White is a timeless and versatile colour that transcends trends and seasons. The colour white represents purity, peace and humility in many cultures around the world. In Indian fashion, white kurtas and chikankari embroidery have been popular for centuries. A white Chikankari kurta is an essential staple that every woman must have in her ethnic wardrobe collection.
The lightweight white cotton fabric has excellent breathability that makes white kurtas perfect for keeping cool in warm summer months. The intricate chikankari embroidery done on white cotton fabric using white thread looks subtle yet elegant.
White Chikankari kurtas can be styled easily in different ways ranging from casual daywear to formal eveningwear. They can be paired with anything from jeans, palazzos, patiala salwars to churidars for achieving different looks.
Versatility with Bottoms
A white Chikankari kurta allows you to experiment with bottoms for creating various styles. For a casual daytime look, a straight fit white kurta can be worn with blue or black jeans and kolhapuri chappals. For a traditional yet smart look, team it up with solid colour patiala salwars and embroidered juttis.
To achieve a contemporary fusion look, pair a cropped or short white Anarkali style kurta with a long skirt in georgette or chiffon. Play with contrasting bottom colours like red, yellow or green against the pristine white kurta.
For formal ethnic look, team up an embellished hem heavier white kurta with churidars and mojiris. So, ust by switching bottoms, a white kurta can be styled perfectly for casual college wear, casual workplace wear, evening partywear and even wedding wear.
Effortless Styling
One of the best things about basic white kurtas is that they can be paired easily with contrasting or matching dupattas, stoles, jackets and shrugs without needing to put in a lot of styling effort. For refreshing casual daytime look, a floral pink dupatta will look pretty over a white kurta and jeans.
Throw on a cropped multicolour jacket over your straight white kurta and palazzos when going for brunch with friends. Make a simple white chikankari kurta dazzle in the evening by draping a vibrant dupatta with zari borders for a small family gathering.
Professional Elegance
Crisp looking white chikankari kurtas spell sophistication and professionalism at the workplace. Pair them with formal pants or palazzos in grey, black or brown along with a smart cotton dupatta for an executive look.
A sleeveless collared white Anarkali suit worn with slim fit trousers makes a trendy ensemble for women managers and executives during important meetings or presentations. Go minimal with tiny ear studs as jewellery for that polished office appropriate look.
The Cultural Significance of White
In Indian traditions, culture and religious celebrations, the colour white holds special meaning. White symbolizes purity and spirituality and is worn extensively during rituals and poojas. Deities are adorned in pristine white clothing and devotees too wear plain white fabrics while praying.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, white represents the simplicity, cleanliness and innocence sought by those seeking spiritual enlightenment. It also denotes the impermanence of the human body and ego as opposed to the permanence of the soul.
White apparel is indispensible during festivals like Diwali, Navaratri, Holi, Rakshabandhan, Maha Shivratri when people ritually wear new white clothes for the occasions. Hence a good quality white kurta for religious occasions is a must-have.
Elevating Festive and Wedding Wear
White chikankari kurtas take on an instantly dressy avatar when styled with ornate dupattas featuring zari, dabka, cutdana or zardosi embroidery. Contrast heavy embroidery dupattas over white kurtas make the outfit appear grand and luxe perfect for festivals or weddings.
For festive family occasions,Reception ceremonies and Sangeet functions, don an intricately embroidered white chikankari kurta with a brightly coloured dupatta with its anchal heavily embroidered with golden zari work. Accessorize with jhumkas and chandbalis for that celebratory look.
New brides often wear white heavily worked chikankari kurtas on Vidaai ceremony to appear resplendent decked in bridal finery of kundan jewellery and rich fabrics while embarking on their new life's journey.
So a white chikankari kurta can serve for both sober regular wear or be elevated to luxurious bridalwear with the right mix of fabrics, embroidery and accessories.
Accessorizing White Kurtas
White kurtas whether simple or ornate must be accessorized right to bring out those details beautifully.
For casual college wear, try out small dangling earrings and bangles with a white solid kurta jeans look. Stick to silver or leather accessories rather than gold jewellery.
For festive looks try chandbalis with kundan, polki or pearl and beads detailing to match with heavy dupattas. Since white is neutral, you can take liberty with brightly coloured jewel tones for necklaces and maang tikkas contrasting against the white kurta canvas.
Style tip - Wear Juttis in rainbow, metallic, pastel or neutral earthy shades with different white kurtas rather than always black footwear for a vibrant burst of colour and uniqueness to every outfit.
Conclusion
A white chikankari Kurta's versatility is unparalleled whether worn for casual everyday use or formal functions. It is a timeless must-have stable that looks flattering on women of all ages for various occasions owing to its colour purity and enduring appeal. Experiment and style it creatively in fulfillment of your ethnic fashion needs round the year.
