Anarkali Kurtas Styling Tricks: Flats Or Heels And Much More - 10 Top Ideas

There's something magical about Anarkali kurtas. They dance with every step, flatter every frame, and carry centuries of tradition stitched into their flowing panels. Be it cotton for everyday wear or silks and chiffons for festive splendour, Anarkali kurtas never go out of style. But with a silhouette so distinct, how one styles it can make all the difference between looking just ‘nice' and utterly unforgettable.

Draping a dupatta the usual way or tossing it on standard heels? That's a story told too often. Today's fashion is about personality, letting your outfit mirror your mood, your day, your moment. And that's exactly what these styling tricks aim to help you do. Each one adds a touch of flair, function, or fun to your look, making your Anarkali kurta as versatile as your schedule, and as vibrant as your wardrobe.

Style Your Accessories With Top Anarkali Kurtas From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. The Flats vs Heels Dilemma: What Your Feet Say About Your Look

Let's get this out of the way, the eternal style tug-of-war: flats or heels? While heels lend a regal finish and make those flares fall just right, flats bring unmatched comfort and a subtle, grounded charm. It's not about rules; it's about rhythm.

Picture a daytime pooja, juttis or Kolhapuris are your best mates. They keep things festive yet functional. Now switch scenes to an evening reception. Those slender stilettos or classic block heels? They instantly add drama and poise, giving your Anarkali the height it craves. If comfort is non-negotiable, wedges strike a fine balance.

Here's a trick: base the footwear not just on the occasion but also the fabric. Heavier fabrics like brocade or velvet pair beautifully with heels to balance the volume. For lighter cotton or georgette Anarkalis, embellished flats or mules work wonders. And of course, nothing beats the beauty of barefoot swirls during a home mehendi function.

2. Belt It Like You Mean It: Cinch That Waist with Sass

Sometimes, all it takes is a belt to transform an outfit. The Anarkali's flowy nature is romantic, yes, but when cinched at the waist, it takes on a more defined, tailored look that's flattering and oh-so-chic.

Think thin metallic belts for a formal event, silver or antique gold works like a charm, especially with silk or net fabrics. Going for a boho look? A tan leather belt with hand-stitched detailing adds texture and character. Even fabric belts made from the same material as your kurta can subtly break the monotony.

This trick not only adds shape but also makes you look taller by elongating the silhouette. Plus, it's the perfect hack when you're re-wearing a familiar Anarkali and want to give it a fresh twist. A belt changes the vibe instantly, from dreamy to tailored, from traditional to trendy. And guess what? It keeps that dupatta in place too!

Also Read: Anarkali Dresses Under ₹1000 Made With Natural Fibres; Myntra Mega Savings Sale Got You Covered

3. The Dupatta Drama: Toss, Pin or Drape Like a Diva

Dupattas, those magical swathes of fabric, can be show-stealers when styled right. While the classic shoulder drape works, there are far more exciting ways to play with them.

One-shoulder draping, secured with a brooch, adds a regal twist. Want something fuss-free? Pleat it tightly and pin it across your body like a saree pallu, functional and flattering. For festive evenings, try letting it hang dramatically from one elbow, think Mughal paintings but make it modern.

Don't be afraid to contrast the dupatta either. A bright pink silk dupatta over a muted beige Anarkali? Chef's kiss. Or go tone-on-tone for a subtle monochrome effect. If your kurta's heavy with embroidery, keep the dupatta light. And for minimalistic kurtas, a heavy dupatta with zari or mirror work elevates the look instantly.

The drape tells your story, graceful, confident, bold, or demure. Play with it until it feels like you.

4. Let Jewellery Do the Talking (But Not All at Once)

With an Anarkali, the temptation to go full royal can be strong. But styling is an art of balance. Statement earrings? Let them shine solo. Prefer a choker? Pair it with small studs. Necklines matter too, high necks look best with big earrings and no necklace, while deeper cuts allow for a grander neckpiece.

Maang tikka lovers, rejoice. An Anarkali gives you the perfect canvas to sport one without looking over-the-top. Same goes for jhumkas, they sway beautifully with the outfit's movement.

Don't shy away from oxidised silver or even coloured stones. A deep green kundan necklace over a mustard Anarkali can be a visual delight. And bangles, whether glass, metal, or enamel, they bring music to your moves.

Jewellery, when thoughtfully chosen, doesn't just accessorise, it completes the narrative. Every trinket adds a whisper of tradition, a dash of drama, or a wink of whimsy.

Style Your Accessories With Top Anarkali Kurtas From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Layers on Layers: Jackets, Capes, And Shrugs That Work

Layering is a smart way to transition your Anarkali between seasons or occasions. A brocade waistcoat over a simple cotton Anarkali? Suddenly, you're brunch-ready. A sheer cape with sequin work? Perfect for a cocktail night.

Long jackets, especially the floor-length variety, create an illusion of grandeur. They add depth, volume, and a touch of mystery. Opt for contrast colours or play with prints. Even a printed shrug with tassels can make a plain Anarkali pop with personality.

The trick is to choose lightweight layers that don't overpower the flow. Think breathable fabrics in summer, velvets or silks in winter. And let the Anarkali peep through, it should feel like a duet, not a solo.

Layering allows reinvention. You could wear the same Anarkali thrice in a week, and no one would notice, if your outer layer game is strong.

6. Hair That Complements, Not Competes

Your hairstyle can make or break the Anarkali charm. Think of your hair as the final brushstroke on a canvas. A messy bun with gajra screams elegance, while soft curls bring out the romance.

Got a high-neck Anarkali? Keep the hair up; a low bun or braided updo works beautifully. For open necklines, loose waves or a side braid, add softness. Mid-parted sleek styles look graceful and accentuate jewellery like maang tikkas or mathapattis.

Don't underestimate the impact of hair accessories. Embellished pins, floral accents, or even colourful ribbons can uplift a simple look. And during warmer months, a braided crown or fishtail braid is stylish yet sweat-proof.

When the outfit twirls, your hair should sway with it, not steal the spotlight. Harmony over competition, always.

7. The Bag You Carry Says a Lot

Gone are the days when potlis were the only option. While they still hold charm, the market's brimming with fresh bag styles that complement the Anarkali's grace.

A clutch with pearl embellishments works wonders for weddings. Want something offbeat? Try a mini sling with embroidery or mirror work, practical and pretty. Even envelope bags in vibrant silks can add a quirky twist.

During daytime events, opt for jute or cotton fabric bags with subtle threadwork. They keep the look easy-going. For evening functions, metallic or velvet clutches elevate the mood.

Avoid oversized bags, they clash with the Anarkali's silhouette. Instead, pick compact, statement pieces that add colour, contrast, or just a little sparkle.

Remember, your bag doesn't just carry essentials, it carries attitude.

Style Your Accessories With Top Anarkali Kurtas From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

8. Play With Bottoms: It's Not Always Churidar

While churidars are the classic pairing, experimenting with bottoms can completely transform your Anarkali. Straight pants offer a cleaner, more modern look. Cigarette pants? Sleek and sassy. Palazzo pants in sheer or embroidered fabric add volume and drama.

Even wearing your Anarkali as a dress, sans bottoms, is totally in. Add a belt and heels, and you're ready for a fusion night out. For a more traditional affair, a lehenga-style flared skirt under a short Anarkali gives a gorgeous layered effect.

Sharara lovers can rejoice too, the short Anarkali + sharara combo has made a stylish comeback. It adds a hint of nostalgia while staying on-trend.

The bottom line (pun intended)? Play around. There's no rulebook anymore. Comfort, flair, and how you want to move, that's what should guide your choice.

9. Mix, Match and Master the Art of Contrast

Don't let your Anarkali live a lonely life. Mix and match like a stylist in a rush, and watch new looks unfold. Pair an old Anarkali with a bright contrasting dupatta. Swap a plain bottom with an embroidered one. Use accessories from a totally different set.

Think mustard with emerald green. Powder blue with fuchsia pink. Rust orange with deep navy. When the colours talk, the outfit sings.

You can even layer different kurtas if the lengths vary, short over long, asymmetrical over straight cuts. Style is no longer about playing safe, it's about making a statement.

Contrast doesn't just apply to colours either. Textures, prints, accessories, throw in a little surprise. That's where the magic lives.

10. Seasonal Tweaks That Make All the Difference

A breezy cotton Anarkali is perfect for April weddings, but come December, you'll want warmth without bulk. Enter seasonal styling.

In summer, ditch the heavy layers. Opt for lightweight earrings, pastel shades, and minimal makeup. Linen or mul cotton Anarkalis paired with oxidised jewellery feel effortless yet stylish.

Monsoons? Shorter Anarkalis with palazzos or culottes are safer, rainwater and floor-grazing hemlines are not friends. Closed footwear like embroidered mojaris or waterproof juttis are ideal.

In winter, layer with velvet shawls, woollen stoles, or even turtlenecks beneath your Anarkali. Add boots or ankle-length kolhapuris and switch to deeper shades, maroons, bottle greens, midnight blues.

Adapting your Anarkali to the season not only boosts comfort but also shows thoughtfulness. And that's the heart of good styling, caring enough to make your outfit work with the world around you.

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Anarkalis have a soul of their own, part nostalgia, part elegance, and all heart. But how you wear them can turn that soul into a stunning story. Whether you're spinning to the beats of a sangeet or strolling into a Sunday get-together, these styling tricks help you wear the Anarkali your way.

So go ahead, swirl, style, and shine. And remember, fashion isn't just about what you wear. It's about how you carry it. With confidence, with charm, and a whole lot of character. Check Today's Deals On Flipkart

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