Ethnic wear works beautifully at the office: it is comfortable for long days, looks put-together in meetings and suits India's weather far better than stiff western formals. The trick is choosing the right fabrics, colours and cuts. Here is what to look for, and seven easy looks to try.
What makes a good office kurti or suit
- Breathable fabric: cotton and mul cotton stay comfortable through a full day and long commutes.
- Calm colours: black, navy, maroon, indigo and white look polished and are easy to repeat.
- Clean cuts: straight kurtas, collars and button plackets look smart; save big flares and heavy dupattas for weekends.
- Easy care: pieces you can hand wash at home save time and dry-cleaning bills.
1. The smart black suit
The Black Collared Mul Cotton 2-Piece Suit Set has a shirt collar, full button placket and white contrast topstitching. It is the closest ethnic wear gets to a formal suit, ideal for presentations and client meetings.
2. Modern minimal
The Black and White Cotton Co-Ord Set pairs a straight-cut tunic with white geometric embroidery and matching pants. Add a watch and a structured tote.
3. Quiet Chikankari
A dark Chikankari kurti looks elegant without trying too hard. Try the Navy Blue or Maroon Lucknowi Chikankari long kurti with our white mul cotton pants.
4. Fresh summer whites
On hot days, the White Jaipuri 2-Piece Suit Set or the Ivory and Red Jaipuri 2-Piece Suit Set keeps you cool, with small block prints that look neat rather than loud.
5. Printed but polished
The Classic Black Jaipuri 2-Piece Suit Set has a mandarin-style V-neck, pintucks and block-printed bootis on black, so it feels traditional but still crisp enough for work.
6. Artisanal indigo
The Indigo Dabu Block Print 3-Piece Suit Set brings a centuries-old Rajasthani print to the office. On regular days, skip the dupatta and wear the kurta and pants on their own.
7. Casual Friday
Keep it relaxed with the Kutchi Hand-Block Print Shirt over jeans or black pants, or the Indigo Denim Button-Front Midi Dress with flats.
Build a small workwear wardrobe
You do not need a lot. Start with three kurtis or tunics in different colours and two pairs of plain pants, such as our mul cotton pants in white, black and maroon. That gives you six combinations, and adding one 2-piece suit set covers your important-meeting days.
Keep them looking new
Wash cotton and mul cotton in cold water, wash printed pieces separately for the first few washes, dry in the shade and iron on the reverse. For embroidered pieces, see How to Care for Your Chikankari.