11 everyday kurta sets that will make you want to ditch your jeans and T-shirt routine
Alert: This story may cause a wardrobe overhaul
Dr Armaan from Dill Mill Gayye was my first onscreen crush. The second was Dr Riddhima’s monochrome anarkalis and churidar sets that I wanted almost as badly as I wanted a Dr Armaan to sweep me off my feet. But as my teenage insecurities spilt over into early adulthood, I came to the conclusion that those probably weren’t the most flattering fits for my body. And the notion that wearing everyday kurta sets attracted an unspoken but obvious social bias (we found out the hard way) further distanced me from the OG co-ord set.
Then Piku starring Deepika Padukone hit the screens (We asked the actress about her morning routine and here’s what she said). Padukone’s character — a self-made architect managing her neurotic father and her career — dressed in the simplest everyday kurta sets, accessorised with a small black bindi. The elegance was undeniable. It shattered the weird link in my mind between wearing Indian traditional clothes and being old-fashioned.
For busy working women like Piku, investing in these everyday kurta sets will help eliminate that morning indecision. They’re also as forgiving as pyjamas — you could be bloated like a PMS balloon and still look perfectly put together.
So give your jeans and t-shirts a break and check out these 11 brands that are serving everyday kurta sets like a five-course meal on a platter. We suspect your jeans will hibernate in the back of the closet for a long time.
Channel your inner Piku with these everyday kurta suit sets
With clients like Prajakta Koli and Karishma Kapoor, The Loom is a celebrity favourite with its Indian soft girl aesthetic – defined by an affinity towards pastels and prints like florals, lace and gingham. After spending hours down the rabbit hole of everyday kurta sets in deep reds and rich purples, we zeroed in on this vibrant yellow kurta with palazzo pants.
With a piece like this, you don’t have to worry about accessorising too much because the lace does the job of making the outfit seem complete. You can also style the piece without the dupatta for a more casual look.
Buy this yellow The Loom set here, ₹4,490.
For those who like to social distance from prints, trueBrowns is fashion heaven of monochromes and solids. Picking one was tough but this white short kurta co-ord set eventually won out. The beginning of a new week usually comes with the blues and the last thing you want to do is stand in a towel in front of your full closet confused about what to wear (you should definitely check out this lazy girl’s guide to look effortlessly stylish.)
The Indian counterpart of the white shirt staple, this set features a tough-to-find V-neck which is flattering on curvy Indian bodies. Don’t forget to carry a Tide pen so you’re well prepared for stain emergencies.
Buy this white trueBrowns set here, ₹3,499
The offering at Gulabo Jaipur will instantly draw you into the aura of the pink city with elegant gota patti work, bandhani and floral prints .
This straight-cut floral kurta set in an off-white and soft green shade feels like a pleasant summer afternoon in a full-bloom garden (we can almost taste the aam panna). While sizing in most brands is limited to XXL, Gulaabo is inclusive going from XXS to 4XL, meaning pretty everyday kurta sets for everyone no matter their body shape and size.
Buy this printed Gulabo Jaipur set here,₹4,500.
If the Pakistani serial fever has got to you, you’re well aware of the straight, slightly loose kurtas with high necks, styled with a dupatta. This parrot green and turquoise ensemble instantly reminded us of Mahira Khan from Humsafar. For those of you who prefer looser silhouettes and detest skin-fitting clothes, this would be a good pick with its double kali fashion.
Even though it’s a full set, the kurta, churidaar and dupatta are distinct enough to be paired with other pieces to create multiple looks. And if you gravitate towards vivid colours and bold prints, Sampada will be your first-stop shop for everyday kurta sets.
Buy this Sampadaset here, ₹4,550
A giant pile of fragrant genda phool. That’s the spirit of this solid yellow kurta set from size-inclusive brand nangalia ruchira. Crafted in mulmul, the cropped pants give the illusion of a narrower silhouette by exposing the ankle. The true show-stopper of this set is the multi-coloured dupatta in orange, pink and pale yellow which breaks the monotony of the set and adds colour without going overboard. If you’re someone trying to experiment with fashion, this would be a good starting point.
They also have velvet kurta sets in darker hues that you could check out for the upcoming festive season.
Buy this yellow nangalia ruchira set here, ₹4,999
How often have you worn a kurta set with the dupatta getting stuck on door knobs, sharp corner and other people’s jewellery and threatening to tear into two? We know the answer is 99 out of 100. For the accident-prone, this teal asymmetrical kurta set from drzya is the answer to your prayers. The dupatta is replaced by a mul scarf with tassels which you can simply style around your neck and be on your way.
drzya does Indian maximalism justice with its dual-coloured dupattas, neon shades and offbeat silhouettes.
Buy this drzya set here,₹9,600
If a K-drama was set in India, the female lead would dress in this exact aesthetic. Though the light pink hue is soothing on the eyes, it might wash out certain complexions. What we do like about the piece are the ankle-length dhoti pants which are a novel style to experiment with.
The threadwork on the neck adds some colour to the otherwise largely monotonous pink. The piece can be styled for a regular work day easily with a set of pearl earrings or danglers.
Shop this light pink aarké set here, ₹4,200
There comes a point in every woman’s life when pants feel like your mortal enemy. It’s on days like those that you pick out a sharara set and give yourself the best of both worlds. The Pataudis know how to do fashion right and their Myntra brand House of Pataudi completely mirrors siblings Saif and Soha’s personal styles. Subtly elegant, you will largely find solids with minimal or dainty prints in their collections with the exception of a few zari-heavy festive pieces.
This particular kurta set uses sharara pants, a style associated with festivals and celebrations, to elevate the otherwise casual appearance of the piece. The bottom has an elasticated waist which makes it stretchable and easy to wear. Add some gorgeous chaandbaalis, silver bangles and jutis to complete the look.
Buy this House of Pataudi kurta set here, ₹2,999
A fluffy candy floss full of sugary goodness. This kurta set from Pomcha Jaipur can be dressed up or down as per occasion. Pair it with oversized chaandbaalis and a choker necklace to dress it up or leave out the dupatta and wear dainty danglers with minimal rings to dress it down. And if you’re still not convinced, a maximal latkan adorns the back of the kurta adding a hint of nakhra to the outfit.
Shopping at Pomcha Jaipur will feel like strolling through Jaipur’s Bapu and Johri Bazaar. It’s a one-stop shop for hoarding vibrant shades like bright pink, orange and mustard yellow with bold, maximal prints.
Buy this Pomcha Jaipur set here, ₹7,298
Hindi TV serials have romanticised a dupatta getting caught in someone’s watch a little too much. But when you’re running to get into the swiftly closing elevator in the lobby at work, the last thing you want is some part of your clothing getting stuck somewhere and tearing from places that it absolutely shouldn’t. This blue cotton everyday kurta set will keep that mishap out of your life.
Your atypical saviour, the Shibori tie-dye print kurta set is a minimal but stylish choice. Made of breathable cotton fabric, this set is just right to keep you feeling cool when the temperatures soar without compromising on style. If you’re a fan of flowy silhouettes, Bunaai will spoil you with choices. Detailed craftsmanship, vivid colours and reimagined to fit modern sensibilities, these everyday kurta sets deserve. a spot in your wardrobe.
Shop this Bunaai set here, ₹6,300
If you sit on the cusp between solids and prints, this blue anarkali kurta set from Biba will offer you the right mix. The busy floral pattern on the palazzo pants will remind you of a sari your dadi probably wore a few years ago but mix it with the deep blue colour and the fashion hardly seems dated.
This everyday kurta set will make you feel like you’re wearing an heirloom piece with its nostalgic print and look. Don’t miss out on the tassle detail on the neck. And we all know how forgiving the anarkali style is. You could be carrying a pizza baby post-lunch and no one would know. Some pretty jhumkas, sleek matching bracelets and strappy block heels will add the final finishing touches to the look.
If you prefer classic silhouettes styled in a modern way, Biba will not disappoint you.
You can buy this Biba set here,₹5,995
