Everyday Styling Tips for Every Woman in Indian Ethnic Fashion

Indian ethnic fashion wear has always been timeless and evergreen. From elegant sarees to sophisticated Anarkalis, it integrates infinite grace with tradition. However, with some awareness about simple style tips, choosing outfits that complement your body type elevates your look from outstanding to normal.

Whether you are a small petite lady or a bit on the extra side, this guide gives some simple body-positive style tips to boost your best features and confidence. So, lets dive in to flaunt your individual style with immense pride-

Styling tips for the petite woman

This is the image of a small and petite sized model wearing a light flowy fabric kurti
Flaunt your style with great pride
Photo Credit: Pinterest

If you’re shorter than 5’3″, let’s look at the following tips to avoid clothes that overwhelm your frame and successfully elongate your silhouette below-


Choose light fabrics

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Light fabrics drape and flow well
Photo Credits: Pinterest

Go in for fabrics like fine cotton, chiffon, georgette, or crepe that drapes effortlessly without adding bulk to your frame.

Choose slim borders and vertical prints

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Vertical printed kurta
Photo Credits: Pinterest

Vertical motifs or stripes give you the illusion of height. When it comes to lehengas and sarees, do not opt for heavy or wide borders.

Go in for small prints or monochrome outfits

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Monochromatic Kurta
Photo Credits: Pinterest

To streamline your whole look, choose solid or small prints. You will look taller from head to toe with one solid color.

Select ankle length Anarkali suits and lehengas with a high waist

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A high-waisted lehenga gives you an elongated look
Photo Credits: Pinterest


Choosing anarkali suits with ankle length and high waist lehengas elongate your legs. Team them up with wedges or heels to throw in the extra height.

Style Tip

Avoid broad necklines, oversized dupattas and heavy embroidery if you are a small petite woman


2. Styling tips for the Plus Sized Woman

The plus sized or curvy woman can rock Indian ethnic wear by paying attention to comfort, structure and flattering silhouettes

Choose fabrics with a flow and structure

This is an image of a plus sized model wearing a flowy salwar suit
Let the fabric you choose flow down naturally
Photo Credits: Pinterest

The best fabrics for you are crepe, cotton silk, and satin as they give you fluidity. They don’t add volume or cling to your body unnecessarily.

Opt for empire cuts and A-line kurtas

Plus sized model wearing a empire kurti
Show off your curve with gracious Empire Cut Kurtis
Photo Credits: Pinterest

Kurtas, anarkalis or dresses with an empire waist complements your shape. You may also select an A-line silhouette to boost your bust while making the legs and hips look slim.

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Look slimmer with dark colors
Photo Credits: Pinterest

Select darker colors like maroon, navy blue, and bottle green are colors that make you look slim. When you buy kurtis opt for those with a vertical design or embroidery in the center.

Opt for full sleeves or ¾ sleeves

When choosing an outfit, opt for sleeve lengths that flatter and don’t add bulk to your arms.


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Elongate your arms with 3/4 sleeves
Photo Credits: Pinterest

The draping of the dupatta matters

To create a balanced look, take your dupatta and drape it cover one shoulder or place it diagonally to avoid the unnecessary volume

This is an image of a plus sized model wearing an orange colored Kurti with the dupatta thrown over one shoulder
Throw your dupatta over your shoulder for a balanced look
Photo Credits: Pinterest

Avoid: Clingy fabrics like lycra or net, heavy layering, and broad belts around the waist.


3. Style guide for tall women

If you are a tall woman, for instance, over 5’6″ Indian ethnic wear will look amazing on you. Flaunt your height with layered styles and bold prints. Let’s look at some of the outfits that will work wonders for you-

Opt for bold prints and big wide borders


A girl is wearing a bright red and white kurti with palazzo
Bold and bright prints are in for tall girls
Photo Credits: Pinterest

Tall women carry big bold prints gracefully. When choosing Indian ethnic wear outfits, don’t shy away from them on your kurtis, sarees and lehengas.

Explore volume and layers

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Layers are in so flaunt your style with grace
Photo Credits: Pinterest


Layered lehengas, shararas, or multi-tiered kurtas balance the tall frame and add dimension.

Long Length Anarkalis and Kurtas with Flare

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Enhance your height with floor touching Anarkali kurtas
Photo credits: Pinterest


These floor touching designs highlight your long legs and graceful height.

Wear Separates that Contrast

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Mix and match with contrasting colors
Photo Credits: Pinterest


Mix and match your blouse, skirt, and dupatta for a balanced, interesting look.

Avoid: Ultra-slim fits or vertically striped outfits that may elongate the body further.


Indian ethnic wear styling guide for every women

Before choosing Indian ethnic wear, keep the following tips in mind-

  • Experiment with necklines- Sweetheart necks and V-necks make your neck look longer. For other body shapes, round and scoop necks work well.
  • Focus on the right fit- Do not attempt to squeeze into a standard size. Tailor the outfit to complement your body type and shape. Remember a good fit will boost your looks dramatically.
  • Choose your accessories smartly– Don’t over accessorize your outfit. Rely on a striking necklace and statement earrings will attract attention to the upper part of your body.
  • Pay attention to your footwear-Choose the footwear as per the length of your outfit. Choose heels, wedges, mojris, and Kolhapuris based on your comfort.
  • Wear your confidence 24/7-Irrespective of your shape and size, flaunt your Indian ethnic outfit with joy and pride.

Final note

Ethnic fashion can be flaunted by every woman, irrespective of style, height, and curve. The beauty of Indian ethnic wear lies in its flexibility and grace. Whether you are going in for a family function, wedding, or festival, there is always something for you to wear. By knowing your body type and shape, making fashion choices with awareness will make you look and feel stunning!

Rita Seal

With a background in law and a deep-rooted passion for writing, I pursue storytelling through blogging and editing. I am equally drawn to books, fashion, films, music, and travel—with a special fondness for animals, especially dogs.

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