions and family functions. Ensure to wear heels with it to sport a leaner figure. A pair of earrings and matching bangles are a must to go with it. Saree is an important addition to the ethnic wear wardrobe.

So, this is the list of ethnic wear which can complete your “Desi” wardrobe. Select one or two of them and dress up at your best in the next event from Shaurya Sanadhya!

Indian Traditional Dresses – Ethnic Essentials for Every Girl (2024)

FAQs

What is the traditional ethnic dress found in India? ›

The traditional ethnic dress found in India varies by region, but some popular examples include the sari for women and the dhoti or kurta-pajama for men. Other traditional clothing items include the salwar kameez and lehenga for women, and the sherwani for men.

What is the traditional clothing for an Indian female called? ›

A saree or sari is a female garment in the Indian subcontinent. A sari is a strip of unstitched cloth, ranging from four to nine meters in length, that is draped over the body in various styles.

What is ethnic dress code? ›

Traditional clothing, often referred to as ethnic wear, is a reflection of a culture's identity and heritage. These garments have been passed down through generations, and they play a significant role in defining the essence of a particular region, community, or country.

Why is Indian ethnic wear important? ›

Importance of ethnic wear

It not only symbolizes the rich heritage of India but also plays a pivotal role in various aspects of life. From religious ceremonies to festivals and special occasions, ethnic attire becomes a mark of respect and reverence, connecting individuals with their roots and community.

Why is traditional dress important in India? ›

Traditional Indian clothing is not only beautiful but also has a deep cultural significance attached to it. Each garment tells a story of its own, and it reflects the country's rich history, cultural diversity, and regional variations.

What is the most popular dress in India? ›

The sari is arguably India's most popular dress. This six to nine-yard-long drape has been a symbol of Indian culture and tradition for centuries. Its popularity is attributed to its timeless elegance, versatility, and ability to suit women of all ages and body types.

What is the most beautiful traditional dress in India? ›

Our Top Picks For Beautiful Indian Traditional Dresses
RankProduct
1Saree
2Salwar Kameez
3Patiala Suit
4Anarkali Suit
17 more rows
Feb 3, 2023

What are Indian pants called? ›

The dhoti, also known as veshti, mardani, dhotar, jaiñboh & panchey, is a type of garment, fastened in between the legs in a manner that it resembles trousers in shape, it may be fitted loosely but other tighter fittings are worn as well. It is most popular in India and Nepal.

Which Indian outfit makes you look slim? ›

Choose loose fitted kurtas over tight ones: There is a big misconception that loose dresses make curvy women look curvier. Instead the body hugging kurtas tend to lay emphasis on the imperfections. Wear slightly loose flowy kurtas but don't be too extreme by wearing something a couple sizes big.

How to dress respectfully in India? ›

Dressing modestly means not showing all of your curves or muscles. To be respectful and ward off any unwanted attention, pack loose-fitting clothes. This doesn't mean you need to travel in a shirt twice your size; just leave the skin-tight stuff at home. Loose-fitting clothes are the norm here!

How to look expensive in saree? ›

  1. To achieve a classy and affluent appearance in a saree, attention to detail, thoughtful styling, and a focus on quality can make a significant difference. ...
  2. Choose Luxurious Fabrics:
  3. Select Sophisticated Colors:
  4. Embrace Traditional Weaves:
  5. Invest in Quality Embellishments:
  6. Perfect Draping:
  7. Pair with a Statement Blouse:
Dec 4, 2023

Why do Indians wear kurtas? ›

The kurta pajama holds immense cultural significance in India. It is not just a piece of clothing but a symbol of tradition and heritage. By choosing to wear kurta pajamas for Indian festivities, men can pay homage to their cultural roots and showcase their pride in Indian craftsmanship and design.

Can you wear a black dress to the races? ›

Although it is acceptable to wear black to the races or a formal event these are also your times to show your personality and really shine, choose a coordinated colourful outfit for the best combination of style and wow factor.

What is black dress code? ›

Traditionally, a black-tie dress code denotes a formal evening occasion, where men are meant to wear tuxedos and women, floor-length gowns. "The atmosphere is a more formal vibe," says Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert.

What is the most famous Indian dress? ›

The sari is arguably India's most popular dress. This six to nine-yard-long drape has been a symbol of Indian culture and tradition for centuries. Its popularity is attributed to its timeless elegance, versatility, and ability to suit women of all ages and body types.

What is the religious dress of India? ›

Indian religions

Hindu men frequently wear short coats (angarkha), and the women wear a long scarf, or robe (sari), whereas typical Muslim attire for men and women is a long white cotton shirt (kurtah) and trousers (pāʾijamah).

What is the traditional dress of Indian men? ›

Popular Indian Ethnic Wear for Men

Sherwani: The sherwani is a regal outfit grooms wear during weddings and other formal occasions. Bandhgala: The bandhgala is a formal jacket worn with a kurta and churidar pants. Dhoti Kurta: The dhoti kurta is a traditional Indian outfit that is worn on formal occasions.

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