What is anarkali? An Anarkali kurti is a traditional Indian garment characterized by its fitted bodice and flowing, flared silhouette that resembles the legendary courtesan Anarkali's attire. This versatile piece can be styled for various occasions, from festive celebrations like Navratri and Diwali to casual outings and formal events. Whether you choose cotton anarkali suit designs for daily wear or heavily embellished pieces for weddings, the key lies in selecting appropriate accessories, footwear, and styling techniques. Modern anarkali kurti designs blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary cuts, making them perfect for today's Indian woman who values both comfort and style.
This guide will show you how to style an Anarkali kurti for any event while keeping you on top of the latest trending Anarkalis.
Read more: Indian Ethnic Festive Wear for Women: Kurtis for Navaratri in 2025

How to Style Anarkali Kurti for Festive Occasions
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Navratri Festivals
- Navratri kurti styling requires careful consideration of movement, comfort, and traditional aesthetics. Choose trendy anarkali dress options in vibrant colors like royal blue, emerald green, or deep red that photograph beautifully under festive lights.
- Pair your Navratri style festival wear kurtis with comfortable juttis or mojaris that provide good grip for dancing. Minimal jewellery works best - consider oxidized silver pieces or lightweight kundan sets that won't interfere with your moves. Keep hair in braids or buns to prevent tangling during energetic garba sessions.
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Diwali Celebrations
- Diwali special kurtis call for more opulent styling approaches. Traditional kurtis for Diwali should incorporate elements like gold thread work, sequins, or mirror details that reflect the festival's spirit of light and prosperity.
- Style your festive kurtis with statement gold jewellery, including chandbali earrings, layered necklaces, and traditional bangles. Complete the look with gold or copper-toned footwear and consider adding a matching dupatta with heavy borders for added elegance.
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Wedding Functions
- Wedding styling varies significantly based on the specific ceremony. For mehendi functions, choose simple anarkali kurti options in yellow or orange shades that won't show henna stains. Sangeet ceremonies call for trending anarkalis with sequin work or mirror details that catch stage lights beautifully.
- For main wedding ceremonies, opt for heavily embellished new anarkali kurti designs in traditional colors like maroon, deep green, or navy blue. Layer with appropriate jewellery and consider the venue's formality when selecting accessories.
Read more: 10 Trending Kurtis for Women: Must-Have Styles in 2025
Anarkali Kurti Design Ideas for Casual Outings
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Daily Wear Styling
- Cotton anarkali kurti designs excel in casual settings, offering comfort without compromising style. Choose subtle prints like small florals, geometric patterns, or solid colors that can be easily mixed and matched with different accessories.
- For daily wear kurti styling, pair your cotton anarkali with simple silver jewellery, comfortable flats or low heels, and a light dupatta or leave it without one for a more contemporary look. This styling approach works perfectly for shopping trips, lunch dates, or casual social gatherings.
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Office-Appropriate Looks
- Professional environments require more structured anarkali kurti styling. Choose subdued colors like navy, grey, or soft pastels in quality fabrics that maintain their shape throughout the day.
- Keep jewellery minimal with small studs, a delicate chain, or a simple watch. Choose closed-toe shoes with low to medium heels, and consider carrying a structured handbag that complements your outfit's color scheme.

Trending Anarkali Styles for Special Events
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Party Wear Anarkalis
- Contemporary party styling allows for more experimental approaches with your anarkali kurti set. New anarkali suit design trends include metallic accents, bold prints, and unconventional color combinations that make statement appearances.
- Consider pairing trendy anarkali suits with modern accessories like statement rings, contemporary clutches, or even adding a belt to accentuate the waist. Footwear can range from stilettos to embellished flats, depending on your comfort level and the party's nature.
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Family Gatherings
- Family events require balanced styling that respects tradition while reflecting personal taste. Choose anarkali kurtis for women in medium-toned colors that photograph well and won't show minor spills or stains from family meals.
- Moderate jewellery choices work best - perhaps a simple necklace set with matching earrings and a few bangles. This styling approach shows respect for family traditions while maintaining your individual style preferences.
Choosing the Right Anarkali Kurti Design for You
What to consider before buying or picking an outfit:
- Your height & frame: If you’re shorter, pick a kurti that ends just below the knee (midi-length) so it doesn’t overwhelm you. Tall frames suit floor-length or highly flared kurtis more easily.
- The weather & season: In hot, humid weather, go for cotton or light fabric, and lighter colours. For cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces, fabrics like silk, georgette, or blends work better.
- What kind of design do you like & are comfortable with: Do you like simple, minimal styles or more ornate, heavily embellished kurtis? Also decide how much layering you want: layers, dupattas, sleeves: and what you prefer in terms of comfort.
- How often & where you’ll wear it: If you need the kurti for many occasions (day-to-day, festivals, parties), a semi-festive design is a safe choice. It gives you flexibility to dress up or down depending on the occasion.

Where to Buy: Discover Instore's Anarkali Collection
Instore has established itself as a premier destination for quality ethnic wear since 2005, offering an extensive collection of anarkali kurtis that cater to diverse tastes and occasions. Our carefully curated selection includes everything from simple cotton anarkali suit designs perfect for daily wear to elaborate festive pieces that make lasting impressions.
Our new anarkali kurti design collection features both traditional silhouettes and contemporary interpretations, ensuring every customer finds pieces that resonate with their personal style. We understand that Indian women need versatile pieces that can transition seamlessly from casual outings to special celebrations, and our anarkali kurti latest design offerings reflect this understanding.
Conclusion
Anarkali kurtis are versatile, beautiful, and steeped in tradition, but also fully compatible with modern styles. What this really means is you can turn one piece (the right Anarkali) into many different looks: casual day, festival, wedding, travel.
Choose fabric, length, print/embellishment based on occasion, comfort, and climate. Pair with bottoms smartly (skirts, leggings, palazzos), match accessories accordingly, and care for the garment.
FAQs
1. What makes an Anarkali kurti unique?
An Anarkali kurti is unique because of its flared silhouette inspired by Mughal-era fashion. Modern Anarkali kurti designs range from simple Anarkali kurtis to trendy Anarkali suits, making them versatile for casual, festive, and formal occasions.
2. What to wear with an Anarkali kurti?
You can style an Anarkali kurti with a skirt, palazzos, or churidar for a traditional look. Pairing with dupattas or jackets creates a statement style. Accessorize with ethnic jewelry to elevate trending Anarkalis for weddings or festivals.
3. How to look slim in an Anarkali kurti?
Opt for a cotton Anarkali suit design or a simple Anarkali kurti with vertical prints or minimal embroidery. A fitted yoke with a flowy flare creates a balanced silhouette, making you appear taller and slimmer.
4. How to choose a new Anarkali kurti latest design for festivals?
Pick festive kurtis in rich fabrics like silk or georgette with zari or sequin work. For Navratri, go for colorful Navratri-style festival wear kurtis, while traditional kurtis for Diwali often feature intricate embroidery, perfect for celebrations.
5. Which Anarkali kurti styles are best for everyday wear?
For daily comfort, choose cotton Anarkali suit designs or simple Anarkali kurtis in breathable fabrics. A new Anarkali kurti design with light prints or solid colors works well for office, college, or casual outings.