Anarkali dresses are believed to have been named after a famous courtesan who graced Emperor Akbar’s court during the Mughal rule in India. Since then, these have undergone countless experiments and transformations to complement evolving fashion trends. However, Anarkali dresses continue to be among the most flattering ethnic outfits for women across the country. Beautiful flowing skirts paired with fitted bodices make these truly special. From simple to elegant to gorgeous, Anarkalis come in myriad avatars to suit different occasions.
Silk, velvet, satin, organza, chiffon, georgette, cotton, crepe, and blended fabrics are extensively used in tailoring these amazingly feminine outfits. You can also pick from a variety of prints, patterns, and embellishments. Now, let’s explore the popular styles available in Anarkali dresses today.
Anarkali Dress Styles You Will Love
While minimalistic designs and cottons, chiffons, or organza dresses are perfect for casual or daytime wear, you can choose something more elaborate and luxurious for party or festive wear. Consider these styles when you shop online.
- Floor-Length
These classic Anarkali dresses can help you stand out at weddings, pujas, housewarming parties, and so on. They gently graze the floor as you walk and make for a charming style statement. You will find sets with matching dupattas as well. Pick them in fabrics like satin, silk, crepe, or georgette if you want the skirt to swish and flow seamlessly.
- Bridal
Exquisitely designed and usually available in stunning shades of red and pink, bridal Anarkali dresses transform you into a diva on your special day. They are heavily embellished with sequins, golden or silver embroidery, stones, beads, and mirrors, so you look grand and unique. These dresses come with matching dupattas that elevate your feminine appeal.
- Jacket Style
These are fusion-style Anarkali dresses accompanied by long jackets to lend an extra dose of sophistication and can even keep you warm when it gets a little cold. The ends of the jacket are usually held together at the waist with fancy tassels or pretty buttons. The Anarkali and jacket might come in contrasting or complementary shades, and the latter might feature more embellishments.
- Kurta with Pants
Anarkali kurtas can be long or short in length and paired with pants of different kinds. For instance, long kurtas often come with slim-fit pants while short or midi kurtas are paired with parallel or dhoti pants. Short and midi kurtas made of cotton or chiffon are great as workwear as they are light and chic.
- Layered
Looking for a regal touch to your ensemble for a traditional event in the evening? Anarkali dresses with a layered skirt can do the trick. In this style, the skirt has multiple layers of fabric for a voluminous look that contrasts a closely-fitted bodice and long, fitted sleeves. You can get sleeveless and half-sleeve versions too.
- Belted
Belted Anarkalis have a unique Indo-Western look, with a decorative belt neatly securing the dupatta and defining your waistline. You can walk around and even dance to peppy music easily while donning one of these, as you won’t have to adjust the dupatta constantly.
- Asymmetrical
Anarkali dresses come in trendy styles too, like the ones with asymmetrical hemlines. Paired with slim-fit pants or leggings, they make a contemporary statement which can turn heads at work parties, family get-togethers, or friendly brunches.
- Gowns
There is nothing like a beautifully embroidered Anarkali gown to look glamorous and sultry at upscale events or cocktail parties. Strappy pieces or those featuring square, V, or plunging necklines are especially eye-catching. You can also opt for gowns decked with crystals for evening dos.
- Angrakha
This particular Anarkali style is inspired by the Persian chapkan which has evolved over centuries to permeate women’s fashion in India. In this, one side of the dress overlaps the other side and is secured with pretty tassels at the waist. The sleeves are usually long and slim-fit and the outfit is accompanied by a lightweight dupatta.
- Front-Slit
Make a bold move with front-slit Anarkali dresses that are perfect for flaunting your toned legs without revealing too much. In this style, a long slit comes down the front of the skirt from the waistline. You can pair these dresses with matching palazzos or leggings.
Conclusion
Anarkali dresses don’t just look stunning, but they are also versatile and can accentuate your feminine beauty effortlessly by accentuating or adding curves in the right places. Apart from the different styles detailed above, they come in myriad hues too. Soft pastel pinks, blues, yellows, greys, and greens are especially a rage these days. If you are fond of bright or dark shades, you can take your pick from jewel tones too, like emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue. No matter which style, colour, or pattern tugs at your heartstrings, Anarkali dresses will never disappoint you. Just accessorise them with some ethnic jewellery and a pair of heels, and you are good to go.
