ByA majority of Indian women’s wardrobes are stocked with salwar suit sets because they are easy to wear, can be styled with minimal effort, and instantly give you a polished, stylish appearance. Investing in a variety of such salwar suits will help enhance your ethnic wear collection for both everyday work wear as well as special occasions. Salwar suits are also rooted in Indian culture and are a great way to include traditional Indian clothing in your daily life. Keep reading as this guide helps you pick from the different types for work and shares tips and tricks to style salwar suits for work.
Is Salwar Suit Formal?
Yes! Salwar suits with minimal embellishments are a great choice for workwear. Most Indian offices accept salwar suits as workwear and one should have no issues wearing them at work or even for interviews. You can pick solid suits, soft pastels, neutral colours, or multi-colour prints like ikat and bandhani. Just remember to pick minimal suits with no tassels or sequins for a formal look. You can buy salwar suits set in a variety of options with different types of bottoms, dupattas, and jackets.
Types Of Salwar Suits For Work
By Silhouette:
- A-line: Love Anarkali suits? Well, A-line kurtas are nothing but a toned-down version of the elegant Anarkali kurtas and should be on your workwear wishlist. Opt for straight pants or leggings sets.
- Palazzo: Wide-legged palazzo suits give an ethnic touch and are practical for your everyday commute. For a breezy ensemble, choose a loose-fitting kameez or go for a fitted top that flatters your curves.
- Kaftan: If you’re tired of combatting the summer heat, kaftan suit sets should be on your radar. The breezy and comfortable kaftans are saviours in hot temperatures while still helping you look stylish.
- Angrakha: Traditionally, men wore the Angrakha as a robe. Today, it has been modified for women’s kurtas by imitating the overlapping at the bust, which creates a V-neckline. Optional side ties for a wrap effect are also offered for the Angrakha-style suit sets.
- Patiala: Punjab is home to the popular Patiala suit, which consists of a fitting kameez to balance the proportions and flared pants with layers that are cuffed at the bottom.
By Print & Colours:
- Floral: In 2024, florals – especially those in pastel hues for the summer – are a big hit. A popular style for formal wear is a salwar suit set with hand-painted flowers. Traditional block-printed florals are also a top choice for work wear.
- Geometric: Abstract and geometric shapes are a great choice for salwar suits as the undefined lines add a slimming effect. Geometric patterns with nature-inspired designs are another trendy option to try.
- Ombre & Tie-Dye: Traditional tie-dye patterns like bandhani, leheriya, and shibori are quite popular for workwear outfits. You can also opt for ombre salwar suits for a toned-down look that still has a splash of colour.
- Monochrome: If you wish to flaunt your favourite colour, opt for monochrome salwar suits that combine tones of the same shade for a classy look. These suits are also great to mix and match with pieces from other sets.
- Embroidered: From the self-embroidered chikankari kurtas to minimal delicate zari work, embroidered salwar suits will add an elegant touch to your work wardrobe. They are also great for festive work parties and events.
How To Style Salwar Suits For Work
- Bag: Carry a tote or handbag with salwar suits for an elegant and chic touch. You can also pick a sling bag for days when you don’t need to carry your laptop. Go for a black or neutral bag to match with different salwar suits.
- Footwear: Loafers, close-toed flats, and sandals are a great option to wear at work. They complement the salwar suit while adding a formal wear touch to the outfit. For casual Fridays and special occasions, you can also choose Kolhapuri flats and juttis. If you wish to add height, pumps and block heels will be your best bet for comfort and style,
- Jewellery: Dainty pendant chains and matching studs with a chain bracelet make the perfect combination for a formal look. They can be paired with different types of salwar suits and even your western wear formals. You can also consider wearing small jhumkas or oxidised chokers to add a desi touch.
- Jackets: Cropped blazers or suit jackets over kurtas will help add a fashionable formal touch to your outfit. They look especially cool on kurtas with collared necklines. You can also opt for shrugs or leather jackets to switch up the look.
- Fusion Mix And Match: Don’t shy away from adding a touch of fusion by wearing elements of your salwar suits with Western wear staples. For example, pairing your kurta with denim jeans is quite trendy right now. You can also wear short tops with palazzo pants or trousers from your salwar suits.
Conclusion:
Salwar suits are a suitable choice for the office and should be in your workwear wardrobe. Whether you want to wear them once in a while or love to flaunt your ethnic style every day, buying salwar suits for work will help you look and feel good. You can easily dress them up or down with jewellery and accessories for daily wear or festive work parties. Similarly, adding jackets and coats over kurtas or wearing bottoms from your salwar suit sets with tops will allow you to get the best from your sets.
While salwar suits are a great one-and-done solution to getting dressed quickly, you can also mix and match separate pieces to get multiple cute outfits. All you have to do is make sure the ensemble is centred around a focal point and use complementing colours. You can put together a piece with prints with a solid garment for a well-balanced appearance. Mismatched prints in the same colour scheme also look fantastic together. Embracing the traditional garment in a work setting will not only help represent your culture but also show off your unique style.
