I like to look feminine, but not in a loud way. I make it a point to dress well as it feels good and in my profession I need to look pretty and glamorous |
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Style Statement: I like to look feminine, but not in a loud way. I make it a point to dress well as it feels good and in my profession I need to look pretty and glamorous
Lucknowi style: I believe that a Lucknowi garment is the most versatile piece of clothing one can possess. You can wear a Lucknowi short kurta with a mini skirt, over jeans or as a top over a bikini. I have been wearing this black kurta since five years, even on travels.
I love to accessorise my Lucknowi ensemble with a stole, belt, cap. I even wear kurtas over harem pants
Fashion faux pas: I see women wearing beautiful clothes, but the way they accessorise it, puts me off. Women need to set in their individuality and incorporate their signature look in their work wardrobe as well. | | |  | | Elegant for all occasions | | |  | | Experiment with soft pastel shades | | |  | | Pair a plain kurta with long colourful earrings | When it comes to power dressing, nothing beats the elegance of a crisp white Lucknowi. And as fashion designer Pria Kataria Puri puts it, “The outfit portrays the more humane, relaxed and artistic side of one’s personality.”
Traditional Lucknowi salwar kameezes are usually made out of cotton, the ideal fabric for Indian climates. However, if you want your ensemble to look more formal, you could get chikan work done on chiffon, georgette or organza. And the embroidery looks good on western clothes too. However, for the right touch of elegance for your work wear, all you need to do is wear it right. Here are a few tips:
Pria says, “Wear knee length crepe Lucknowi kurtas. Tie a colourful scarf/dupatta around your neck in a creative manner like in a cravat form. Team this with a pair of jeans. If you’re leaving for a party you can jazz up with boots and a belt.” Likewise, tunics can be paired with jeans and Lucknowi blouses with skirts and trousers. “Choose Lucknowi blouses that cover your hips or kurtas just above the knee if you don’t want to draw attention to your body,” suggests Pria.
Pastel hues like white, pink, lime and off white are all-time classics but officegoers can experiment with colours like beige, olive, navy blue, black, as well as neutral shades like dull rose and vintage pink. Geometric patterns and criss-cross designs are unisex. While cotton Lucknowis look elegant, they have a tendency to crush easily. Crepe ones however, retain their look throughout the day. Georgette ones may be in vogue but the fabric is sheer and the extra layering can be uncomfortable. So avoid wearing them to office.
To give your Lucknowi salwar kameez a formal look, opt for a Chinese collar with three quarter sleeves. “Though the outfit can be cut close to the body, it shouldn’t be too fitted, allowing you to move and sit comfortably,” says Pria.
Though people concentrate more on the chikankari on the kurta, they can also get work done on the churidars, sleeves and hems. “Even a plain cotton salwar kameez looks stunning when you sport a fully embroidered Lucknowi dupatta with it,” says fashion designer Shaina NC.
Georgette sarees with Lucknowi work makes for great evening wear. Select chiffon, brocade, printed cotton or khadi blouses for your Lucknowi sarees to create a contrast.
You can also accessorise your jeans and top or skirt-blouse with a stunning georgette Lucknowi dupatta or wear a sarong/wrap around skirt with chikankari done on it.
The Lucknowi embroidery is beautiful and versatile and suits a wide range of Indian and Western outfits. “The shadow work in Lucknowis is matchless. It's a wearable piece of art that anyone would love to see on his/her body,” signs off fashion designer Arjun Khanna urmimala.banerjee@mid-day.com | | | Accessorise it
» Wear delicate or chunky pieces of silver or oxidised jewellery with your kurtas. For formal events, you can sport jadau sets, diamonds or the classic string of pearls
» Belts made of patent leather, chains or fabric look good on loose kurtas. Fine buttons made of silver, pearls or burnt gold also look good. Add brooches or scarves to brighten your get up
» Jootis, open-toed sandals, Kolhapuri chappals, batuas and ethnic bags highlight the Indo-Western look.
» “Geometric jewellery designs in platinum, silver or steel look better than curvy designs. Kadas look better than bangles, and metallic pendants are great,” says Pria | | |   | Lucknowis for men
» A short Lucknowi kurti looks great with blue denims. Likewise, a traditional churidar/pyjama kurta with chikankari is great for festive occasions
» Men can wear bandhgala style white Lucknowi kurta with a T-shirt underneath with jeans
» A kurta shirt with a Chinese neck is great for Fridays or weekend wear
» Kurtis with deep V necks look good on young men. Wear colours like olive green, navy blue, black or off white for an informal event
» Linen shirts with chikankari are good option too |  | |
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