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Ethnic elegance: The best ethnic wear for men and women to slay any occasion with ease

BySamarpita Yashaswini
Feb 19, 2025 05:00 PM IST

Get the trendiest ethnic wear for men and women to turn heads at every occasion. From kurtas to sherwanis, check out this ultimate ethnic wear guide now.

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Nothing beats the charm of ethnic wear, be it draping a saree or slipping into a classic sherwani. The right ensemble turns heads at every festive gathering. From breezy cotton kurtas for summer weddings to intricately embroidered lehengas that make a statement, finding the best ethnic wear is all about blending comfort, culture, and personal style.

The best ethnic wear for men and women(Pexels)
The best ethnic wear for men and women(Pexels)

For men, the world of ethnic wear is no longer just about basic kurtas. Think regal bandhgalas, stylish Nehru jackets, and edgy Indo-Western fusion styles that redefine festive fashion. Meanwhile, women can experiment with sarees in pastel hues, mirror-work lehengas, or even contemporary shararas that exude effortless grace. The best ethnic wear is making its way into everyday wardrobes, from casual chikankari kurtas to statement palazzo sets.

With the right styling, accessories, and a dash of confidence, ethnic wear can be as modern as it is timeless. If you love the grandeur of silk or the simplicity of handloom cotton, the best ethnic wear helps you celebrate tradition in your own unique way. Next time when you’re picking an outfit, let your roots shine through because nothing is more stylish than culture worn with confidence.

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Best ethnic wear picks for women:

Kurtas

Kurtas are the most versatile piece of ethnic wear, effortlessly blending tradition with everyday comfort. Be it a breezy cotton kurta for a casual day out or a heavily embroidered Anarkali for festive occasions, there’s a style for every mood. Pair them with palazzos, leggings, or even skirts for a fresh take on ethnic chic. From bold prints to subtle pastels, kurtas in ethnic wear let you play with colours, fabrics, and silhouettes. They’re easy to wear, easy to style, and always in vogue.

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Lehengas

Nothing spells celebration like a gorgeous lehenga! This showstopper in ethnic wear is all about drama, elegance, and a bit of twirling magic. If you love classic embroidery, mirror work, or modern minimalism, lehengas let you express your personal style with flair. From grand weddings to Diwali parties, the right lehenga ensures you steal the spotlight. Pair it with a chic crop top, a traditional choli, or even a jacket for a contemporary twist. In the world of ethnic wear, lehengas are pure royalty!

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Sarees

Timeless, elegant, and effortlessly graceful, sarees are the crown jewel of ethnic wear. Draping a saree is an art, but once you master it, there’s no looking back! Play with pleats, experiment with belts, or add a statement blouse to give your saree a modern touch. No matter how you wear it, a saree ensures that your ethnic wear game is always on point.

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Suit sets

Suit sets are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication in ethnic wear. If it’s an elegant straight-cut suit for work, a flowy Anarkali for festivities, or a trendy sharara set for weddings, there’s a style for everyone. Dupattas add an extra dose of charm, think embroidered, printed, or even cape-style drapes. Suit sets are perfect when you want to keep it stylish yet effortless. In the world of ethnic wear, they’re a go-to for women who love to balance tradition with modern aesthetics.

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Best ethnic wear picks for men:

Sherwanis

If there’s one outfit that defines grandeur in ethnic wear for men, it’s the sherwani. Perfect for weddings, receptions, and royal-themed events, sherwanis bring an unmatched regal vibe. If you choose classic silk, intricate embroidery, or a sleek Indo-Western fusion, a sherwani ensures you stand out. Pair it with a stole, a safa (turban), or statement mojaris for the full royal effect. When it comes to festive and wedding ethnic wear, a sherwani is the ultimate power move.

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Kurtas and kurta sets

Kurtas are the backbone of men’s ethnic wear, offering effortless elegance for every occasion. From simple cotton kurtas for casual outings to heavily embroidered ones for weddings, they’re a wardrobe essential. Kurta sets, paired with churidars, pyjamas, or even dhotis, make styling easy and impactful. For a contemporary look, layer a kurta with a Nehru jacket or pair it with jodhpuri trousers. Be it a festive puja or a family gathering, a well-styled kurta set keeps your ethnic wear game strong.

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Dhotis

Traditional yet incredibly stylish, dhotis bring old-world charm to modern ethnic wear. When worn with a crisp cotton kurta or an embellished sherwani, dhotis add a distinctive cultural touch. They come in a variety of draping styles, from classic pleated versions to pre-stitched designs for convenience. Though often reserved for weddings and religious ceremonies, dhotis are making a comeback in contemporary fashion. If you want to embrace heritage with a unique edge, dhotis are a must-have in your ethnic wear collection.

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Nehru jackets

The ultimate finishing touch to any ethnic wear look, Nehru jackets add structure, style, and sophistication. Worn over kurtas, shirts, or even bandhgalas, they instantly elevate any outfit. Whether you opt for a classic solid colour, a textured fabric, or an embroidered masterpiece, Nehru jackets are all about effortless charm. They’re perfect for formal occasions, festive events, and even semi-casual gatherings. No matter how you style it, a Nehru jacket makes your ethnic wear look polished and fashion-forward.

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The world of ethnic wear is vast, diverse, and full of endless styling possibilities. If you’re a fan of timeless sarees and sherwanis or love experimenting with contemporary fusion styles, there’s something for everyone. Ethnic wear is no longer reserved for just grand occasions, it’s making its way into everyday wardrobes in fresh, stylish ways. So embrace tradition, and make ethnic wear your own with confidence and creativity.

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Ethnic wear FAQs

  • What is the best ethnic wear for a wedding?

    For women, lehengas and sarees are top choices, while men can opt for sherwanis or classic kurta sets with Nehru jackets for a regal look.

  • How can I modernise my ethnic wear look?

    Mix and match styles—pair a saree with a belt, wear a Nehru jacket over a Western outfit, or opt for Indo-Western fusion styles like draped dhotis and asymmetrical kurtas.

  • What is the most comfortable ethnic wear option?

    Cotton kurtas, light suit sets, and simple kurta-pyjama combos are some of the most comfortable yet stylish ethnic wear options for men and women.

  • Can ethnic wear be worn casually?

    Absolutely! Kurtas, suit sets, and Nehru jackets can be styled casually with jeans or palazzos, making ethnic wear perfect for everyday fashion.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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