How to Style Chikankari Kurti in Modern Ways: Tips from a Fa...

What is a Chikankari Kurti? 

Chikankari Kurtis or Lucknowi Chikankari Kurtis are believed to have originated from Lucknow, introduced and popularised by Noor Jahan. The Chikankari work is a delicate and intricate embroidery of floral, paisley and geometric motifs mostly in white and pastel threads.

Hand-stitched to elegance, Chikankari Kurtis for ladies possess timeless silhouettes with comfort at its best. Cotton, muslin and chiffon find themselves at the heart of this tailoring.

What to wear with Chikankari Kurtis?

Versatile in their making, Chikankari Kurtis can be paired in various ways. If you’re someone who thrives on productivity with comfort, a Chikankari shirt with collars would bless your work days. Pair it with trousers, both light or dark,  and you’re good to go! 

Designer’s Recommendation - Hoor Chikankari Shirt can be paired with trousers, both light or dark, which would work, and you’re good to go! 

For the days that you wake up too lazy to style, a Chikankari co-ord set would be your life saviour! With pants and a top that look like a match made in heaven, a khaadi set would take you many places. 

Designer’s Recommendation - Pair this Hoor khaadi short top and pant co-ord set with trinket oxidised earrings! 

Celebrations in the house? It’s that time of the year! Your best move would be to find a Green Chikankari Kurti with Mukaish work and pair it with festive-ready shararas and a dupatta.

Designer’s Recommendation - Hoor pure viscose noodle strap mukaish chikankari suit set would look wedding-ready, paired with a mangtika and elaborate earrings. 

If your style is rooted in the classics, straight pants have been the most beloved pick with Chikankari Kurtis for ladies. With detailed work in both pieces, this set is an appropriate choice for events, too! 

Designer’s Recommendation - Hoor Pure Cotton Chikankari Kurti with Straight Pants in Magenta Ombre.

But if you’re someone who likes classic pants but loves to experiment with colour, we’ve got you covered too! Sea Green Chikankari Kurti is a clean win for the parties! 

Designer’s Recommendation - Hoor Cotton Chikankari Kurti with Straight Pants

Too hot and don’t want your bottoms to reach your ankles? News Flash! Chikankari Kurtis for women just befriended shorts too! Crop the kurtis and we’ve got a crisp top to go with Chikankari shorts! 

Designer’s Recommendation - Hoor Khaadi collared shirt with shorts in green co-ord set
If someone’s told you that Chikankari Kurtis and tops cannot be styled with skirts, tell them that they’re wrong! 

What to wear with different colours of Chikankari Kurtis?

You can never fall short of Chikankari Kurtis because there is one for every vibe! Chikankari Kurtis for ladies were traditionally loved in pastel shades but with time, there has been a demand for brighter shades too. Bright teal is one such shade. For the eye to fall first on such a shade, you can go minimal with the bottoms. 

Designer’s Recommendation - Teal Flared Cotton Chikankari Top with Ghas Patti Work can be paired with beige pants or even sky blue capris. The safest option is to go for white or black pants for a casual look.  

If you’re looking forward to amping up your white Chikankari Kurti, pick a darker colour of bottoms that will allow the kurti to stand out. 

Designer’s Recommendation - White and Lilac Cotton Chikankari Top with Ghas Pati and Mandarin Collar. With this white piece, you could pair it with lilac shade pants. 

If you’re in the mood for something breezy, consider a lilac midi skirt and twirl your way out! 
For when you’re attending Indian ceremonies, you can find your fingers pulling out a pink suit. Let your dupatta find space on your forearms or drape it like a scarf! There is nothing more festive than Mukaish work on Chikankari Kurtis. 

Designer’s Recommendation - Hoor pure viscose mukaish chikankari suit set in English pink pairs beautifully with long jhumkas for a desi polish! 

Can I style a Chikankari Kurti with jeans?

Offices, events, universities, festivals and lunches — Chikankari Kurtis for ladies can be styled with jeans anywhere! With boot cut jeans that accentuate your body, you could wear something printed. Prints with Chikankari work, you’re meant to stand out. 

Designer’s Recommendation - Maroon Printed Cotton Chikankari Shirt with Tie-up Collar and Ghas Patti Work

Are you a patron of baggy jeans? Unbutton your Chikankari shirt and slip in a white or beige tank top. Tuck in your shirt from one side to match your Pinterest feed! It would ensure that your fit finds structure. Don’t forget to adorn some chunky jewellery too! 

Designer’s Recommendation - Purple Formal Shirt for Women with Ghaspatti 

Every closet flaunts a pair of classic straight jeans, and when black tops get boring, get yourself a black Chikankari short kurti with white embroidery. Wear button earrings with oxidised bangles to complete the look. 

Designer’s Recommendation - Black and White A-line Chikankari Kurta with Lace and Ghas Patti Embroidery. Pair it with button earrings with oxidised bangles to complete the look. 

What to wear under Chikankari Kurtis?

Chikankari Kurtis stitched in fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, cotton and organza need to be worn over slips, inners or camisoles. A lot of times these kurtis for ladies have pre-attached linings or you can get them custom as well. 

What a lot of women make a mistake with is wearing white slips under black chikankari kurtis, taking away from the visual appeal and sophistication of the outfit. One should wear a black slip instead. For lighter shades, avoid choosing a stark white and instead choose a creamy white, beige or nude.

For longer kurtis, avoid choosing inners that hit above your waist because it creates an awkward distance between the kurti and the bottom. Instead, opt for a longer slip. For a modern Gen-Z twist, you could wear a bralette that garnishes some spice on the fit! 

If you don’t know what to wear, get yourself a Chikankari Kurti and trust that it’ll only make you look chic!