8 Elegant Ways to Style Designer Kurtas

Designer kurtas have become the MVP of Indian weddings—versatile enough to work across mehendi, sangeet, haldi, and receptions while still letting you look sharp and put-together. The key to mastering kurta styling is understanding how fabric, colour, and accessories transform a single piece into eight completely different looks.​



Kurta styling unlocked

A well-chosen designer kurta for men is like owning eight different outfits in one wardrobe staple. Whether you're wearing embroidered silk for the groom's look or lightweight linen for daytime events, the fabric and cut determine both comfort and style across wedding functions. Add layering, footwear, and accessories, and suddenly one kurta tells different stories all week.​

Style 3: Kurta Jacket Sophistication

This is the step up from a plain kurta when you want to look polished without going full formal.​

The outfit:

• Kurta in solid colour (navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green) in cotton or linen.
• Jacket in a contrasting or complementary shade—think a maroon kurta with a gold-trimmed jacket.​
• Tailored churidars in a neutral tone matching the kurta.
• Leather loafers or embroidered mojaris.

When to wear: Sangeet nights, cocktail receptions, family dinners.

Why it works: The jacket instantly elevates a casual kurta into formal wear. It creates silhouette definition and works beautifully for photography.​

A kurta jacket set transforms simple fabrics into statement pieces through pairing and proportion.​

Style 4: All-White Minimalist Look

Simplicity is sophisticated when executed well—especially for brunch-style mehendi or engagement ceremonies.​

The outfit:

• Pure white or off-white plain kurta in cotton, linen or silk.​
• Minimalist cut with no or subtle embroidery.
• White churidars and white or cream leather juttis.
• Optional: Gold stole or light dupatta if needed for warmth.

When to wear: Daytime mehendi, engagement functions, casual wedding brunches.

Why it works: White photographs beautifully, looks fresh in Indian heat, and pairs with any skin tone. It's crisp and elegant without trying too hard.​

A plain kurta in white becomes timeless through clean tailoring rather than embellishment.​

Style 5: Bold Jewel Tone with Minimal Embroidery

Rich colours command presence even without heavy detailing—perfect when you want impact without excess.​

The outfit:

• Kurta in jewel tones (deep emerald, sapphire blue, burgundy, peacock) with light embroidery on the chest and cuffs.​
• Silk or cotton-silk blend fabric.
• Matching or neutral churidars.
• Gold accessories—broad heavy juttis, thick stole, statement buttons.

When to wear: Reception after-parties, sangeet with stage lighting, family photos.

Why it works: Jewel tones look regal under artificial lighting and stand out in group photos. Minimal embroidery keeps you comfortable while fabrics give luxury.​

Designer kurta pieces in deep colours deliver maximum impact with minimal fussiness.​

Style 6: Short Kurta with Tapered Pants

This hybrid look splits the difference between traditional and contemporary—great for younger grooms or modern ceremonies.​

The outfit:

• Short kurta (knee-length instead of traditional long) in cotton or linen, printed or plain.​
• Tapered black or navy trousers instead of churidars.
• Contemporary loafers or shoes.
• Optional: Light blazer over kurta for added formality.

When to wear: Cocktail receptions, modern mehendi setups, destination wedding brunches.

Why it works: Shorter cuts feel contemporary and allow easier movement. Pairing with trousers blends Indian and Western seamlessly.​

A short kurta with tailored pants creates a polished, modern style without abandoning Indian aesthetics.​

Style 7: Layered Look with Nehru Jacket Drape

This advanced styling technique uses a Nehru jacket as a drape rather than a fitted layer for visual drama.​

The outfit:

• Kurta pajama in solid colour (cream, white, light blue) as a base layer.​
• Open Nehru jacket in a contrasting or metallic shade, draped casually over the shoulders.
• Chunky gold juttis and a statement brooch on a kurta.

When to wear: Evening receptions, groom's entrance moments, formal photo sessions.

Why it works: Layering adds depth and allows movement—jacket stays open for photos and conversations but adds formality.​

Kurta pajama sets become architectural pieces when styled with open-jacket layering techniques.​

Style 8: Linen Summer Wedding Elegance

For destination weddings or outdoor daytime events, linen keeps you cool while looking fresh and intentional.​

The outfit:

• Linen kurta in ivory, soft grey, pale blue or sage green.​
• Linen or cotton-linen blend for breathability.
• Light churidars or linen pants in matching shade.
• Minimal jewellery—simple juttis or woven sandals.

When to wear: Daytime destination weddings, poolside mehendi, outdoor haldi brunches.

Why it works: Linen has relaxed elegance, photographs beautifully, and doesn't cling to your body in heat. It's intentionally casual-formal.​

A linen kurta remains unwrinkled-looking due to fabric's natural texture, reducing last-minute steaming stress.​

Fabric guide for wedding week

Understanding Manyavar's fabric options helps you choose the right kurta for each function:

• Silk & silk-blend: Formal receptions, evening events. Rich sheen and weight.​
• Cotton: Mehendi, haldi, daytime. Breathable and casual.​
• Linen: Summer destinations. Crisp and intentional.​
• Viscose/blends: Mid-range comfort-formality. Works across multiple functions.​

Accessory multiplier effect

The same kurta for men transforms completely through accessories:

• Formal: Gold juttis + stole + chest brooch.
• Casual: Simple sandals + no stole + rolled sleeves.
• Modern: Loafers + no stole + contemporary watch.​

Final styling wisdom

One quality designer kurta styled eight different ways beats owning eight mediocre kurtas styled the same way. Invest in fit, fabric quality, and neutral-to-jewel-tone base colours, then let accessories and layering do the rest.​

When your kurta fits well at the shoulders and chest, every styling choice looks intentional rather than accidental