We have all found ourselves standing before rows of kurtis and wondering why a particular design looks perfect on a friend but somehow seems wrong on us. This does not normally have anything to do with the color or price of the item of clothing. Rather, it is all about whether the design suits your physical build and motion.
Awareness of your proportions could definitely simplify your ethnic wear styling and allow you to pick the right outfit that would fit you well. Body type knowledge will be especially useful in the world of fashion because it will tell you why certain fashions look proportionate and comfortable on you. However, concerning body types, no laws are applied. All that counts are whether she feels comfortable in it, whether she likes it or not, and whether it gives her confidence.
Understanding Different Body Types
These basic principles would be very useful in ethnic wear styling but leave enough space for individual preferences.
Generally stylists divide body types into five major types. This is a generic classification, as everyone falls between two types or changes with time.
- Pear : The hips and thighs are larger than the shoulders and chest.
- Apple : The trunk and middle body area are fuller than the legs.
- Hourglass : Shoulders and hips are similar in width, with a defined waist.
- Rectangle : well-proportioned shoulders, hips and waist.
- Inverted triangle : wide shoulders and chest, narrow hips.
It is enough to perceive these names as part of the terminology, and disregard the ones that don’t attract your attention. You may try something from other categories, as well.
Correct Choice of Ethnic Wear Based on Various Physiques
The point is to achieve harmony, as styling is only an option to decide where you would like people’s attention to be drawn, which is totally up to you.
Pear Shape
If you love the balanced look, you may accentuate your upper body through embroidery on the yoke, boat necks, special sleeves or print on the dupatta, which can be worn on the shoulders. A-line and flared kurtis drape over your hips comfortably. In regard to bottom clothing, straight pants, palazzos and semi-fitted churidars are all good choices.
Apple
The empire line kurta and the straight or A-line cut are appropriate for the women having an apple-shaped body type with an added tummy. The neck style used in such a kurta is either a v neck or a scoop neck that elongates the neckline while the 3/4th length sleeves make it comfortable and beautiful.
Hourglass
This body shape is mostly attractive with the outfits that emphasize the waist line such as fitted kurtis, anarkali kurtis with a waist line, and belted jackets worn on top of straight kurtis. However, if you prefer wearing loose fitting garments, straight and flowy silhouettes will work for you as well.
Rectangle
Since this body shape does not have any curves to define, adding the shape to the outfit will help in accentuating your figure. It could be through using peplum kurtis, tiered or layered garments, gathered waist lines, flare hem, and the use of prints and embroidery.
Inverted Triangle
With wider shoulders, ladies prefer soft necklines that include round and boat necklines and sleeves that are very simple and fuss-free. Flowing skirts, palazzos, sharara and kurtis with details at the hem give an extremely graceful touch. The embroidery on the shoulders can be done, but it is better if it is near the hemline.
Choosing a Kurti Style that Suits You Best
In the case of ethnic wear styling, silhouette, length and neckline play an important role in changing your look.
Silhouettes
- A-line: Slimmer from the shoulders and flaring out gradually till the bottom end. This type is universally flattering and comfortable.
- Direct-cut: Simple and sleek, which makes it perfect for wearing to work.
- Flared: More voluminous and flowy, giving a great swing effect. Looks best in lighter fabrics.
- Anarkali: Fitted on the upper part and then flaring out to give the entire look of grace and elegance. This is an excellent style for festive occasions.
- Asymmetrical/High Low: Contempo silhouette for those who want to have some bit of the unconventional.
Length
The knee-long kurtis can be worn with everyday outfits such as leggings and pants. The mid-calf kurtis are elegant-looking while the long kurtis are glamorous and make the body look tall.
Neckline
V-neck makes the neck longer, round neck is more classical in appearance, boat neck widens the shoulders, and mandarin collar gives you a refined look. Experiment with a variety of different necklines as it is very important to have an overall great appearance.
Choosing Churidars and Three-Piece Sets
A three-piece set should work where all three components complement each other and do not vie with one another.
- You start with the kurti. A heavily embroidered or printed kurti works with a simple bottom and vice versa.
- The choice of bottoms comes from your personal choice. Loose fitting churidar will look extremely good when not tied around the ankles. One can go in for straight, palazzo or salwar pants according to personal preferences.
- Borders need to be considered. Contrasting borders on dupatta or on kurti attract attention towards that border. A tone on tone border looks more elegant.
- Fabrics need to be considered. Dupatta should not be contrasting to the kurti. A sheer dupatta with a silk kurti would look awkward.
- Match prints wisely. Normally one print speaks. If you do use two prints, be sure they belong to the same colour palette.
When you’re not sure about the effect a certain combination will have on you, a good women’s clothing store will normally allow you to experiment with different dupattas and pants with the same kurti.
Fabric Matters
The fabric plays a vital role in the comfort level as well as the way the outfit drapes over the body, hence, should be given the same amount of consideration as the cut.
- Cotton: Breathable, easy maintenance and best for regular wear, particularly in humid weather conditions. It has natural drape and structure.
- Chanderi: Light fabric with a slight shine. The material moves gracefully and is very comfortable during hot seasons; thus, it is appropriate for daytime events.
- Silk and Silk Blends: These are beautiful and well-constructed materials that are appropriate for wedding and party events. They can hold pleats and flares but are hot during summer season.
- Georgette: Lightweight and fluid; it looks stunning in the flared outfits. It can be used in party wear and for evening outings.
- Linen and Mul: Very airy and relaxed fabric; very suitable for the warm and humid weather of Kerala.
- Rayon-viscose combination: Comfortable fabric that is economical to use for making kurtis.
Usually, thin fabrics have flow while thick fabrics have body and neither is better than the other.
Choosing Ethnic Wear for Different Occasions
- Clothing for daily wear: Comfort comes first. Kurtis made of cotton in simple styles along with comfortable pants suit well for daily wear and chores.
- Office clothes: Simple cuts or A-line kurtis in neutral colors or simple designs can be used for office wear. The elegance of the kurtis can be added with mandarin collars and long sleeves.
- Clothing for festive occasions: In such occasions, one can use their favorite colors, embroideries and heavier materials. Suits and kurtis like Anarkali or silk blended in zari or mirror work will be perfect.
Finding Ethnic Wear That Fits Your Personal Style
Body type is one way to go about it, but this must not be an exercise in laying down rules. Many women wear the clothes that fashion experts tell them not to, and they look great just because they feel comfortable wearing it.
Instead, do a bit of experimenting yourself. Wearing a color which you have never had the courage to wear before, or wearing clothes which you have always loved but were never quite brave enough to wear. Experimenting with jhumkas, a stole made from silk, an interesting belt or just juttis can do wonders for you.
Shopping for Ethnic Wear in Thrissur
Trying the clothes on in real life is important because fitting, draping, and the quality of the fabric cannot be judged from pictures. When looking at boutiques in Thrissur, here are some aspects that are recommended.
- Variety: Since there are different shapes, lengths, and price ranges, the chance is there to pick from among them and discover something new.
- Quality: You have to examine the seams, stitching, lining, and the fabric itself. Coloring must be consistent and embroidery neat.
- Fitting and alteration: Some small changes in the length of sleeves or hem, or just adjusting the waist will make your ready-to-wear clothes unique.
- Choice of fabric: Choose the fabric that suits the weather of Kerala – either light cotton or elegant silk for some special occasion.
- Personal styling services: A staff that knows how to offer you dupattas, bottoms and combinations of colors but does not try to sell you something you do not need is really helpful when buying clothes.
- Customer service: The process of exchange and friendly environment play an important role.
Regardless of whether you fancy a boutique in Thrissur that offers customised collection of clothes or a bigger store that sells women’s clothing, the same rule holds true. Just go slow and try on styles that appeal to you.
Conclusion
Successful ethnic wear styling is all about combination that will reveal your personality. Wearing ethnic wear based on your body shape has all about proportions, balance and comfort. Each aspect from neck lines to silhouette and length plays an important role. However, these all are just suggestions and not necessarily rules.
But when the dress makes you look good, feel comfortable, and say a lot about yourself, then you don’t have to follow any fashion rules to justify its excellence.
