D. Salwar Kameez by Occasion

Salwar Kameez is apt for all kinds of occasions. A bridal salwar kameez will have a different look than that of a regular wear salwar kameez. Different fabrics, different styles, different patterns are available to make salwar kameez for different occasions.

Accordingly, Salwar Suit by occasion can be divided into the following categories:

·          Bridal salwar kameez

·          Formal/party wear salwar kameez

·          Casual wear salwar kameez

·          Festival wear salwar kameez

1.     Bridal Salwar Kameez

Despite stiff competition from sarees and ghagra cholis, the salwar-kameez has maintained its position as the most practical and elegant garment in Indian fashion. The popularity and comfort of the salwar kameez has reached such stupendous heights that most of the new breed designers have started channelizing a major portion of their creative abilities to give this ensemble a new look. Varying from the ethnic touch to the cocktail look, the salwar kameez has come to suit all occasions, specially weddings.

Generally, there are different costumes for bride in different religions. Traditionally speaking, Salwar Kameez is the bridal wear for only punjabi womens. Nowadays, however, young brides from North India also wear salwar kameez on their wedding day. A Sikh bride wears a bright salwar kameez. The color of the Kameez is mostly red or magenta. The Dupatta is a must on the head of the bride(considered as ghoonghat or laaj ). The salwar kameez is a heavily embroidered with beads, zardosi, pearls, etc.

On the Indian subcontinent, for wedding purpose you can opt for colors like rust brown, shades of red and yellow because it is considered auspicious colors for Indian bride. The rich colours which are used are symbolic of festivity / fertility. Today brides prefer a contemporary look, a balance of modern with the tradition. Yet, there are brides who don't mind being more flamboyant or going for the 'mix and match look'.

The bridal salwar suits comes in different fabric and style. Mostly bridal suits are available in silk and brocade. Heavy embroidery is made on the suits with zardosi and zari work. Lucknow is renowned for its famous chikankari suits. Zardosi embroidery, which is done with gold thread, is mostly seen in bridal suits. Nowadays Patiala style of salwar suits is in vogue. It has lots of gathers, and drapes in an elegant mould forming even folds from hip to ankle. With the passage of time, the style of kameez salwar suits has changed. A stunning salwar kameez with complex golden embroidery beauty is an unparallel and absolutely gorgeous suit, just perfect for brides looking for something unique. It looks attractive and classic too.

2.     Formal/Party Wear Salwar Kameez

The Salwar kameez is gaining in popularity fast with both the younger and older generation. New designers have come up with great variations of the Salwar kameez. Bombay, the hub of fashion creates some innovations in salwar suit variety almost everyday. Available in numerous range, salwar kameez is demanded by women of all ethnic cities and age groups and can be worn for all occasions.

Who wants to go bankrupt on finding "THE PERFECT" ensemble for any formal occasion or adding variety to our everyday clothing? Salwar Kameez is the ideal choice. Even formal salwar kameez tend to cost less than western formal clothing.

Indian formal or party wear salwar suits are generally made up of a silk, satin, crepe, chiffon and georgette fabrics, can be worn on festivals or other celebrations. The party wear Indian salwar kameez decorated with embroidery and mirror work is very feminine and graceful.

• Indian party wear salwar kameez come in many different styles.
• Some prefer to go for short kurtas with complex embroidery and mirror work.
• Many could afford more complex brocade, tanchoi and heavy satins even with real gold and silver embroidery, studded with precious stones.
• Pakistani salwar suits too are very popular.
• Chikankari, Zardosi, Bandhej, Phulkari, beaded sequins, mirror work and block cum handprints are all time favorites among the ladies.
• Some ladies prefer fusion wear like sleeveless top style kameez with long slits and deep cuts or spaghetti kurtas to give a modern look.
• For marriage and festivals, they will go for heavy and complex embroiderd salwar kameez.
• Young girls who wish to make their own fashion style generally choose designer salwar kameez which is modern yet has the touch of Indian tradition.

3.     Casual Wear Salwar Kameez

Inspite of emergence of various western dresses in the Indian market both for casual and formal wear, Salwar kameez still remains the most favoured outfit for all occasions.

Though a small segment of urban India has been exposed to, and often accepted new fashion directions , most Indians hold a more old-fashioned view. Almost all married ladies of our country wear a saree or a salwar suit at home, especially the middle aged and the old ladies. In India, salwar kameez is the most common casual dress for young women. These salwar suits are very popular as these are worn almost daily and wanted regularly in the market. You can wear casual salwar kameez anywhere and on any occasion.

The casual Indian salwar kameez are wonderfully comfortable, ideal for the long hot Indian summer. Casual salwar suits can be used both for daily wear and office or college wear.

Casual daily wear salwar kurtas can be of cotton, chiffon or any other fabric. Cotton is the best salwar kameez as casual wear. They are cool, flowing and stylish. Fancy salwar kameez are suitable for any occasion, casual or formal. Casual salwar suits are available in designs ranging from cultural chic to traditional to modern prints, in a wide range of fabrics. Women of all sizes can wear these outfits with assurance. These sets are available in various prints, color schemes and styles. The casual styling and light colors and mild embroideries give these garments its appeal.

4.     Festival Wear Salwar Kameez

Festivals are essential threads woven in the fabric of Indian society. There are special occasions for social get-together with family, friends and neighbours to build new bonds and strengthen the existing ones. There are probably more festivals and occasions for celebrations than there are days in a year. All these celebrations have religious, seasonal and social fundamentals to them.

There are different dresses for different occasions. Salwar kameez is most popular-among them a formal salwar kameez can be worn at many occasions.

Diwali is one popular festival in India where ladies wear salwar kameez. Silk salwar suit, punjabi suits, embroidered salwar kameez are the trend at this occasion. Karwa Chauth is popular amongst married women in the northern and western parts of India, especially, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. On this day, women dress up in special clothes, usually a gorgeous sari, a lehenga-choli or a bridal salwar kameez with gold zari embroidery. During Navratri and Dandiya, salwar suits are worn. Eid is one of the famous fastivals when Muslim women wear this costume. Shararas are quite famous at festive occasions. Usually unmarried girls wear bridal salwar kameez in wedding of their relatives, brother, sisters. The most common occasion is Sangeet and mehendi ceremonies. Salwar suit is now a days a daily wear of Indian women.