Bold colours. Playful prints. Feel-good fabrics. If we had to sum up summer, we’d pick these three essentials that go hand-in-hand with ethnic wear — especially kurtas. Effortless to style and comfortable beyond measure, kurtas make for the perfect summer outfit. Whether you prefer Payal Khandwala’s sleeveless kurta in powerful shades of magenta and mustard or Nicobar’s easy-breezy and lightweight cotton kurta in pristine white, this curated list will become your go-to guide on where to shop for stylish kurtas this summer.
What’s more, this guide also gives you styling tips — forget the tried-and-tested and experiment with tulle skirts (seen at Shyamal and Bhumika), ankle-length skirts (Ritu Kumar shows you how), wide-leg pants (Nicobar and Global Desi approve), bandis (you will love the one from Shantanu and Nikhil) and dhoti pants (perfect with the printed kurta from Vrisa). You can also take inspiration from Bollywood actresses Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma who show you how to style your summer kurta.
Finally, don’t forget to accessorise. Check out our lust-worthy list of celebrity-approved statement necklaces here.
13 stylish kurtas that are ideal for this summer:
Global Desi, Blue Placement Print Kurta, Rs 2,299Bid goodbye to all your Monday blues with this geometric print kurta from Global Desi. Buy here.
Nicobar, Front slit kurta, Rs 4,800A white cotton kurta that's perfect for balmy summer days. Buy here.
Shantanu and Nikhil, price on requestUpgrade your basic kurta with this asymmetrical white chequered kurta styled with a classic bundi and leggings from Shantanu and Nikhil. Available at their stores in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
Globus, mirror work kurta, Rs 1,499This casual cotton kurta with mirror work embroidery is perfect for when you want to keep your outfit minimal. Buy here.
Payal Khandwala, sleeveless kurta, Rs 13,800Add the bold shades of magenta and mustard to your summer wardrobe with Payal Khandwala's sleeveless kurta. Available at her stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Shopper's Stop, Sassafras, Round Neck Kurta, Rs 749In a pretty pastel blue, this cotton kurta with a cold shoulder will be ideal for relaxed lunches with your friends. Shop here.
Tarun Tahiliani, Draped Long Kurta Set with Asymmetric Drape, Rs 32,900This coral pink asymmetrical linen kurta will keep you cool and comfortable during hot summer days. Shop here.
Shyamal and Bhumika, embellished kurtas, price on requestIce blue to keep you cool in the summer? Yes please.
Ritu Kumar, double layered kurta, Rs 18,990This yellow and khaki kurta in Chanderi silk will take you from Monday morning meetings to Sunday evening dinners. Style with a churidar or palazzo pants. Shop here.
ILK, Off White Pom-Pom Kurta, Rs 10,100An understated cotton kurta that you can dress up or down according to the occasion. Shop here.
AM:PM, high low kurta with screen print dupatta, Rs 19,950Brighten up your day with this high low kurta in fuchsia from AM:PM. Shop here.
ARPITA MEHTA, One Shoulder Cape Kurta, Rs 37,350A stylish kurta with oversized wildflower prints that you can wear to your best friend's summer pool party. Shop here.
VRISA, Blue Printed Thread Embroidered Kurta, Rs 21,500This embroidered cotton kurta featuring bohemian hand block prints is comfortable and chic in equal measure. Shop here.