Velvet Kurtas for Women: A Complete Guide

The humble kurta has a central place in the wardrobe of every Indian woman. Notwithstanding its ubiquity, the ensemble has an easy charm and charisma that’s hard to miss. Additionally, it is wonderfully versatile and can be styled in numerous ways, and accessorised however you like. But while most women do exploit its summer potential, its sartorial possibilities are seldom explored, and indeed even considered in the winter. Here’s a complete guide to winter kurtas for women, illuminating all aspects of this all-weather outfit, from what fabrics you should choose to how to accessorise them right.

The Fabric

Imbued with timelessness, silk is most often the chosen fabric for formal outfits, particularly those featuring brocade-work and embroidery. Since silk is a slightly warm fabric, kurtas made of it are perfectly suited to mellow Indian winters. Another type of fabric that has made an unobtrusive comeback in recent years is velvet. Velvet kurtas are innately regal and rich, and considered by some to border on the uber-formal. Luckily, a solid-colour velvet kurta without any embellishments can pretty much pass off as everyday (yet exquisite!) wear. You could also dress down your velvet kurta by pairing it with denims or corduroy trousers. Lovers of self-effacing clothing could also embrace the unpretentious grace and warmth of wool silk kurtas.

The Silhouette

Winter clothing must necessarily be warm and comfortable. It therefore makes sense to stick to long flowing kurtas for women with a slightly relaxed fit. Straight, empire-waist, and A-line loose-fit kurtas are all perfect for the season. Interestingly, boxy silhouettes exude quirky, unconventional charm. What’s more, in winters, they simultaneously serve a practical function by allowing you to accommodate another layer beneath – thermal innerwear or even that snug-fitted sweater!

The Colour

While summers are naturally associated with the fresh, understated colours of spring – buttercup yellow, mint green, coral pink, and what have you – winters, from a sartorial point of view, are dominated by smokey grays, charcoal blacks, and dun browns. Luckily, it should not have to be this way with kurtas which is an ethnic Indian outfit. Go the whole hog with vivid, vivacious shades this winter. Plum, silver, peacock blue, fuchsia pink, rose gold, and emerald green are suitably rich, and standalone kurtas as well as kurta sets in these colours are sure to make you the cynosure of all eyes.

Vestiary Accompaniments

What you choose as bottom-wear to team with your winter kurta depends largely on the look you are aiming to achieve. The vibe of a pair of washed-out denims or culottes is most definitely casual. Straight trousers and palazzo pants in neutral shades – skin, white, grey, or black – would conjure up a look that borders on the formal, without quite being there. If a sleek, seamless sleek is what you have in mind, look no further than a matching kurta-set or coordinates – bottom-wear that looks exactly like your kurta. Throw in a dupatta for a dash of uber-feminine flair.

Accessories

Accessories, the proverbial icing on the cake, are adored by most Indian women. While summer outfits look best with elements that exude minimalism – fresh flowers, lightweight jewellery, and flip-flops or kolhapuris – winter styling could pack in lots of glamour and pizazz. Think jhumkis, chandbalis, and statement neckpieces such as a choker and bib necklace for dinner parties and weddings. An oversized wristwatch and tassel and teardrop earrings make for excellent daytime accessories. As far as footwear is concerned, pumps, loafers, and ballet flats are all great options to flaunt with your kurta and pants.