30 Different Types of Trendy Kurtis You Should Have in Your Wardrobe

One of the most versatile garments that women can wear for almost every occasion possible if accessorised right are Kurtis. This traditional or Indo-western look is not just versatile but also elegant as well as comfortable and can be worn by women of all age groups. If you are still not convinced why you should opt for Kurtis, here is another reason, Kurtis can be paired with several bottom wear types; trousers, skirts, pants, leggings, churidars, etc. A Kurti will probably be the first choice of a college-going girl or a middle-aged woman who is going out for socialising. But how can a piece of garment be so versatile? Simply because there is a variety to choose from. Here are a few types of Kurti which are popular and in trend and the best way of wearing them:

1. Tail Kurti 

Tail Kurtis as the name suggests has a tail, which means that it is longer from behind and short from the front, very similar to the asymmetric style of designing. The tails have been in trend since 2017 and have been incorporated by brides in their outfits as well. Many times, girls wear this Kurti without bottoms as a dress to look glamorous. The tail Kurtis can be paired with stockings, leggings, jeans, and jeggings. Moreover, to add a little more flare to the outfit, one can also wear an ethnic jacket.

The tail Kurti can be worn at various occasions, just pair it with the right set of footwear and accessories. For the club parties, one can pair the outfit with stylish peep toes or ankle strap heels. For kitty parties pair the Kurti with sandals, fancy flats or wedges according to the occasion. To complete the look, one can take a clutch or a sling bag. Another version of the trail Kurti would be trail cut; a cut in the front of the Kurta giving it more layers and flare according to the needs of a person wearing the Kurti.

2. A-Line Kurti

A-line Kurtis are the most popular ones amongst the youth. The Kurti flares down from the waist forming an A with the length of the customer’s choice; till calf, ankle, or knee-length. The A-line kurta can be worn on formal occasions, festivals, also casual and daily wear. The Kurti can be paired with dhoti pants, jeggings, jeans, Patiala, Capri, or churidars. Accessorise the outfit according to the look you’re aiming for by adding a clutch, handbag or slings to it. Lastly, wear the appropriate footwear Pumps, Kolhapuris, sandals, or even casual shoes that fit the desired look.

3. Anarkali Kurti

The style that is evergreen and has been around since the time of Mughal-e-Azam. Madhubala made this trend famous when she wore it while playing the character of Anarkali, which is how it got its name. The perfect combination of elegance, grace, and traditional quotient. The best part about Anarkali Kurti is that it goes well on any body type and fits every occasion; formal parties, office wear, casual, college, etc. When it made a come back in the fashion industry, it was originally paired with Churidar or leggings, but later on, it was seen being paired with palazzos, pants, skirts, and jeggings. It was the most worn trend in weddings, festivals, and other such occasions.

The other versions of Anarkali were embraced and worn equally as the original; the side slit, the front slit, layered, Angrakha etc. One can accessorize to complete the look with Danglers, Jhumkas, Necklaces, clutches, slings, and more. Choosing a fitting footwear is essential with the outfit, the heavy Anarkali goes well with heels, while the casuals ones look great with sandals and flats.

4. Long Straight Kurti

The demand for long Kurti has increased massively in today’s date. The tall Kurtis go best with Skinny Jeans, Straight Pant, Palazzo, Tights, Dhoti Pants, to top it, one can wear ethnic jackets. When paired with skirts they make a great outfit and can be worn at parties, day-outings, and brunches. It is a perfect office wear outfit being funky and traditional at the same time. The entire look is enhanced by accessorising with apt jewels and bags. They come in multiple fabrics like Mashru, Cotton, Silk, Rayon, Viscose, Polyester, Crepe, and Georgette. The Pakistani Kurti is another version of long straight Kurti, only ill-fitted and with traditional prints. It has a more ethnic look and goes well with jeans, jeggings, leggings, straight pants, skirts, and palazzos. One can accessorize the Pakistani Kurti with oxidized jewelry, which is huge in size or junk jewels to keep the ethnicity intact.

5. Dhoti Style Kurti

With so many talented designers in the industry, these contemporary designs of the Kurtis have definitely taken over. The Dhoti style is the new trend that has been making its mark. They are traditional and yet have that modern touch. The dhoti style Kurtis has an unusual drape style and is comfortable to wear. The stylish looking Kurtis is body-hugging and loose from the waist down. The Kurti can be worn bottomless like a dress or be paired with stockings, leggings or tights with fancy prints. Usually, these kurtis are worn at weddings, parties or on festivals and often paired with double studs, ear jackets, or ear cuffs. And one can complete the look with a clutch.

6. Flared Kurti

The flared Kurtis are often confused with Anarkali. They might be similar looking, but only because they have a similar flare at the bottom. The flared Kurtis aren’t body-hugging, on the contrary they are loose and looks great on a tall-slim body type. Depending on the length of the Kurti, it is paired best with ankled jeans, Patiala, churidars, Straight Pants, etc. The Flared Kurtis can be worn with heels, bellies, flats, wedges, Ethnic wears, take your pick. Empire Waist Kurti is another version of flared Kurti which is a little more fitting from the bust and flared up from the waist down, but more suitable for formal settings.

They can be worn as a gown or paired with churidars, leggings, stockings, and tights. They can be paired with heels and clutch bags. Further, they can be paired with delicate jewelry like chains, ear cuffs, of studs, keeping it simple and classy.

7. Angrakha Kurti

Interestingly, Angrakha in ancient times was worn by the musicians of the royal court. This  Kurta was worn like a jacket and has two contrasting or similar flaps that lay on each other and are tied together at the side of the chest with the help of dori or straps. The dori of the Kurta has small Latkaan, tassels or pom-poms at the end to add more glamour to the attire. Now, in the modern world, the trend is worn by women on an almost daily basis. The Kurti makes great casual wear or office wear and can be paired with leggings or churidars. The heavier version of Anghrakha is generally worn at formal events and parties and paired with appropriate jewelry and bag. But the most worn Anghrakh Kurti is at weddings in bright colors and paired with pants, leggings, churidars, skirts or palazzos.

The Angrakha can be accessorized with slings, totes, potli bags and one can complete the look with apt jewels like dangle earrings, valuable jewelry like diamonds and gold, or oxidized jewelry that looks funky.  The Kurtis come in various fabrics like Chiffon, Georgette, Net, cotton, Chanderi, and silk, making it wearable in all seasons.

8. Indo-Western Kurtis

In this world of fusion, how can there not be a mix of the western and Indian styles in a Kurti? The traditional roots with a modern look, the indo-western with different necklines and sleeves, making the Kurti edgier. Or one can also induce asymmetrical cuts and slits according to their liking. These modern Kurtis can be worn with a pair of shot, pants, jeans, jeggings, leggings, stockings, etc. One can also wear a jacket with the outfit to add to the fusion. Throw in accessories like chockers, junk jewelry, necklaces, multi-strand necklaces, watches, ear cuffs, belts, sunglasses, bags, wallets, slings, different colors of bracelets or bangles, just about anything that works. To complete the look, one can wear boots, bellies, peep toes, casual shoes, gladiators, pumps. The Indo-westerns Kurti can be worn at several events like college, daytime outing, casual parties, dates, and non-traditional events.

9. Color Block Kurti 

If you want to make a bold statement, this is the perfect Kurti for you. Color block Kurti is Kurtis that have contrasting and bright color blocks. they can be of any shape asymmetrical, A-line, Straight long, short, etc. It is the color combinations that make them stand out. The colors of the Kurti can be contrasting but should work together as well. Mostly worn in summers, the Kurti can be worn under a jacket to look edgy and funky. It can be worn to occasions like casual outings, college fests, and casual parties. Generally, the Kurti is paired with straight pants, skirts, leggings, jeggings, jeans, and Palazzos. According to the event, one can pair the outfit with sandals, heels, flays, or bellies. To complete the outfit one can wear scarves, studs earrings, sunglasses, and different types of bags like wallet, slings or clutch.

10. Floor Length Kurti 

Our very own version of evening gowns and Bollywood’s current favorite trend, the floor-length Kurtis give you a royal look. Kurtis like Angrakha, Anarkali, printed, etc can fall under the category and have made a mark on the audience. Often they are accessorized with Jhumkis, bangles, Chandbali earrings and everything ethnic. Further, they go with most footwears like heels, flats, wedges, and Kolhapuris as well. 

11. Shirt Kurti

Another fusion of western and Indian culture, which has caught everyone’s attention is Shirt Kurti. As the name suggests, it is a fusion of a shirt and a Kurti which can be worn both in casual and formal settings. Sometimes it is worn as a dress too without any bottom wear. But generally, they are worn with all sorts of bottom wears like treggings, jeggings, leggings, jeans, churidars. They make excellent office wear and leave a lasting impression at interviews too. While the shirt Kurtis are mostly kept simple, they can be accessorized with chokers, earrings, ear cuffs, watches, etc. They come in different fabrics like Denim, Cotton, Georgette, Crepe, Viscose, Rayon, and Polyester. They are also available in various lengths, knee-length, ankle-length, or short, take a pick.

12. Kaftan Kurti

They are modern-day Kurti, which has become essential in women’s wardrobe. Kaftan Kurtis is trendy and sophisticated. Therefore they can be used on multiple occasions; however, they have a cool and casual vibe to it. The gorgeous summer wear is seen in a lot at parties, summer-beaches, outings, etc. They are often worn as a dress and at the same time can be paired with Jeans, jeggings, tights, etc. Hoop earrings tend to go the best with them, or a wooden kadha can fill the missing pieces along with sunglasses and a sling bag. And according to the occasion you’re wearing it for, you can wear shoes, heels, flats and more.

13. Cape Kurti

The women are every house’s superhero, so it is only fair they have their own capes, if not a cape, maybe a cape Kurti would suffice. The Kurti has an additional cloth accessory, either stitched to the original piece or as second pieces. The designers have taken this to a new level with their indo-western ultra-chic designs in this type. They are designer Kurtis and are usually worn for festivals or special occasions. To complete the look, one can pair them with churidars, or give it more funk with dhoti pants, or can keep it simple with leggings and tights. Since the cape is an accessory enough, keep it light with a long necklace, a clutch, stud earrings, etc. They are on the fancier side of Kurtis, which is why they should be worn with heels.

14. Kurti with a Jacket

Remember Ishaqzaade? Parineeti’s look in that movie had taken off and embraced by the girls rather quickly. A jacket over a Kurti which either breaks the monotony of the color with a contrasting jacket or with matching color prints adding a little more flare to the outfit. For the bottom wear, it is generally paired with matching churidar, palazzos, straight pants, leggings, jeans, jeggings. The heavier version of the Kurtis was seen to be worn by girls at weddings and festivals as well. The Kurti comes in various fabrics, while the silk and raw silks are used as base for stitching the heavy wedding outfits, the georgette, Rayon, Crepe are used to make the casual and party wear Kurti.

Depending on where you are going, one can wear heels, bellies, flats, boots, sandals, etc. they all go well with the outfit or when worn in sync with other things. Fancy jewelry like ear jackets, watches, chain bracelets, Boho and Collar necklaces tend to compliment the look with the Kurti.

15.  Denim Kurtis

Denim came in trend within the 90s when Urmila and Aamir brought them into notice in their movie Rangila. The trend never went away. With the evergreen trend makes you look rugged and sporty was later fused with traditional wear and made into denim Kurtis. The denim Kurtis are worn for casual events and settings due to the ruggedness. The slit version of the Kurti can be worn with a skirt, while the simple one goes with many bottom wears like jeggings, leggings, palazzos, treggings, jeans, and tights. A sling bag would add more edge to the look with minimal accessories like a scarf or watch, or a bunch of bangles or kadhas in one hand. One can wear the Kurti with white shoes, or flats, heels, and sandals, as per their choice.

16. C- Shaped Kurti

The C-shaped Kurti is similar to high-low kurti, and often are mistaken for each other. The front hem of this Kurti is in C shape and hence the name. The front hem has a fixed and specific shape, which is what makes it different from the high-low Kurti. If you have a slim body and this Kurti will fit you well, one can flaunt their curves. But if you wear C-shape Kurti it makes you thinner, the Kurti can be worn on several occasions like kitty parties, on a date and other casual settings, and the heavier version can be worn on festivals, house warmings, and weddings. Girls often wear this Kurti like a dress, which gives a tail dress illusion with a fancy pair of heels, boots, and bellies.

They can be worn with several styles of the bottom, the leggings, jeggings, but also with Patialas or Dhoti style pants.One can also pair them up with jeans or a contrasting churidar. While accessorizing, make sure you pick classy jewelry like huge studs or ear jackets, watches, clutches or handheld bags.

17. Asymmetrical Kurti 

Just like the name suggests, Asymmetrical Kurti has no specific style. The designers have all the liberty in the world to incorporate all sorts of cuts and designing shapes for this Kurti. This style of Kurti is popular with Bollywood beauties made in a lightweight fabric like chiffon, georgette, crepe, etc. Looking so trendy and funky, they can be worn on festivals, evening parties, casual outing during the day, kitty parties.  College-going girls often are seen pairing it with skinny jeans, tights of pants, though the leggings, jeggings, and churidars go well with them too. Another plus point about wearing an asymmetrical Kurti is that it makes you look taller, making it popular amongst ladies.

Depending on the intensity of the occasion, one can accessorize with watches, pendants, studs, dangle earrings, hoops, tassel Drops, belts, and scarves. In footwear, one can take a pick depending on how formal or informal the event is.

18. Princess Cut Kurtis

If you want to flaunt your curves, then Princess-cut is the Kurti you should opt for. Like a princess gown, the princess cut Kurtis are fitted well from the shoulder till the waist and flared beneath that. There various types of Kurtis within princess cut, collar style with a button-down, sweetheart or queen and necklines, embroidered yoke, etc. The princess cut has been in fashion for a long time and still remains to be in trend. They can be designed in any kind of fabric making it feasible for all sorts of occasions like office, casual setting, trips, dates, formal parties, office, interviews, no matter what they leave an impact.

The quarter sleeves in the princess cut look very royal, which is why the is most used sleeves in princess cut for a wedding outfits are quarter sleeves. For office wear or casual setting, one can pair the Kurti with leggings, jeans, jeggings, treggings, tights, and palazzos and in more festive settings one can pair it with Dhoti pants, skirts, and Patialas.

The fashion police often advise not wearing princess cut Kurti with harem pants. The wedding outfits require heavy accessories like dangle earrings, clutches, and heels while the casual outfit can be paired with sling bags, Kolhapuris, sandals, studs earrings, watches.

19. High-Low Kurti

Similar to already mentioned C-shaped Kurti or tail Kurti, the hem of the High-low Kurti is shorter from the front and longer on the back. The differences, however, is in the shape, tail Kurti is way longer at the back in comparison to c-shape and high-low are free to short from the front in different designs making it stylish with a little feminine touch. The high-low Kurtis are versatile and can be worn at multiple occasions varying from casual to pre-wedding shoots to formal wear, just wear the appropriate bottoms. Like other Kurtis, High-low can be paired with all sorts of bottom wear, leggings, churidars, jeggings, jeans, skirts, pants, stockings, or even bottomless like a dress.

Similarly, according to the event, one can accessorize with tribal necklaces, junk jewels, wooden kadhas, bangles, watches, take a pick. It goes well with several footwears, just pick the right ones that go with the look you’re aiming for. One can incorporate a dupatta if they feel like it as well.

20. Printed Kurti

 

Deepika Padukone through her movie Love Aaj Kal brought back the printed Kurti trend or at least got everyone’s attention. Printed Kurtis are simply digitally printed fabric made into Kurti, they can be of any style and still look brilliant though only for a casual setting, colleges or office wears. They can be floor-length, knee-length, calf-length, asymmetrical, A-line, or with slits, which would go beautifully with a skirt. One can wear it with the same color or contrasting leggings or jeggings, palazzos, or jeans. But for an edgier look, one can wear it with Patiala or Dhoti pants. For a funky look add a scarf, hoops, and a sling. For office wear, one can wear accessories with handheld bags or laptop bags, a watch, sandals or bellies.

21. Overlay Kurti

The overlay is a fascinating concept in Kurtis, which can also be considered as respecting the Indian culture. The base of the overlay Kurti is western trends inspired where it is a better form of spaghetti which can be printed or plain depending on the design. The inner is covered by another garment which might be opaque and made of light-weight cloth-like net, georgette, crepe, etc. Overall it gives a look of two layers. They make excellent attire for occasions like parties, weddings, receptions, and festivals since they have a little vibrant vibe. They can be paired with leggings, Salwar, Palazzo, and if floor-length, it can be worn like a gown.  The overlay Kurti can be accessorized with a statement or a geometrical necklace, Jhumka, and a clutch.

22. Double Layered Kurti 

As the name suggests, double-layered Kurti is designed with two layers, giving more flare to the outfit. It shouldn’t be confused with overlay Kurti, double-layered Kurti has a layer stitched and isn’t a two-piece. The layers can be contrasting and entirely of different colors in combination or of the same color family the light and dark shade. Currently, they are one of the most demanded garments in the market. They look brilliant when paired with jeans, leggings, churidars, palazzos, jeggings, and tights. Maintaining the ethnic look of the Kurti, it can be accessorised with traditional Indian jewelry made of gold, in artificial one can use spike or multilayered necklaces, along with beautiful drop earrings or ear jackets and a nice clutch or totes bag.

23. Pintucks Kurti 

Pintucks are also called ornamental pleats that are stitched in the fabrics. In the fashion world, pintucks Kurtis are a chic addition which has pleats on the necklines that   the Kurti look classy and is perfect for a formal setting. They make for a great attire for casual daytime outings,office or interview wear. Generally, they are single color Kurtis, which are paired with contrasting color jeggings, leggings, treggings or jeans. To add to the attire, one can wear Jhumkis or studs to maintain a classy look and heels like pumps or bellies. But if not, then one can also wear flats and sandals with the outfit. Wearing pintucks Kurti with palazzos, skirts or with a jacket can ruin the entire ethnic look of the outfit as they don’t go well with Pintucks.

24. Slit Kurti 

Slits Kurti is one of the most in-demand fashion trends even though it was introduced in 2016-2017. The crazy fashion hit the market and spread like an epidemic, only the kind we like. There are different types of slit Kurtis, the front slit which adds a little more charm to Anarkalis and printed floor-lengths, or indo-western, the higher the slit, the better. The single side slits, which can look sexy and double side slits which give more movement to the outfit. Sometimes the outfit has three slits and which was the latest slit trend; one in front and one on each side. The tree slit Kurti is best paired with a skirt, which gives a lehenga feel and is worn at weddings and other such heavy functions. They also have heavy work and embroidery on them, which makes it event appropriate.

The front slit can be used in both formal and casual settings, while the front slit Anarkali was a hit at weddings, they were also a hit in casual wear like a printed front open paired with jeans or jeggings making it a trendy outfit. Add hoops and heels to the mix, you have one of the best fusion outfits. Pairing the front open with jeggings, leggings or treggings will look more ethnic and can be accessorised with chandbali, or other such earrings which go well with ethnic wear. The side slits can also be worn in both formal and informal settings pared with jegging, leggings, skirts. Juttis, flats, and sandals go well with that outfit.

25. Tulip Kurti 

All the college girls, if you want to make a lasting impression in college, this is your easy pick! Pair it with jeggings, jeans, leggings you will still look stylish and trendy. The tulip shape of the Kurti and its hemline designs is what makes it stand out, it isn’t double layered but gives you an illusion of the same. Sling bags, juttis, flats, or sandals add more to the trendy look. Hoops, studs, drop earrings, statement necklaces, everything looks beautiful with it. The tulip Kurtis work well in college fests, casual settings, or even a date if accessorised well.

26. Reversible Kurti

If you can buy two outfits at the price of one, wouldn’t you? Well, buy a reversible Kurti. It comes in two-pieces, a base kurta and a jacket which can be reversed and worn. With dual colors available in jacket one can buy one more base Kurti, and you might have four different outfits. The reversible Kurti are generally worn in formal settings like offices and interviews for a lasting impression. Pair it with leggings, treggings or churidars in a formal setting and jeggings and jeans in informal or casual settings. Keep the accessories classy with stud earrings and wooden Kadha.

27. Tiers Kurti 

One of the most sport and trendy Kurti in the market which can be worn as a dress and with shoes is Tiers Kurti. The fashion industry is competitive and filled with creative geniuses. The Kurti can be worn in different lengths, long tiers Kurti might be straight or flared, which can be paired with churidar, leggings, and treggings. The knee-length and calf-length can be paired with palazzos, salwar, or Patialas. They are an excellent choice of outfit for festivals, weddings, office wear. Both ethnic and modern jewelry goes with the Kurti, pick the accessories according to the look you’re aiming for.

28. Frock Kurti

Bring back the 80s vibe only traditional style. The frock Kurtis might remind you of the western 80s vibe where ladies used to wear long dresses. Like any frock, they are typically fitted from above and flare-y from the bottom. Though they can be paired up tights, leggings, and jeggings, palazzos and pants, most ladies wear like a frock or a dress. They aren’t worn in formal settings and work best on casual outings and colleges. Heels and light jewelry with a frock Kurti will make a perfect outfit.

29. Cold Shoulder Kurti

If you know anything about fashion trends, then you would know Cold Shoulder, which has basically taken over the industry, be it grand events like weddings, or as casual as a daytime outing with friends. Cold shoulder Kurtis are paired with pants, palazzos, jeggings, leggings, bottomless, or jeans depending on the length you opt for. The cold shoulder can be pretty much considered as an accessory, which is why you can tone down on jewelry, a long pendant and stud earrings with cold shoulder would be sufficient and fantastic. Heels, chappals, flats anything works as footwear in the casual setting.

30. Cowl Kurti

Cowl Kurti is somewhere between asymmetrical and dhoti drape of Kurti, which is a bold and bright outfit for festivals and weddings. The hemline and the falls of Cowl Kurti are unique and stylish, which stands out in parties. Most people wear the cowl Kurti bottomless but can be paired with stockings or leggings according to comfort. Studs Earrings or ear jackets make a classy statement with a clutch along with heels; Sandals, peep toes, stilettos, bellies take a pick.

Conclusion

Indian wear is recognized and appreciated all over the world. The most comfortable wearable Indian attire would be a Kurti, which is why you can see a lot of foreign ladies wearing, embracing, respecting the Indian culture while visiting India. Often when they visit a temple or any religious place, they tend to wear traditional and visit these sacred places. Even in Bollywood the trend of Kurtis has stayed as all the actresses are often seen wearing it on multiple occasions be it airport look, some festival or casually. The Kurtis have stayed in trend and looks like the trend is here to say. Kurtis are one of the best picks for college, office, parties, and formal wear if worn with apt jewelry and footwear.