Anarkali dresses and suits have been a staple of Indian fashion for centuries, renowned for their timeless elegance and versatile charm. Originating during the Mughal era, this graceful attire has evolved into a modern-day wardrobe essential. With its flowy silhouette and flattering cut, the Anarkali dress is loved by women of all ages for its ability to enhance the wearer’s beauty and confidence.
Whether you’re attending a lavish wedding, celebrating a festival, or simply looking for a sophisticated outfit, an Anarkali suit promises to be an excellent choice. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of Anarkali suits, how to select the perfect style based on your body type and occasion, and the best ways to accessorize your Anarkali for a complete and chic look.
What is an Anarkali Suit? A Timeless Blend of Tradition and Modern Style
The Anarkali dress is a traditional Indian garment that originated in the Mughal era, named after the famous courtesan Anarkali. The dress is characterized by its flowing, A-line silhouette, giving it a regal and elegant appeal. Historically worn by the royal elite, the Anarkali’s enduring popularity lies in its graceful design and flattering fit, which suits various body types.
Over time, it has become a wardrobe staple for women across India, evolving from its royal origins to a modern must-have for weddings, festivals, and casual events. The Anarkali’s versatility is one of its key attributes. Its flattering cut and regal look make it perfect for special events, but it can also be styled down for more casual settings.
Today, Anarkalis are available in a range of fabrics and designs, blending traditional elements with modern influences, ensuring they remain a timeless favorite.
4 Anarkali Suits Styles: How to Choose Yours
Choosing the right Anarkali suit style depends on your body type and the occasion.
A-Line
A-line Anarkali suits are ideal for apple-shaped figures as they balance the proportions of the body, highlighting curves while providing comfort. These suits flare out gently from the waist, making them flattering for most body types.
Floor-Length
Floor-length Anarkalis are perfect for taller women or formal events, offering a dramatic and regal look. Their long, flowing design creates a sense of grandeur and elegance, making them ideal for weddings or evening parties.
Frock-Style
Frock-style Anarkalis are a trendy and playful option, like Lashkaraa’s Lilac White Floral Printed Anarkali. These suits feature a youthful cut, making them perfect for casual wear or daytime events. The flared design of the frock-style Anarkali is flattering on most body types and can be paired with casual footwear for a relaxed yet stylish look.
Pakistani Anarkalis
Pakistani Anarkalis are known for their intricate embellishments and opulent designs, making them perfect for weddings or cultural celebrations. These suits are heavily embroidered with zardozi, mirror work, and sequins, creating a dazzling effect.
The versatility of Anarkali suits lies in their ability to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, offering endless possibilities for styling.
Why Anarkali Suits are Perfect for Any Occasion
Anarkali suits are incredibly versatile and can be styled for nearly any occasion, making them a must-have in every wardrobe. Their classic design, which features a flowing, floor-length silhouette, makes them both flattering and elegant, suitable for a range of events from grand weddings to casual family gatherings.
Intricate Anarkali Suits for Weddings
For weddings, Anarkali suits shine in their grandeur. Heavily embellished Pakistani Anarkalis, crafted from rich traditional fabrics such as silk, velvet, or brocade, are perfect for brides or bridesmaids.
These designs often feature intricate embroidery, zari work, mirror work, and stone embellishments, adding a regal touch that exudes luxury and elegance. The elaborate detailing of these outfits enhances their beauty, making them ideal for grand celebrations, formal events, or evening receptions where an opulent look is desired.
A silk Anarkali with rich gold or silver embroidery can make anyone feel like royalty at a wedding, while a Pakistani Anarkali with ornate beadwork will leave a lasting impression at any high-profile event.
Anarkali Suit Styles for Everyday Wear
On the other hand, Anarkali suits are also perfect for more relaxed and casual occasions. For daytime events, family gatherings, or festivals, cotton Anarkalis are an excellent choice.
A cotton Anarkali in pastel shades or floral prints is ideal for summer weddings, daytime parties, or casual get-togethers, where comfort is just as important as style. The easy-going nature of cotton Anarkalis makes them a great option for women who prefer practicality without sacrificing elegance.
For more relaxed occasions such as family get-togethers or religious festivals, a simpler A-line Anarkali like Off White Satin Anarkali With Floral Printed Dupatta offers a comfortable yet stylish appearance.
With minimal jewelry, simple flat shoes, and a lightweight dupatta, this style of Anarkali can still make a statement while maintaining an air of simplicity and grace.
Choosing the Perfect Fabric for Your Anarkali Suit
The fabric of your Anarkali suit will depend on the occasion, the season, and your personal preferences, ensuring that your Anarkali suits the event while keeping you comfortable. The fabric will play a crucial role in determining the outfit's overall look and feel. For grand occasions like weddings or receptions, fabrics like silk, velvet, and brocade are the best choices.
Silk Anarkalis
Silk offers a rich, luxurious finish, making it ideal for evening events, while velvet gives a plush, regal look, especially during winter months. Brocade, with its traditional gold and silver threads, adds opulence to the outfit, making it perfect for weddings.
Red and Green Floral Printed Pant Style Anarkali
The Red and Green Anarkali features a satin top with a Santoon inner, satin bottom, and a satin velvet dupatta. This style is enhanced with intricate embroidery, showcasing delicate print patterns and pearl lace embellishments. Ideal for those who appreciate traditional elegance, this Anarkali effortlessly combines timeless design with contemporary appeal, making it a perfect choice for festive or formal occasions. The embroidery adds a layer of sophistication, ensuring that the wearer stands out in a crowd, while the luxurious fabrics provide both comfort and style.
For more modern and versatile designs, fabrics like chiffon and georgette are excellent options. These lightweight materials provide an airy, flowing look, perfect for summer or spring events.
The White Georgette Anarkali With Dupatta
Georgette adds a bit more structure to the Anarkali as seen in Lashkaraa’s White Anarkali with a floral printed dupatta, making it a great option for both casual and formal wear.
Cotton Anarkalis
Cotton is perfect for warm weather and casual events. Its breathable fabric ensures comfort, while the simple yet stylish designs make them perfect for everyday wear. Cotton is also lightweight, making it comfortable to wear in warmer weather. These Anarkalis typically feature simpler designs, with light embroidery or prints, offering a stylish yet understated look that is perfect for casual occasions.
Anarkali Length Guide: Picking the Right Length for Your Height
The length of an Anarkali suit can dramatically affect how the outfit flatters your body. Knee-length Anarkalis are ideal for shorter women, as they don’t overwhelm the figure and provide a more balanced, comfortable look. These suits are perfect for casual gatherings or semi-formal events.
Ankle-length Anarkalis are versatile, suitable for both formal and casual occasions. They work well for women of average height and are great for a range of events, from family get-togethers to evening parties.
Floor-length Anarkalis like Green and Light Blue Embroidered Anarkali Style Sharara create a dramatic and regal look, making them ideal for weddings, formal events, or gala dinners. They are especially flattering for taller women, giving an elongated appearance. Pairing these suits with high heels can further enhance the dramatic effect.
Regardless of your height, choosing the right length ensures that the Anarkali suits your body and complements your style.
The Complete Look: How to Style Your Anarkali Suit
Styling your Anarkali suit involves choosing the right accessories to complement the outfit. For heavily embellished Anarkalis, it’s best to keep the jewelry minimal to allow the dress to be the focal point. Opt for delicate earrings, a subtle clutch, and a light bracelet to complete the look.
For simpler Anarkalis, you can go bold with statement jewelry. Chunky necklaces, large earrings, and multiple bangles can add personality to the outfit without overwhelming it. A well-chosen dupatta can also make a difference—whether it's heavily embellished or a plain, contrasting color.
Footwear also plays a crucial role in completing the look. High heels or wedges are ideal for longer Anarkalis, adding height and elegance. For shorter Anarkalis, traditional footwear like juttis or flat sandals works well, especially for casual events.
Hair styling is equally important. For formal events, an elegant updo or a neat bun complements the sophisticated look of the Anarkali. For a more relaxed style, soft waves or loose curls work beautifully, adding volume and texture to the outfit.
Explore Designer Anarkali Suits Online from Lashkaraa
From rich, heavily embellished Pakistani Anarkalis to light, breezy cotton options, there’s a perfect Anarkali for every event. Shopping for Anarkali suits online allows you to explore a wide range of options from the comfort of your home. Lashkaraa offers a stunning selection of designer Anarkali suits, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a wedding-ready suit or a simple cotton Anarkali for daily wear, Lashkaraa’s collection has something for everyone. These ready-to-wear suits are crafted with expert attention to detail, ensuring a perfect fit and luxurious look.