Sharara suits are one of the most iconic and timeless ethnic ensembles that have made a significant comeback in the Indian fashion scene. Perfect for festive occasions, weddings, and celebratory gatherings, sharara suits are known for their distinctive flared bottoms and opulent designs that evoke a sense of royalty.
Whether you’re seeking traditional attire with a modern twist or looking to experiment with silhouettes, sharara suits offer an unmatched blend of elegance and comfort. With a variety of styles and fabrics, they have become a staple in every fashion-forward woman's wardrobe, especially during festive seasons.
What Is a Sharara Suit Style?
A sharara suit is essentially a three-piece outfit comprising a short kurti (tunic), wide-legged flared pants, and a dupatta (scarf). The defining feature of this attire is its trousers, which are fitted till the knees and flare out dramatically from the knee downwards, resembling a skirt.
This distinguishes it from gharara suits, where the pants are fitted and flared in separate sections with a distinct knee joint. The unique cut of sharara pants allows for free movement while maintaining a regal appearance, making them ideal for long festive celebrations.
Sharara suits are celebrated for their versatility, and their appeal lies in the wide array of styles, fabrics, and colors that designers use to craft these elegant ensembles. The choice of fabric plays a key role in determining the overall feel of the outfit, and it can dramatically change how the sharara suit is perceived, from casual daywear to grand festive attire.
Luxurious indian fabrics like silk and velvet are often chosen for formal events, weddings, or evening functions. These rich textiles not only exude opulence but also enhance the garment’s structure, giving the flared sharara pants a dramatic and regal appearance. Silk sharara suits, for instance, have a lustrous finish and provide a traditional, polished look, while velvet adds a sense of grandeur with its deep, plush texture, perfect for winter weddings or night-time festivities.
On the other hand, for warmer weather or daytime functions, breathable fabrics like chiffon, georgette, and cotton are preferred. These lightweight materials flow beautifully, ensuring comfort while maintaining an airy, ethereal look. Chiffon and georgette shararas are often chosen for their delicate draping and soft movement, ideal for summer celebrations or outdoor gatherings. These fabrics are also perfect for enhancing intricate embroidery and beadwork, as they allow the embellishments to stand out without weighing down the outfit.
History of Sharara Suits for Women
The sharara suit has its origins in the Mughal era, where it was a popular choice among royal women. The grand and voluminous style of the sharara suit resonated with the opulent aesthetics of Mughal fashion, symbolizing elegance, power, and femininity. This attire was often paired with rich fabrics like brocade, silk, and velvet, adorned with gold threadwork and intricate embroideries, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of the Mughal court.
Over the centuries, the sharara suit continued to evolve, particularly during the reign of the Nawabs of Awadh (modern-day Lucknow), where it became synonymous with aristocratic style. The sharara’s appeal lay not only in its majestic silhouette but also in its ability to allow ease of movement while maintaining its structured form.
As time passed, sharara suits became a mainstay for women during important cultural and festive celebrations, including weddings, Eids, and Diwali. The outfit's association with Mughal royalty and aristocratic households ensured its place in the annals of Indian traditional fashion, where it remains a beloved ethnic ensemble even today.
4 Designer Sharara Suit Styles for Women
With the resurgence of traditional clothing in modern wardrobes, designers are reinventing the sharara suit to cater to contemporary tastes while staying true to its cultural roots. Here are four stunning designer sharara suit styles for women that are perfect for festive wear:
Cream Multicolor Floral Printed Sharara Suit is an epitome of understated elegance, ideal for daytime festive functions or a mehendi ceremony. The floral prints in multicolor hues add a soft, feminine touch, making the ensemble feel light yet festive. The flared sharara pants complement the short kurti, both adorned with intricate floral patterns that bring vibrancy to the neutral base. Pair this outfit with minimal accessories and soft makeup for a fresh and delicate look. Its flowy fabric adds comfort while retaining an effortlessly chic appearance.
For those looking for something ethereal and elegant, the Light Green Embellished Chinon Sharara Suit is a breathtaking option. Chinon fabric, known for its soft, luxurious texture and sheen, adds a touch of sophistication. The suit features intricate embellishments in the form of sequins, beads, and thread work, elevating the outfit’s overall look. The subtle light green shade adds a refreshing vibe, perfect for evening functions or sangeet nights. A dupatta with a contrasting border further enhances the regal look of this outfit. Pair it with statement earrings and a sleek bun for a polished festive appearance.
The Pink Floral Printed Sharara Suit strikes a perfect balance between traditional and modern aesthetics. Its soft pink hue, combined with vibrant floral prints, makes it a versatile choice for various festive events. The sharara pants feature a slightly structured flare, which gives the outfit a flattering silhouette while allowing for easy movement. The lightweight fabric ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the celebrations, while the floral prints add a youthful, playful element to the attire. Style this look with loose curls and light jewelry to maintain its airy, feminine appeal.
If you want to make a bold statement during the festive season, the Pink Embroidered Sharara Suit is a must-have. This suit stands out due to its detailed hand embroidery, which features traditional motifs and designs. The rich pink color adds vibrancy and festivity, making it ideal for weddings or formal gatherings. The embroidery is placed strategically on the kurti, sharara pants, and dupatta, creating a harmonious yet eye-catching ensemble. With its regal look, the pink embroidered sharara suit pairs well with heavy traditional jewelry, such as gold jhumkas or chandbalis, and bold makeup to create a dramatic and unforgettable festive look.
How to Style a Sharara Suit: 4 Pro Tips
Styling a sharara suit is all about finding the right balance between tradition and personal flair. While the outfit itself is often heavily embellished, accessories play a vital role in completing the look.
Daytime vs. Evening Events
For daytime events, choose lighter fabrics like cotton or georgette in pastel shades, and keep your accessories minimal, with delicate earrings or bangles to maintain a soft, sophisticated vibe. You can pair your sharara suit with traditional juttis or embellished sandals for an effortless yet polished look.
On the other hand, for evening functions or weddings, opt for more luxurious fabrics like silk or brocade in deeper shades, and adorn yourself with statement jewelry such as chandelier earrings or a maang tikka to elevate the outfit.
Styling Your Dupatta
The dupatta is a defining feature of the sharara suit, and how you style and drape your dupatta can transform the overall look. For a modern twist, draping the dupatta over one shoulder in a loose, free-flowing style can create a contemporary silhouette, adding movement and fluidity to the outfit. This effortless draping style works particularly well with printed or lightly embroidered sharara suits, allowing the fabric to speak for itself. On the other hand, for a traditional look, you can opt for a more structured drape by tucking the dupatta into the waist on one side or draping it over both shoulders. This technique highlights the intricate embroidery or embellishments on the dupatta and adds a classic touch to the ensemble, ideal for formal or wedding settings.
Hair Styling Tips
Hairstyles also play a crucial role in defining the overall aesthetic of the sharara suit. For formal events, a sleek bun or an elegant updo is the perfect choice. These hairstyles not only complement the opulence of a heavily embroidered sharara suit but also allow you to showcase bold statement jewelry such as a maang tikka or large earrings.
Additionally, a bun keeps the focus on the neckline and upper body, which is often richly adorned in traditional sharara suits. For a softer, more relaxed look suited to daytime events or casual celebrations, loose curls or soft waves are ideal. This style adds a touch of femininity and charm, while still maintaining a festive vibe. Braids, adorned with flowers or embellished hairpins, can also add an interesting element to the look, blending tradition with a fresh, youthful appeal.
Makeup Tips
Finally, makeup can further accentuate the beauty of your sharara suit. For daytime looks, go for natural, dewy makeup with soft pink or nude tones. For weddings and nighttime celebrations, bold eyes and dark lip colors can add the right amount of drama and glamor to your outfit.
Styling Your Sharara Suit to Perfection
In conclusion, the key to styling a sharara suit lies in balancing the traditional elegance of the outfit with contemporary elements that reflect your personal style. From selecting the right fabrics and accessories to choosing the perfect hairstyle and makeup, every detail contributes to creating a cohesive, stunning look that exudes grace and sophistication. Whether you opt for a simple, minimalistic approach for a daytime event or a bold, luxurious style for an evening celebration, the versatility of the sharara suit allows you to shine on any occasion.