The quintessentially Indian Chikankari kurta has a charm like no other traditional ensemble. And when rendered in the bright, cheery yellow shade, its allure and versatility heightens manifold.
Yellow, the colour of joy, optimism and auspiciousness has a special place in Indian celebrations. Club it with the delicate Awadhi craft of Chikankari, and you have a winner ethnic fashion staple.
One can dress up the yellow Chikankari in traditional avatars for festivities. Or dress it down casually for routine wear. Let us explore the tips to style the yellow Chikankari sensibly for various moods, occasions and settings.
The Ever Versatile Shade of Yellow
Yellow is that rare vivacious shade that perfectly complements the Indian skin palette. It not only makes for a striking seasonal colour, but also holds year-round appeal. Yellow suits the Indian body types beautifully. The colour yellow reflects wisdom and intellect too - making it a favorite for professionals who want to create an optimistic impact at work through conscious colour play.
The zesty colour also indicates energy and joyfulness, making it traditionally preferred for auspicious celebrations. In Western culture, yellow denotes sunshine and warmth.
Globally too, international brands and celebrities have validated the colour popping power of yellow through increased focus. It is now ubiquitous across fashion genres via dresses, co-ord sets, gowns, athleisure etc.
The Fine Allure of Chikankari Craftsmanship
The labour intensive process of Chikankari involves delicate and artistic hand embroidery done with untwisted white cotton thread on fine fabrics like muslin. Common motifs used are floral vines, foliage patterns and Jaali work.
The white thread detailing shines beautifully against vibrant yellow fabrics ranging from mustard and lemon yellow to golden yellow to amber.
Depending on the occasion and personal style, one can opt for heavily worked or sparse literally embroidered Chikankari yellow kurtas.
Style Tips for Casual Daytime Outings
For casual meets with friends, movies or mall visits, keep your look fussfree and minimal with:
Styling Tips:
Pick a sober solid coloured yellow Chikankari kurta for casual wear. Subtle Jaali work or small motifs along the neck/borders can make good pattern play.
Pairing with jeans, leggings or palazzos:
For college wear or friendly lunches, contrast everyday kurtas with well fitted bottoms like jeans or leggings in hues like black, white or beige. Palazzos also make fine alternatives.
Accessorizing with simple everyday jewelry:
Keep it simple accessorizing wise too. Small nosepins, sleek bracelets or slogan pendant chains nicely complete the casual style. Add a smart watch to indicate being work ready.
Footwear suggestions: flats, sandals or sneakers
Flats, slip-ons or lace up sneakers make sensible and comfortable footwear picks for everyday wear.
Style Guide for Office or Work Settings
Adapt traditional Chikankari styles easily for professional work spaces:
Styling Tips:
Pick simple art or digitally printed neat patterns over heavy embroidery for office. Checks, stripes and solids over dull golds or bronzes create formal blazer friendly options.
Pairing with tailored trousers, pants, palazzos or pencil skirts:
For formal polish, match with well structured bottoms like trousers, cigarette pants, ankle length pencil skirts. Shirts or shrugs make fine overlays too.
Accessories: minimalistic jewelry pieces like studs & chains
Keep workwear accessory styling subtle - studs, sleep chains, elegant watches or brooches work better than ornate pieces.
Traditional Festive Styling
Dress up traditionally for pujas, family functions and celebrations:
Styling Tips: Embellished and intricately worked Chikankaris
Choose intricately embroidered Chikankari kurtas and anarkalis featuring traditional Jaali, Zardozi, Kamdani, Gotta Patti work for grand festive dressing. Pick regal colours and heavy fabrics too.
Pairing with churidars, palazzo pants or skirts:
For ethnic looks, team embellished kurtas with equally rich bottoms like silk palazzos, heavy work pants in fabrics like silk or brocade along with fine net dupattas.
Accessories: Bridal style heavy jewelry pieces
This is the chance to break out your traditional jewelry pieces. Kundan sets, Polki pieces, temple motifs and oxidized silver go excellently with festive wear.
Cracking Wedding Guest Style
Ace the wedding guest look in yellow Chikankari ethnic couture:
Styling Tips: Opt for heavier fabrics and vox populi cuts
The wedding invite calls for expression making styles. Pick ornate fabrics, signature cuts like Anarkalis or long flowing kurtas in fine silks or chanderi for making an impression.
Pair with shararas, ghararas or lehengas:
For the perfect fusion of Indo western glam, choose equally voluminous shararas, ghararas or ornate lehengas in opulent fabrics at receptions. Straight pants can be alternated at mehendis.
Accessories - jewelry & dupattas:
This is the chance to sport those Kundan or heirloom Polki sets handed down generations with intricately weaved dupattas. Maang tikkas, pretty gajras and potlis make tasteful additions.
Conclusion
The exquisite craftsmanship of Lucknowi Chikankari imparts a touch of luxe ethnicity to everyday fashion when fused with the cheerful Auspiciousness yellow. Learn to adapt the fusion pieces from traditional wear for pujas to smart casual weekday looks by cleverly pairing with the right accessories, jewel tones and footwear.
