Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Salwar Kameez in Different Styles

The salwar kameez has always been regarded as the signature traditional outfit for women in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. As a versatile and gorgeous outfit, women can style it in different ways to attend all types of occasions and events. Irrespective of whether the occasion is a formal one or a casual one or just a moment for a casual day out, you have no shortage of styling options with Salwar Kameez.

There is enough reason to believe you know many of the most well-known and popular styling options. But there can always remain a few outside of your knowledge. Whatever the case, we will explore distinct ways to style your salwar suit for occasions or days out.

How to Wear Dupatta with Salwar Kameez?

Styling a dupatta with a salwar kameez is essential to completing the overall look and feel, as it plays a key role in enhancing your outfit. You can opt for a lightweight one or a design-heavy one, but it is more important how it complements your overall look.

Let’s explore helpful tips for wearing dupattas with different salwar kameez suits.

Tips to Wear Dupatta with a Pakistani Suit

Pakistani suits that are known for long kameez and straight-cut pants look best when you wear a dupatta keeping the following things in mind:

  • Drape Over One Shoulder: The style of draping the dupatta over one shoulder can help you show the detailed design work of the kameez.
  • Let Loose with Free Flow Style: The free flow style that lets loose the dupatta over both shoulders can be more traditional in taste. You can drape it loosely around your neck for a more modest look.
  • Look Fashionable with Side Tuck: The style of tucking one end of the dupatta on one side of the waist is famous for its smart and neat look. While one end is tucked to the waist, the diagonal opposite end drapes over the shoulder creating a neat look.

Tips to Wear Dupatta with a Punjabi Suit

The Punjabi suit has a distinct look with its short kameez worn with the wide-waist Patiala salwar. To style the dupatta with this suit follow these tips:

  • Drape It Over the Head: To achieve the classic Punjabi look and feel, drape the dupatta over your head. This style is particularly suitable for traditional family functions.
  • Drape It in the Back: Another graceful way to style a dupatta is to let it fall over your back. For this distinct style, hold the front ends of the dupatta with both hands.
  • Pleating and Pinning: Another neat look that suits the Punjabi Salwar is pleating the dupatta neatly and tucking it on one of your shoulders. This will allow it to fall neatly over the body.

Tips to Wear Dupatta with a Kurta

Do you want to look simple with a casual, easygoing, and everyday style by draping a dupatta over a kurta?  Then read the following tips:

  • Drape It Around the Neck: You can drape it around your neck, allowing both ends to fall nicely in front. This is often preferred as a casual style for regular day outs.
  • Wrap It Around the Neck: You can also wrap it around the neck just like a scarf. This adds boldness to your contemporary kurti pants or kurti jeans outfit.
  • Tucking at Waist: Another contemporary dupatta styling is to tuck it at the waist with a belt. This gives a more daring look.

Tips to Wear Dupatta with a Churidar Suit

Churidar suits, with their long, skin-fitted pants, allow various styling options with dupattas. Here are some useful styling tips:

  • Draping It on One Side: With churidar suits, you can make nice pleats and drape them over one shoulder. The dupatta flowing down over the back with pleats will give you a neat look.
  • Traditional Drape over Both Shoulders: The traditional style of draping the dupatta over both shoulders is the most popular. For this styling, you need to make sure that equal lengths of the dupatta drape are on both sides.
  • Pleats and Pin at Front: For a more organized and sophisticated look you can pleat it and drape it over the front of your suit. This creates a more symmetrical and neat look and feel.

Different Types of Salwar and Styling Tips 

The salwar, or bottom wear, is an important component of the salwar kameez. Over the years, various types of salwars have emerged, allowing women to experiment with different styles and looks. Here are some popular types of salwars to wear with your kameez:

1.    Churidar Pant

Churidar pants with fitted bottoms give a sleek and neat look. Because of this slim and elegant look, they are often preferred for attending formal events and occasions. The sleek pants help showcase the intricate embroidery work of the kameez.

Churidar Pants

Styling Tip: While wearing churidar pants always lean towards a traditional look. This is best achieved by wearing a long designer kameez and an intricately designed dupatta draped over both shoulders.

2.    Simple Salwar

Simple salwar suits with their loose-fitting bottoms remain at the center stage of traditional salwar suit outfits. Because of loose fit, they are more comfortable and fit as an all-day-wear outfit.

Styling Tip: There are many ways to style simple salwar suits. One popular option is wearing a printed kameez with a contrasting dupatta and salwar pants.

3.    Patiala Salwar

Patiala salwar with neatly pleated bottoms and short designer kameez is always popular. You can bring more twists with various designer options.

Styling Tip: When you wear a patiala salwar, always pay attention to the right contrast with the accompanying short kameez. To add more glam, add a colorful dupatta to the mix.

4.    Dhoti Salwar

Dhoti Salwar Suit

With their unique fusion of modern and traditional fashion tastes, Dhoti salwars can be a great outfit for special occasions.

Styling Tip: Choose a lightweight dhoti salwar contrasted with a bright short kurta and uplift the look further by wearing statement accessories.

5.    Palazzo

If you want a contemporary-styled yet comfortable salwar outfit, Palazzo pants with their wide-legged bottoms are a great choice. Palazzo is popular for casual day outs or semi-formal occasions.

Palazzo Suit

Shop the Look:

Styling Tip: To create a distinct statement with a palazzo suit, wear a long kameez with sparingly worked embroidery and a light-hued dupatta.

6.    Straight Cut Salwar

As the name indicates, straight-cut salwars offer a simple look with straight-fit trousers. The straight line from the waist to the ankle creates a chic and sharp look.

Styling Tip: For a contemporary flair, pair a long straight kameez with a straight-cut salwar. This style suits lean and fit women best.

Choose the Right Accessories

Accessories can make a big difference in the overall look and feel, and this is no different when it comes to salwar kameez. Let’s provide some tips about picking the right fashion accessories for your salwar outfits.

  • Earrings: When wearing a designer salwar, wear statement earrings that complement the exquisite look. If you want to look more traditional, choose options like jhumkas or chandbalis. For contemporary styling, choose sleek studs or earrings with a geometric theme.
  • Necklaces: Heavy necklaces are perfect for traditional and simple kameez with print motifs or embroidery work. Delicate statement chains and necklaces go well with designer suits.
  • Bangles and Bracelets: Traditional looks always match stacked-up bangles. Conversely, a designer bracelet goes well with contemporary-styled suits.
  • Footwear: For traditional salwar kameez, you can only go as far as juttis or mojris for footwear. In contrast, heels or sandals are perfect choices for modern salwar designs.

Finishing Touches

There can be hardly any debate over the versatility of salwar kameez as a fashion outfit. This is why it demands so much attention to styling. From your dupatta to pairing the right kameez to choosing accessories, you have no dearth of styling options. But what matters most is how it complements your personality and the mood of the occasion you attend.

Find the G3+ Fashion Salwar Kameez Collection

At G3+ Fashion, explore a diverse collection of salwar kameez made from high-quality fabrics like cotton and silk. Our range offers unique embroidery, vibrant colors, and various styles such as churidar, Patiala, and palazzo, making it perfect for casual outings, festive events, and formal occasions.