Chikankari sets have a kurta and dupatta that is covered with beautiful embroidery. They are often worn with plain leggings or pants. This style combines traditional artwork with everyday wear for women.
Introduction to Chikankari Coord Sets
Chikankari is an ancient embroidery style from Lucknow, India featuring delicate and intricate patterns on fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon and organza. The word "chikankari" literally means embroidery in Persian.
Chikankari coord sets feature a short or long flowy kurta that is dressed up with hand embroidery. It is teamed with palazzos, leggings, pants, shararas or ghararas. The dupatta also spotlights chikankari artistry to complement the kurta.
The Grace of Chikankari Coordset
Chikankari embroidery adds refined beauty to Indian coordsets. The floral, vine, and jaal patterns create an elegant look. Dense floral Chikankari is used on gowns, lehengas, shararas, and anarkalis. The graceful curves complement the female form. Intricate jaal cutwork accents necklines, sleeves, and hems without overpowering the outfit. Borders with rows of Chikankari frame dupattas, scarves, sleeves and yokes sophisticatedly.
Some coordsets have allover Chikankari covering the whole fabric for lavish ornamentation. This transforms the outfit into a work of art. Subtle Chikankari on just pockets, cuffs or necklines provides delicate embellishment without heaviness.
No matter how it's used, Chikankari gives any ensemble a touch of royalty and unique handmade artistry.
Chikankari Styling Tips and Guide
Chikankari coord sets are extremely versatile for Indian ethnic wear. Here's how you can style chikankari sets for different occasions and preferences:
Festive and Wedding Wear
● Opt for heavier kurtas and dupattas with dense embroidery using zari and sequins along with ghararas or shararas for festive, bridal and groom wear.
● Crowns, kamarbandhs, statement earrings, chokers and embroidered juttis complement the grand coord set.
● Colours like red, pink, yellow, orange and gold are apt for celebratory occasions.
● For pre-wedding functions, pastels like powder blue, blush pink and peach make chikankari coord sets pop.
Formal Ethnic Wear
● For formal day events, pick Chikankari kurtas with minimalistic patterns paired with churidars or trousers.
● Stick to light neutral shades like ivory, beige or sage green for understated sophistication.
● Minimal jewellery and nude makeup keep the focus on the intricate embroidery.
Office Wear
● For work, combine embroidered Chikankari short kurtis or shirts with pants, palazzos or skirts for an ethnic twist.
● Opt for abstract motifs rather than elaborate floral patterns for a professional vibe.
● Monochrome or muted palettes are fitting for corporate settings.
Casual Wear
● Simply throw on Chikankari straight kurtas or oversized kurtas over jeans for conquering casual Friday in style.
● Pieced pants, dhoti pants and churidars paired with simple Chikankari kurtas make chic daily ethnic wear.
● Prints and pops of color lend a trendy spin to basic chikankari sets for routine wear.
Cocktail Parties
● For night-outs and cocktails, slip into a Chikankari tunic dress or an asymmetrical embroidered kurta with cigarette pants.
● Brighter colours and Chikankari short kurtas make a statement for evening parties.
● Add a trendy belt, hoops or cuffs to accentuate your party-ready chikankari coord set.
Tips for Maintaining Chikankari Pieces
● Always dry-clean embroidered pieces to prevent damage. Avoid harsh detergents.
● Use cold water for hand washing and avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
● Iron embroidered pieces inside out on low heat by placing a cloth over the embroidery.
● Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the embroidery which can dull the threads.
● Store Chikankari garments in breathable cotton bags instead of plastic.
● Layer embroidery pieces between tissue paper when packing away in suitcases.
FAQs
1. What fabrics are used for Chikankari clothes?
Cotton, muslin, silk, chiffon and organza fabrics are commonly used for Chikankari.
2. How is handmade Chikankari different from machine embroidery?
Handmade Chikankari uses small, neat stitches on the backside. Machine work looks messy on the reverse.
3. What are the main embroidery styles seen in chikankari?
Shadow work, jaal work, zardozi work and taanka work are the main embroidery styles that are seen in Chikankari.
4. How can you make Chikankari sets look modern?
Style them with cigarette pants, short kurtas, belts and cuffs for a contemporary look.
5. Is it okay to wash Chikankari garments at home?
It's better to always dry clean embroidered clothes to prevent any damage or tears.
