Kurta is the holy grail of every Indian woman’s traditional closet, and celebrities are no different. It’s that versatile piece of clothing that can be worn to the airport, for meetings, at lunch and even if you just want to run errands in the city. Especially, if it’s the lightweight chikankari kurta, which is versatile enough to be worn during any season and every occasion. With festivals like Raksha Bandhan around the corner, which is mostly an intimate affair within families, this ensemble perfectly fits the bill. It’s breezy, easy to wear and accessorise, and most importantly, it’s a smart investment because you can re-wear it soon after in your day-to-to-day life.
The cultural craft of chikankari which is indigenous to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh was earlier only seen on decadent lehengas and saris by Indian designers. But lately, the art form has taken a contemporary route with young labels transforming it into our go-to silhouette. With delicate tone-on-tone embroidery, the kurtas are available in various patterns, fabrics, textures, colours and styles. For Rakhi this year, give your regular heavy ethnic attire a pass and opt for an elegant-chic chikankari kurta set. Scroll down, for our edit of some of the best Lucknowi kurta looks worn by your favourite celebrities for some serious sartorial inspiration.
1. Deepika Padukone
If you like going all-out on festivals, pick a chikankari kurta set in this butterscotch hue. The gharara pants and matching dupatta with subtle monochromatic thread work will add that extra glamour you’re looking for.
2. Tara Sutaria
Tara Sutaria clubbed her straight-fit long Lucknowi kurta with a voluminous silver dhoti. Complementing the upper half of her form-accentuating silhouette with a fun and experimental pair of traditional trousers. Pro tip: Team the winning look with Kolhapuri heels to elongate your stature, allowing the fluidity and the fit of the outfit to show.
3. Janhvi Kapoor
If pastels are your jam, this ice-blue sheer kurta is tailor-made for you. Style it with a pair of solid white tapered pants for a simple yet chic look. To further elevate your ensemble, wear a pair of clear heels, allowing the focus remain on the skilfully embroidered kameez.
4. Kriti Sanon
Another interesting variation to try in this versatile kind of kurta is the ombre gradient number. Just like Kriti Sanon, you can adorn your shaded kurta with a pair of flared white palazzos and some ethnic juttis to polish the look.
5. Alia Bhatt
If an A-line chikankari kurta is too basic for your taste when it comes to the big Indian festivities, go for a toned-down anarkali styled kurta that is fitted till the bust and slightly spacious till the hem. Alia Bhatt styled this look with a pair of stilettos and customary Indian jhumkas and so can you.
6. Malaika Arora
Malaika Arora swapped the long kurta for a short, lace-detailed garb and matched it with a layered trouser bearing identical trimmings. To classy it up, she added the Dior Saddle bag and a pair of wayfarers—a smart way to keep the look understated yet impactful.
7. Sari Ali Khan
Sara Ali Khan wore an ivory chikankari kurta set, with detailed sleeves and hem. The chevron pattern on her dupatta with hints of grey added a tinge of colour to her otherwise all-white outfit. The straight neckline of this ensemble is another interesting element that sets this look apart.
8. Ananya Panday
Ananya Panday added a pop (or two) of colour to her chikankari kurta ensemble. The mint salwar and coral dupatta instantly uplifted the whole look. If you’re into colours, put together an outfit with contrasting shades and fun details for a different and quirky appearance.
