Where tradition meets trend, there's one phrase that's buzzing everywhere these days – Indo western. It's like a perfect melody of two rich cultures, coming together in a harmonious blend. But what exactly is the Indo Western attire? What are its different types? And more importantly, where and how can you flaunt these styles?
From the flamboyant flair of a Jodhpuri suit at a Sangeet to the sophisticated charm of an Achkan at a wedding, Indo Western attire offers a plethora of choices for every celebration. This blog is your key to finding the perfect Indo Western outfit for every occasion and decoding the styling guide to its various silhouettes.
A Medley of Convention and Contemporary Style for the Engagement
As the Engagement or Sagan ceremony heralds the beginning of a beautiful journey, the outfit chosen for this occasion is a statement of personal style and cultural identity. The ideal choice of Indo-Western attire for this significant event is the Achkan, which stands out as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
The Achkan, traditionally a knee-length jacket, offers a perfect canvas for experimentation while maintaining its inherent grace. For those who admire timeless elegance, rich, deep colours like maroon, navy blue, or emerald green are impeccable choices. These hues resonate with the traditional Indian palette, bringing a sense of regal sophistication. For the contemporary soul, softer shades like off-white, beige, or pastel pinks and blues offer a modern take, adding a light, refreshing vibe to the ceremony.
A traditional straight-cut Achkan exudes a timeless appeal. Paired with well-fitted trousers or a churidar, it creates a silhouette that’s both flattering and formal. Asymmetrical hemlines can add an element of surprise and a touch of modernity. It’s a subtle nod to contemporary fashion while keeping the essence of the Achkan intact.
Notes from our stylist: A pair of cufflinks, a sleek watch, or a pocket square can add a personal touch to your outfit. Choose accessories that complement the embroidery and colour of the Achkan and round-off the look with traditional mojaris or polished formal shoes.
Read more - Five Unique Wedding Rituals in India
A Whirl of Colours and Comfort with Indo-Western Styles for the Mehendi
The Mehendi ceremony is a vibrant and fun-filled prelude to the wedding, characterised by laughter, music, and an air of casual festivity. It's a day where traditions are celebrated with a playful twist, and this calls for an outfit that is visually striking but also comfortable enough to let you immerse in the joyous activities. The Layered or Jacket Style Indo Western outfit emerges as the perfect choice for this lively occasion.
This style, known for its versatility and modern appeal, aligns perfectly with the spirit of a Mehendi ceremony. Mehendi is all about colours that pop. Think vibrant shades like turquoise, sunset orange, or lime green. For a subtler look, opt for earthy tones like olive green, mustard, or rustic red. These hues offer a contemporary twist while still resonating with the traditional aspect of the ceremony.
Comfort is key for the Mehendi ceremony. A jacket or kurta with a relaxed fit, can offer both style and ease of movement. Opt for outfits with interesting layers – like a shorter jacket over a longer kurta. This creates a unique silhouette and adds a contemporary edge.
Notes from our stylist: Choose light accessories like a beaded necklace or a simple bracelet. The idea is to add a bit of flair without going overboard. Comfortable footwear is a must for Mehendi ceremonies. Stylish sandals or juttis can be a great choice, blending ease with elegance.
Embracing Traditions with a Modern Touch for the Haldi
The Haldi ceremony, a vibrant and playful pre-wedding ritual, is steeped in tradition and symbolism. This event, characterised by the application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom, is about auspicious beginnings and fun interactions among family and friends. In choosing an outfit for such an occasion, the focus shifts to simplicity, comfort, and a connection with tradition. The evergreen Nehru Jacket, with its elegant fabrics and sophisticated designs, emerges as an ideal choice for the Haldi.
Nehru Jackets in brocade and Jacquard fabrics, known for their rich textures and intricate weaving, can lend a touch of luxury to the otherwise simple Haldi attire. Choose jackets that offer ease of movement that can be paired with complementing kurta sets.
Reflecting the colour of turmeric, shades of yellow and mustard are traditionally favoured for Haldi. They resonate with the theme and add a cheerful brightness to the celebration. For a contemporary twist, ivory or cream with subtle gold accents can be a sophisticated alternative, offering a neutral base that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant hues of the ceremony.
Notes from our stylist: Keep accessories to a minimum. A simple bracelet or aviator sunglasses can add style without being cumbersome. Opt for open sandals or easy-to-remove footwear, keeping in mind the playful and often messy nature of the ceremony.
Read more - Sherwani Styles for the Modern Groom
A Symphony of Style and Rhythm for the Sangeet
The Sangeet ceremony, a night filled with music, dance, and laughter, is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events in an Indian wedding. It's an evening where families come together to celebrate the joy of the upcoming nuptials through performances and a spirited atmosphere. For such an occasion, the outfit needs to be as lively and dynamic as the ceremony itself. The Jodhpuri Suit, with its regal aura and contemporary appeal, emerges as the perfect Indo-Western attire for the Sangeet.
A Jodhpuri Suit combines the elegance of traditional Indian wear with the sophistication of a western suit. Known for its distinctively sharp silhouette and royal lineage, it lends an air of sophistication and style, making it an excellent choice for the glamourous Sangeet night.
Sangeet being a lively event, bold colours like royal blue, deep red, or even a striking black can make a statement. These colours add to the celebratory mood and ensure you stand out in the crowd. Shades of silver, gold, or metallic grey also bring a contemporary edge, aligning with the glitzy ambiance of a Sangeet night.
Notes from our stylist: A well-tailored, slim-fit Jodhpuri suit enhances the body silhouette, offering a sleek and modern look suitable for the dynamic Sangeet evening. Elevate the outfit with a pocket square, a statement watch, or a stylish brooch. A pair of polished leather shoes or designer mojaris can complete the look, adding a final touch of sophistication.
Majestic Elegance for the Sacred Wedding
The wedding ceremony is the crescendo of the entire celebration, a momentous occasion where two hearts unite in a sacred bond. It's an event steeped in tradition, witnessed by loved ones, and remembered for a lifetime. On this day, the groom's attire speaks volumes about the gravity and joy of the occasion. The Indo-Western style Sherwani, with its majestic blend of royalty and contemporary fashion, stands as an ideal choice for the groom on his wedding day.
Classic colours like royal burgundy, deep navy, or earthy olive lend a sense of regality and poise. For a more understated look, softer hues like champagne, ivory, or light gold can be chosen. These shades offer a contemporary and refined alternative, perfect for modern weddings.
Notes from our stylist:A safa matching the outfit, a pearl mala or a brooch are a few essentials required to complete the outfit. For the footwear, opt for traditional juttis, preferably in velvet or brocade.
Erstwhile Royalty for the Reception
The Reception ceremony is the grand finale of the wedding celebrations, a time when the newlyweds greet their guests as a couple for the first time. This event, often more relaxed and Western in its format, calls for an outfit that is rooted yet contemporary. The Angrakha Indo-Western outfit, known for its unique design and modern appeal, is an exemplary choice for the groom on this special occasion.
With its history rooted in the royal courts of ancient India, the Angrakha exudes a sense of nobility and elegance. This style, characterised by its innovative placket and fusion of Eastern and Western fashion elements, offers a perfect blend of modernity and erstwhile royalty, befitting the grandeur of a reception.
Darker shades like charcoal grey, midnight blue, or black exude a sleek, contemporary vibe. These colours are ideal for an evening reception, aligning with the sophistication of the event. For a more adventurous look, opting for brighter colours like burgundy or royal blue can make a bold statement, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration.
Notes from our stylist: A classy watch, a pair of cufflinks, or a stylish tie can complement the modern look. Choose accessories that harmonise with the outfit’s colour and style. A pair of polished formal shoes, preferably in leather, can complete the ensemble, ensuring the groom looks dapper and ready for the occasion.
As we traverse through the various ceremonies of an Indian wedding, each event is an opportunity to express personal style. Manyavar’s Indo-Western collection, with its diversity and attention to detail, offers the perfect ensemble for every occasion. From the regal Angrakha to the sleek Jodhpuri Suit, each outfit is a masterpiece, crafted to enhance your celebration. Beyond the fabrics and threads, it’s the memories these outfits help create that are most precious. As you step into the festivities, Manyavar is here to be your companion in curating a style that’s as unique as you.