Skip The Salwar, Add A Belt & Other Cool Ways To Style A Kurta!

Kurtas are the heart and soul of Indian wear, from casual styles with churidaars to shaadi-wale anarkalis. They’re light and comfortable and are the chosen OOTD for many girls all across India now. Yes, I know. When it comes to women and kurtas, tennu suit suit karda. But why limit ourselves to the same old kurta, salwar and dupatta set? Since kurtas are worn very often, by so many Indian women, it’s essential to keep it fresh and creative.

There are several ways to style the quintessential kurta. And Bollywood exhibits them all – kurtas over sarees, kurtas as dresses. They’ve basically recreated the kurta look, and they’ve done it well. So, here’s some celeb inspo for the kurta lover in you. Knock yourself out with seven chic new ways to wear the style, and thank me later.

1. Over A Saree

Yami Gautam, I’m finally impressed. This look is the best version of the kurta I’ve ever seen. If you’re feeling bold, try this ensemble at your next wedding appearance. Turn your floor length, button up kurta into a jacket, and wear it with a cotton saree. Keep it simple w.r.t accessories, and stick to antique jhumkas. Simple, but genius.

2. As A Dress

No one likes to wear fancy kurtas over and over again, at the risk of looking clothes-less or just simply OTT. But Parineeti Chopra here has solved that problem. Ditch the pants and dupatta, and just wear the kurta as a dress. Elevate this Indian outfit by adding strappy heels and hoop to it.

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3. With An Instant ‘Dupatta Cape’

Thank god, for Bollywood, amirite? This is such a chic way to style your sleeveless kurtas. Wear them with or without the bottoms. But the ONE detail to keep in mind is the cape-like drape of the dupatta. Pick a sheer dupatta for maximum cape impact; accessorize the outfit with a choker. Way to go, Tamanna!

4. Belted, With A Shrug

I must say, Bhumi is turning out to be quite the fashionista. Her style game takes another big step with this tie-and-dye kurta Indian look. Give her look a shot by wearing a summery shrug over it and belt is up with a slim belt. Wear the bohemian outfit with juttis and chandbalis.

5. Over Jeans, With Booties

You know what I love about Aditi? One second, this Bollywood beauty is a pageant queen and the next, she’s a stunning gypsy woman. If you have kurtas with bold slits, you need to have this outfit in your style file. All slits work – side, centre, off-centre. All you need to do is wear your favourite jeans under the kurta, with a matching pair of low-top ankle boots.

6. Statement Belt & Metallic Leggings

This Indian look is a keeper. You know why? Because it’s contemporary in the best way, but still close to home. Do it like Bollywood veteran Shilpa Shetty – wear your short kurta with an eclectic dupatta secured at the waist by a chunky statement belt. Add metallic leggings and pointy pumps for that extra oomph.

7. With Dhoti Pants

The fact that the ‘real Karisma Kapoor’ wore this look is enough to make it a must-have, isn’t it? Again, this look is a perfect match for kurtas with slits. Could be long or short, your pick. Club dhoti pants with your slit detail kurta for a different spin on the regular salwar-kameez look. Wear the combination with juttis and jhumkas.