26 Types Of Kurtis And Styling Tips Every Woman Should Know
Learn which kurti designs work best for your body type and where and how to wear them.
Traci Jeske is an internationally certified personal stylist with over 30 years of experience. She is also the director of En Vogue Stylist and helps women 50 and beyond up level their glamor game by finding their unique style and looking and feeling absolutely fabulous.
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Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Okay, so the point is, you can never have too many kurtis. This is because there are so many types of kurtis available that most of us are yet to try them. All of them have their own significance and make a striking difference to your looks. So, if you want to have a look at the many types of these timeless pieces of clothing, then you will be glad to know that you are in the right place, for we are here to help. Please scroll down and find them all out. Come on!
Ace The Look- Makeup: Opt for a minimalistic makeup look when wearing kurtis for formal occasions. Add a pop of contrasting colors to your lips and eyes for casual and party looks.
- Accessories: Wear large Jhumkas and Chandbalis with party-wear kurtis, small oxidized earrings with daily-wear kurtis, and hoops or studs with shirt-style kurtis.
- Hairstyle: Go for sleek ponytails and braids for work, wear them in half-up and half-down styles for a casual look, and try updos for formal events and parties.
- Footwear: Wear wedges and heels with party wear Anarkalis and long kurtis, flats with daily wear printed and indo-western kurtis, and shoes with causal denim, shirt-style, and high-low kurtis.
In This Article
26 Different Types Of Kurti Designs
Kurtis reflect the rich tradition of Indian traditional dresses, and the best part is that there’s one for everyone and every occasion. Traci Jeske, International Personal Stylist, says, “To give some style and shape, know your colors and which suit you best. Darker tones are slimming and choosing less clingy fabrics will elongate you. The longer the kurta, the more slimming it will be. Choose the right accessories to compliment your look. Add a belt or a jean jacket to give some personality for a more casual everyday look.” But remember, no matter how beautiful a kurta is, if it’s not styled the right way and with appropriate bottoms, it can fall flat. To avoid any kurta gaffes, let’s look at the different types of kurti designs pattern and also some styling tips.
1. Tail Cut Kurti
Tail cut kurtis are very similar to asymmetrical kurtis, except they are a little longer at the back. They bump up your style instantly. This style has been trending for the last few seasons.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall women, petite, hourglass, pear, and triangle shaped body types.
Avoid If – You are attending a formal event or have a round body type.
Occasion – Parties and special occasions.
Goes With – Leggings, Jeggings – anything full length.
2. High-Low Kurti
High-low kurtis are another variant that falls under the asymmetric design. Except these do not have a definition, and have a straight hemline.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – All body types.
Avoid If – You are attending a formal event.
Occasion – For an informal set-up.
Goes With – Leggings – full, ankle length or printed; Jeggings, Treggings.
Angie, a blogger, shares her experience of styling long kurtis with jeans and palazzo pants to make her appear taller. She writes, “Wearing a long kurti can be dreadful when you’re petite because it can easily drown your figure. I believe it’s really about the right length/fit and accessories when you are styling clothes. For my first outfit, I wore a mom jeans with my kurti, notice that my jeans are actually cropped and are working to elongate my legs (i).”
Trivia3. Flared Kurti
Flared kurtis are chic and elegant. They swing both ways, so you could wear them for both a formal set-up or just as daily wear. The hemline opens up on both the sides, adding a little bounce to the outfit, and that’s what makes these attractive.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall women, pear, round and triangle shaped body types.
Avoid If – You are attending a formal event or have a round body type.
Occasion – Office, college, daily wear.
Goes With – Leggings, jeggings – anything full length.
4. Poncho Or Kaftan Style Kurti
A comfortable and airy kurti design that camouflages the unflattering flab (if any). It might seem a little consuming for small body types, but is, nevertheless, a stylish choice.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall women, pear, round and triangle shaped body types.
Avoid If – You are attending a formal event or if you are petite.
Occasion – College, daily wear.
Goes With – Leggings – full length.
5. Front Slit Kurti
Your regular printed kurtis now come with a little twist, and that little twist makes a lot of difference to your outfit. The front slits instead of the usual side slits, paired with palazzos, will set you apart from the crowd.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall women, pear, petite, hourglass, and triangle shaped body types.
Avoid If – You are attending a formal event or have a round body type.
Occasion – Office, daily wear, party wear.
Goes With – Palazzos.
6. Straight Cut Pintuck Kurti
Pintuck detailing is an elegant design element that adds charm and sophistication to your outfit. Looks great with cotton, chanderi or handloom fabrics. There are a lot of variants with this detailing, so there’s one for everybody.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall women, petite, pear, hourglass, and triangle shaped body types.
Avoid If – You are attending parties – it might be too simple.
Occasion – Office, college, daily wear.
Goes With – Straight cut pants, palazzos or culottes.
7. Shirt Style Kurti
Shirt style kurtis are everywhere because they are both stylish and comfortable. A perfect blend of traditional and contemporary, these are easy to carry off and style.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Avoid If – You are attending parties – it might be too simple.
Occasion – Office, college, daily wear.
Goes With – Jeans, leggings, jeggings or treggings.
8. Angrakha Kurti
Angrakha is a style that is inspired by the musicians’ dresses way back in the day. It has a style similar to a wrap around, where a big chunk of the dress side sweeps on to the other side like a flap, which can be embellished and decked up with pom-poms, tassels or anything of your choice. If you are looking for an ethnic-chic look, here’s what you need.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Daily wear, parties, depending on the fabric and embroidery.
Goes With – Leggings or even palazzos if you can pull it off.
9. Denim Kurti
The thing with denim kurtis is that they can be worn with leggings, or like one piece dresses too.
Suits – Young women.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Daily use or in any informal set-up, considering it’s denim.
Goes With – Culottes, ankle length leggings, treggings, and jeggings.
10. Printed Kurti
We don’t know where to begin for this one because it’s a never-ending list of beautiful prints. From baltic to block print, Kalamkari to digital print, Bandhani to Chikankari, and Gota Patti, there are so many – and one that matches every occasion, body type, preference, and budget.
Suits – Women of all age groups.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – You can wear printed kurtis practically anywhere. Pair them up with rich and embroidered dupattas to wear them to parties.
Avoid – Matching printed tops with printed bottoms, it looks busy and distasteful.
Goes With – Leggings (any length), dhoti pants, palazzos, jeans, jeggings – practically everything.
11. Tunic Style Kurti
Tunic tops touch the sweet spot between traditional and contemporary. They just slide onto your body easily and sit effortlessly, the peplum design gives your body a beautiful outline.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Petite, tall, hourglass, pear-shaped, round, and inverted triangle body types.
Occasion – Daily use – office, college or kitty parties.
Avoid – Wearing short tunics with full length leggings.
Goes With – Culottes, chinos, half or ankle length leggings, treggings, and jeggings.
12. Flared Short Kurti
Flared up kurtis usually open near your breast line with a V-neck and billow down into a beautiful pirouette at the end of the hemline. They come in varied lengths and fabrics. A design that will help you camouflage your midriff region in a way that no one ever finds out that you have a paunch.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Petite, tall, hourglass, pear-shaped, and inverted triangle body types.
Occasion – Daily use – office, college or kitty parties.
Avoid – Wearing them with full length leggings. It can look pretty sloppy.
Goes With – Denims, chinos, half or ankle length leggings, treggings, and jeggings.
13. Overlay Style Design
Overlays are multilayered – usually an embroidered or embellished layer that covers the inner transparent material. Since most of them come in flowing fabrics like rayon, chiffon, and georgette, they are form fitting and flattering.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Petite, tall, hourglass, and inverted triangle body types.
Occasion – Parties, special occasions.
Avoid – If you have a pear-shaped body type, wear something that is relatively loose near the tummy area.
Goes With – Culottes, linen pants, half or ankle length leggings.
14. Anarkali Kurti
Anarkalis have practically taken over the ethnic clothesline, and they are just everywhere. Plus with the kind of designs available out there, it’s better than ever. The best part with the Anarkali is that you can either dress up or down depending on the fabric and embroidery.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Any body type.
Occasion – Daily use – office, college or kitty parties.
Goes With – Leggings – ankle or full length.
15. Long Straight Cut Kurti
All of us own these, and all of us love them. Long, straight cut kurtis with a round neck suit any occasion and personality, and they also instantly make you look stylish.
Suits – Women of all age groups.
Body Type – Tall, hourglass, pear-shaped, round and inverted triangle body type.
Occasion – Office, college, parties (depending on the fabric and embroidery)
Goes With – Palazzos, leggings – full or ankle length.
Trivia16. Dhoti Style Kurti
Dhoti style kurtis are a mix or high-low and asymmetrical with a cowl cut design at the hemline. This kurti design is in vogue right now and will set you apart in parties.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Petite, tall, hourglass, and inverted triangle body types.
Occasion – Parties.
Avoid – If you have a round or pear-shaped body type.
Goes With – Dhoti pants, leggings.
17. Indo-Western Style Kurti
Indo-western style kurtis are a staple in every girl’s wardrobe, and are a must-have. They are comfortable, stylish, and easy to maintain. You just need a few of these and a couple of pairs of trousers – and you are sorted.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Office, college, and daily wear.
Goes With – Linen pants, culottes, jeans, leggings, jeggings, and treggings.
18. Jacket Style Kurti
A jacketed kurti adds an interesting definition to your outfit and amps up your style instantly. It can actually pass off as a dress as well.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall, pear, inverted triangle, and round body types.
Occasion – Office and party wear.
Goes With – Leggings and palazzos.
19. Floor Length Kurti
A level above the Anarkali style, the floor length kurtis are an excellent choice for parties. If you have a petite body, go for sleeveless and a straight cut; it can otherwise look too consuming.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall, pear, inverted triangle, and round body types.
Occasion – Party wear, special occasions.
Avoid – If you have a petite body type.
Goes With – Leggings and palazzos.
20. Princess Cut Kurti
– www.ajio.com
Princess cut dresses, blouses, and now, kurtis. This cut creates an illusion and makes you look thinner than you are. And, that’s why this is one of my favorite kurti designs.
Suits – Women of all age groups.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Office, college, and daily wear.
Goes With – Leggings, linen pants, and palazzos.
21. Asymmetrical Kurti
Asymmetrical designs are everywhere – they are fancy, smart, and sophisticated. These usually come without side slits and add to the aesthetics of the outfit. Not just that, but your body silhouette too.
Suits – Young to medium-aged women.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Usually meant for office parties or office wear.
Goes With – Leggings – full length.
22. Double Layered Kurti
Double layered kurtis are like your regular straight cut or long kurtis, except the hemline has an additional layer. This kurti design adds an interesting definition to the aesthetics of the dress.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Party wear or office, depending on the fabric and work on the kurti.
Goes With – Leggings.
23. Reversible Kurti
Two for the price of one – yes that’s what you get. Talk about value for money, people!
Suits – Women of all age groups.
Body Type – Any or all body types.
Occasion – Office, college, and daily wear.
Goes With – Leggings – ankle size, knee or full length, linen pants, jeans, and palazzos.
24. Side Slit Kurti
Kurtis with a side slit are so in right now. Especially the floor length ones, with a thigh-high slit, take your style quotient to the next level. All you need are a pair of leggings or palazzos, minimalist makeup, and a messy bun.
Suits – Women of all age groups.
Body Type – Any body type.
Occasion – Parties or special occasions.
Goes With – Leggings, linen pants, and palazzos.
25. Tiered Kurti
Tiered kurtis usually are slit-free and come in a combination of colors. Imagine a multi-tiered cake, that’s how these look. But, remember that they can seem dated if the right fabrics are not used or if the finish is sloppy.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Tall women, pear-shaped, and inverted triangle body types.
Occasion – Office, college, and daily wear.
Goes With – Leggings.
26. Cape Kurti
A cape kurti is traditional Indian clothing with a modern twist. It is a kurti, usually in a straight-cut style, that features a cape, where loose flowing fabric is attached to the sleeves, back, or neckline of the garment. It comes in various designs, patterns, and lengths, and it may be sheer or opaque. It adds an extra layer to your outfit, making it look more modern and stylish. These kurtis can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Suits – Young to middle-aged women.
Body Type – Apple-shaped, pear-shaped, and hourglass body types.
Occasion – Parties and semi-formal occasions.
Goes With – Leggings, trousers, or palazzo pants.
Infographic: Versatile Kurtis And Styling Tips Every Woman Should Know
Everybody strives to purchase clothes that can be teamed up with other pieces of clothing and worn on various occasions. With that thought in mind, we have rounded up some of the most versatile kurtis and styling tips every woman should know. Check out the infographic below to know more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
We should be grateful to the designers who put in tremendous effort and creativity in designing different types of kurtis, giving us innumerable choices. These kurtis are so versatile that one can try out new looks every day with a single kurti by pairing them with different bottom wears. For example, if you want a casual western look, team a kurti with a pair of regular or ripped jeans. For the desi girl in you, wear leggings or Patiala pants. You can also pair your kurti with a maxi skirt with traditional motifs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you style Kurtis for different body types?
A-line kurtis with vertical stripes work well for those with an apple body shape. Go for straight fits with embellished tops if you have a pear-shaped body, whereas choose fitted styles or the ones with belted options for an hourglass body. However, people with rectangular body shapes should pick kurtis with peplum layers and bold prints.
Which is the best kurti?
Kurtis are made keeping the occasion, latest trends, and comfort levels in mind. A plain and simple cotton kurti is convenient for everyday wear. If you are looking for the perfect kurti for party wear, double-layered, asymmetrical, and jacket-style kurtis in shimmery fabric will make the cut. Eventually, you would feel the most confident in a style that is personally comfortable to you.
Which type of kurti is currently trending?
Kurtis with single shoulders or shoulder straps paired with a printed palazzo, culotte, or chino are currently trending.
How do you choose kurtis?
Choose kurtis depending on your body shape, the occasion, style, and colors you’re comfortable with. For example, A-line kurtis flatter the apple-shaped body, while anarkali style looks great on a pear-shaped body. Check the fabric as well. Georgette and crepe kurtis look trendy and stylish, while silk, cotton, and tussar kurtis look elegant.
Are short kurtas in fashion?
Yes. Short kurtas are in fashion for their comfort, utility, and chic looks.
What is the difference between kurti and kurta?
Kurtas had started as collarless, loose-fitting, knee-length shirts. However, with ever-evolving trends that get experimental with collars and lengths, the only difference between kurta and kurti today is the fitting. Kurtas are loose-fitting, while kurtis are body-hugging.
Key Takeaways
- Kurtis with styles like high-low, front slit, tail cut, and flared have different kinds of hemlines than regular ones and create a unique and trendy look.
- Indo-Western-style kurtis are a must-have as you can experiment with different fabrics, colors, and patterns for the bottom wear.
- Wear statement accessories such as sleek necklaces, chunky earrings, silk scarves, and polished belts with kurtis to enhance and spice up your look.
- Chunky or simple statement jewelry is the easiest way to uplift and spice your look.
- Kurtis are a versatile option as they can be worn for different occasions. However, they’re body-type-specific.
Illustration: Types Of Kurtis And Styling Tips Every Woman Should Know
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Explore the realm of style and elegance in this video that features 8 fabulous ways to rock your kurti and achieve a chic look that exudes confidence and grace. Check it out!
Personal Experience: Source
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i. 3 Ways to Style a Long Kurti as a petitehttps://trulyangieblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/14/three-ways-to-style-a-long-kurti/
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Read full bio of Pratima Ati
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