What is Anarkali Dress: A Fun Guide to Styling Anarkali Suits and Its Types

Lets say you’re at a wedding, the music is playing, and you’re twirling in a stunning, floor-length outfit that makes you feel like royalty. That’s the magic of an Anarkali dress! But wait—what is an Anarkali dress, exactly?

If you’ve ever been mesmerized by the elegance of Indian fashion, you’re in for a treat. An Anarkali dress, often called an Anarkali suit, is a timeless piece rooted in Mughal history, named after the legendary courtesan Anarkali. Think of a fitted bodice that flares out into a dreamy, voluminous skirt, paired with a churidar, palazzo pants, or leggings, and topped with a dupatta. It’s the go-to outfit for weddings, festive celebrations, and any occasion where you want to shine.

In this fun guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about Anarkali dresses! We’ll explore the different types, share insider tips on how to style an Anarkali suit, and even help you find your perfect Anarkali vibe with a quick quiz. Ready to channel your inner Mughal princess?

Oh, and we’d love to hear from you—drop a comment below and tell us: Have you ever worn an Anarkali dress? What did you love about it?

Understanding the Anarkali Style

Different Types of Anarkali Dresses

Anarkali dresses come in so many gorgeous styles that there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a fan of dramatic flair or understated elegance, here are the top types of Anarkali dresses to explore:

• Floor-Length Anarkali: This is the queen of drama! It sweeps the floor with a regal silhouette, often decked out in heavy embroidery, zari work, or sparkling stones. Perfect for weddings or grand celebrations where you want all eyes on you.
• Jacket-Style Anarkali: Love a modern twist? This type features a long jacket over a simpler Anarkali kurti, giving you a chic, layered look. It’s great for festive events or even semi-formal gatherings.
• Anarkali Kurti with Palazzo: Wondering what is an Anarkali kurti? It’s a shorter version of the Anarkali dress, typically paired with palazzo pants for a breezy, comfortable vibe. Ideal for casual outings or family get-togethers.
• Heavy Anarkali for Weddings: These are the showstoppers—think intricate embroidery, velvet, or silk fabrics, often in rich colors like maroon or emerald. They’re made for brides or wedding guests who want to steal the show.
• Lightweight Anarkali for Casual Wear: Made from fabrics like cotton or georgette, these are perfect for everyday wear or small gatherings. They’re comfy yet stylish—your go-to for effortless elegance.

Suggested Fabrics of Anarkali Suits

The fabric of an Anarkali suit can make or break your look. Here’s a rundown of the most popular fabrics used in Anarkali suits and why they’re loved:

• Silk: Luxurious and shiny, silk Anarkalis are perfect for weddings and formal events. They add a royal touch to your ensemble.
• Georgette: Lightweight and flowy, georgette Anarkalis are great for festive occasions—they’re easy to carry and look stunning with embroidery.
• Cotton: Breathable and comfy, cotton Anarkalis are ideal for casual wear, especially in hot weather. Pair them with simple jewelry for a chic look.
• Velvet: Rich and plush, velvet Anarkalis are a winter favorite, often chosen for their warmth and opulent feel.
• Chiffon: Sheer and delicate, chiffon Anarkalis are perfect for a soft, ethereal look, often used for semi-formal or party wear.

How to Style Anarkali Suits?

Now that you know what are Anarkali suits, let’s talk about styling them! Here are some tips to rock your Anarkali suit for any occasion:

• For Weddings: Go all out with a floor-length Anarkali in silk or velvet. Pair it with heavy jhumkas, a maang tikka, and embellished juttis. Don’t forget a statement clutch to complete the look!
• For Festive Events: A georgette Anarkali with palazzo pants is a great choice. Add a contrasting dupatta, bangles, and kolhapuri sandals for a festive vibe.
• For Casual Outings: Opt for a cotton Anarkali kurti with leggings or palazzos. Keep accessories minimal—a pair of stud earrings and flats will do the trick.

Find Your Anarkali Style: Take the Quiz!

Not sure which Anarkali style suits you best? Let’s find out with this quick quiz! Answer these questions and tally your points:

1. What’s your go-to occasion for traditional wear?
   • Wedding or grand event (3 points)
   • Festive celebration (2 points)
   • Casual outing (1 point)
2. What’s your preferred fabric vibe?
   • Luxurious and shiny (e.g., silk, velvet) (3 points)
   • Light and flowy (e.g., georgette, chiffon) (2 points)
   • Comfy and breathable (e.g., cotton) (1 point)
3. How much bling do you like?
   • Heavy embroidery and sparkle (3 points)
   • Subtle embellishments (2 points)
   • Minimal or none (1 point)

Results:

• 7-9 Points: You’re a Royal Diva! Go for a floor-length Anarkali in silk or velvet with heavy embroidery—perfect for weddings. Here is your handpicked collection
• 4-6 Points: You’re a Festive Queen! A georgette Anarkali with palazzo pants and subtle sparkle is your vibe. Here is your Handpicked collection.
• 3 Points: You’re a Casual Chic! A cotton Anarkali kurti with leggings is your go-to for effortless style.Here is your handpicked collection.

Share Your Result: What’s your Anarkali style? Drop your quiz result in the comments—we’re curious!

Popular Anarkali Suits for the Most Common Fabrics

Anarkali suits shine in different fabrics, and here’s how they fit into various occasions:

• Silk Anarkalis: Best for weddings and formal events, often paired with heavy dupattas and churidar for a royal look.
• Georgette Anarkalis: Ideal for festive occasions like Diwali or Eid—pair with palazzo pants for a modern twist.
• Cotton Anarkalis: Perfect for daily wear or small gatherings, styled with leggings and minimal jewelry.

Discuss the Most Common Fabrics Used for Anarkali Suits

We’ve touched on fabrics, but let’s dive deeper. Anarkali suits are versatile because of the fabrics they’re made from. Silk gives a rich, glossy finish, perfect for grand occasions. Georgette and chiffon offer a flowy, lightweight feel, great for dancing at festive events. Cotton is a summer favorite for its breathability, while velvet adds warmth and luxury for winter celebrations. Each fabric brings its own charm, so choose based on the occasion and your comfort.

Conclusion

So, what is an Anarkali dress? It’s more than just an outfit—it’s a statement of elegance, tradition, and versatility. From floor-length Anarkalis for weddings to cotton Anarkali kurtis for casual days, there’s a style for every occasion. With the right fabric, accessories, and styling, you can make any Anarkali suit your own.

Ready to find your perfect Anarkali? Explore Cbazaar’s stunning collection and use the tips from this guide to style your look. Don’t forget to take our quiz, share your results, and join the #CbazaarAnarkaliStyle challenge—we can’t wait to see how you rock this iconic outfit!