20 Modern Anarkali Kurti Designs & Styling Tips

Every time I walk into my cousin’s closet and see her collection of anarkalis, I’m reminded why this silhouette has survived centuries of fashion evolution. The anarkali isn’t just another traditional outfit — it’s architecture you can wear. But here’s what most women get wrong: they treat every anarkali the same way, whether it’s a cotton everyday piece or a heavily embellished wedding stunner. Growing up, my nani would tell me that the anarkali was named after a court dancer who captivated an emperor with her grace. Whether that’s true or not, I’ve learned that the secret to wearing one lies in understanding its inherent drama. A good anarkali doesn’t need you to add drama — it needs you to balance it. The flare demands structure elsewhere, the length requires careful shoe choices, and the neckline determines everything else about your styling. After years of styling anarkalis for everything from office parties to family weddings, I’ve discovered that the most common mistake is overthinking it. The dress itself is already making a statement — your job is to make sure it’s the right one.

Styling Tips

• Royalty: Choose a long, gaudy purple anarkali kurta with golden embellishments for the Indian wedding brigade!

• Florals: If you’re a lover of all things flora, choose an anarkali with bright floral prints.

• Minimalist: For an understated and minimalist look, go for a muted, solid hued piece.

• Fusion: Wear a anarkali kurta as a midi dress with sneakers to mix things up.

Dos & Don’ts

How to Wear an Anarkali Kurti?

20 – Green Anarkali Makes The Perfect Traditional Look

When going for a traditional and elegant look, we’d suggest you choose a piece like this one. High, mandarin collar with an envious flare waist downwards.

Choose an emerald green hue and add a pop of color with a bright blue and red dupatta to go with it. Add green drop earrings, a bindi, and some red lipstick to complete the look.

19 – Shine Bright in a White Anarkali Dress

Going on a long-awaited trip to visit some ancient palaces and relive the stunning Indian heritage? A white embellished and embroidered Anarkali like this one is the perfect pick.

Tie your hair back in a sleek bun, wear big, black-polished jhumkas that make an instant statement, and slip into some strappy white flats.

Fit your essentials in a matching white baguette bag, although going for a bright and colorful bag may be a good idea too.

18 – Go For Printed Anarkali on Lunch Date

They say dress for the job you want, we say dress for the flowers you want. Choose a rose-printed Anarkali for a special date with your beau and wow them all over again.

Pair it with a matching palazzo, and a chiffon dupatta. Wear a stack of silver bangles, on one hand, to accessorize and simple box heels for a little elevation. Fall in love amidst twirls and roses, all over again.

17 – Pair Your Anarkali Dress with Straight Trousers

Are you a sucker for the old Bollywood aesthetic? Well, you’re not alone. We all love that dreamy vibe and here’s how to dress for it.

Pair a mid-length red Anarkali with a pair of white trousers as you stand in the golden hour, soaking in the last sun.

Accessorize with some elaborate, golden earrings and a simple bangle. Slip into golden embroidered flats to complete the look.

16 – Wear Them with Comfortable Nagra Shoes or Khussas for Outdoor Shoots

When you’re visiting royalty, dress like royalty. Choose a dark purple Anarkali with golden embroidery and embellishments to seal the deal. The flare of the Anarkali and the stature of a gold-purple combination are unbeatable.

Pair with white or golden embroidered nagras and accessorize with your favorite ethnic pair of earrings. Waltz through the palatial corridors like they were made for you and look like a dream as you do it!

If you want to add a dupatta, I highly recommend this post on Types Of Dupattas And Tips On How To Wear Dupattas.

15 – Anarkali Color Combination of the Day: Chai Pink & Mint Green

Baby Pink and Mint Green is the combination that has emerged victorious from the recent Fashion Weeks. Bringing that same trend to Indian outfits, we suggest that you pick a full-sleeved baby pink Anarkali and drape a mint green dupatta to go with it.

Accessorize heavily with some Afghani neckpieces and chokers and ditch the earrings for this fit.

14 – When in Doubt, Try Tie and Dye

Nothing quite beats some indigo shibori. And when put on an Anarkali it gives the traditional garment a welcome unconventional twist.

Pair it with a matching shibori dupatta and white leggings. Accessorize with a silver choker and intricate studs. Choose silver flats for this outfit.

13 – Anarkali Suits Make Great Homewear Outfits

Want to be a stylish but comfortable couch potato as you laze on a Sunday afternoon? We’d suggest you go for a cotton, hand-block-printed Anarkali like this one.

Simple, sober yet so very stylish. Pair with red leggings or straight pants and throw over a printed dupatta if you’d like. Perfect for all your Sunday selfies!

12 – Printed Anarkalis Look Great with Matching Palazzos

Prints over prints with a dash of leheriya shibori are the perfect melange for a twirl and here’s proof! Choose a floral printed Anarkali and style it with another printed pair of palazzos.

Make sure the prints carry some semblance to each other but are not interchangeable. Pull the outfit together with a leheriya shibori chiffon dupatta in the same color shades.

11 – Accessorize with Desi Jewelry If You’re The Bridesmaid

Part of the bridesmaid brigade but the sangeet night was too crazy? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered even when you’re hungover.

Actually, especially when you’re hungover. Choose a nude, floor-length Anarkali like this one, that comes with a matching, sheer drape.

Take an embellished purse, and accessorize generously with a choker, earrings, and a maang tika. Don’t forget your black shades to hide the red eyes!

10 – Simpler Anarkalis Can Be Worn for Parties at Work

Drive your Monday blues away by showing up to work in a blue, gold printed Anarkali set. Accessorize minimally with just a watch and have the compliments pour in all through the day.

The beauty of this cotton, powder-blue piece is how it takes you through the day in ease, yet stylish.

9 – Pair It With Statement Earrings and Clutch for Party Wear

If the iconic Barbie were to wear an Anarkali, it would definitely be a hot pink one like this one. Channel your inner diva in this outfit.

Accessorize with a matching dupatta and statement earrings. Slip into white nagras and take a white embellished bag to complement the white details on the Anarkali dress. Turn heads as you strut down the street in style!

8 – Keep it Simple for Puja

Got an early morning puja at home and you’re too busy to think of an outfit amidst all the preparation?

We’d advise you to go for a comfortable, printed cotton Anarkali kurta to take you through the day.

Simple and calming this one is perfect for a homely aesthetic on an auspicious day. Style it with embellished sliders and eye-catching earrings.

7 – Printed, Lightweight Anarkalis are Perfect for Summers

Get the good vibes growing with this gorgeous, unbound Anarkali. Embody the limitless energy of a flowing stream in a blue, chiffon, lightweight Anarkali like this one!

Style it with a pair of white, straight-fit trousers, white box heels, and a mini white sling bag. Don’t forget to add white statement earrings to complete the look!

6 – Style Your Anarkali as a Dress

Ditch the conventions and wear a mid-length Anarkali as a dress. Add a bright-colored jacket to go with it and some tassel earrings to steal the deal!

For footwear, either choose simple sliders or chunky sneakers – there’s no in-between. Explore the streets of a new city with your newfound love for Indo-Western fashion!

5 – Blue Anarkalis are Our Favorite

For mornings that are slow and calm, for days that make you want to reconnect with your soul. Slip into a serene blue Anarkali like this one and spend your day meditating and introspecting.

Accessorize minimally, possibly with studs alone. Have yourself some me-time, you know you deserve it.

4 – Drama Llama

Bring the drama to a desi family event by wearing this deep V-neck, strappy Anarkali, and shocking everyone! In case anyone dares to school you, tell them that the Anarkali is a lot more ancient than they are, and if even that is changing with the times, it’s high time they do too!

Stack some silver bangles on one hand and wear statement jhumkas to complete the outfit.

3 – Flaunt That Sexy Back

A white Anarkali, but make it backless! Add a bottle green dupatta to go with a floor-length Anarkali, like this one, and a similar shade of latkans to tie the back.

Do your hair up in a bun, so as to don the backless vibe, and add some flowers to your hair. Have them watch you walk away.

2 – Try a White & Red Anarkali for Fall Season

Styling an Anarkali during the fall season in New York can be truly stunning. Twirling in Anarkali in the midst of falling maple leaves, feels heavenly, feels like a dream.

To pull off this look, remember that layers are key. Layer a woolen turtleneck and a pair of jeans under the Anarkali dress.

Take a printed scarf around your shoulders and add a belt around your waist – securing the scarf in place and also adding more structure to the Anarkali. And just like that, you’re a diva!

1 – OOTD: Short Anarkali with Gharara Pants

Anarkali with a modern twist, this fit has to be our favorite. This wedding season, choose a short Anarkali and a pair of embroidered ghararas to steal the spotlight and turn heads by being the best-dressed guest.

Outdo yourself on the jewelry and go for a natural make-up look with some bright inner corners and dark lips. Carry a bucket bag for all the compliments you’ll be getting! This would also make a beautiful navratri outfit.