Thanks to my Indian mom, I first discovered the kurti about 10 years ago.  But I’ve had a hard time making it work with my everyday office wear.  Most of the designs I’ve come across are either too flashy or too over-embroidered to make it past my 7:30 am Monday morning game time fashion decision.  So I decided to get my own kurtis made.  Check out my style attempts here:

My sewing skills and creativity are pretty negligible, so I got ahold of some relatively conservative light silk material, and asked an Indian tailor to make a sleeveless top.  I brought in a couple cotton tank tops I had as an example.  I think the result has worked well for work.  I wear it with a black button down sweater or blazer, usually.  It’s great for mornings when I am tired and don’t have the time or patience to do anything other than throw on a loose blouse over black pants or skirt, and run for the door.

Here’s another sample of a homemade kurti:

Nothing much more to add here – this is just a different fabric and design.  Again, it works well over a pair of black pants or a black skirt.  It’s not revolutionary style, but if you are having a “fat” day or you are hungover, I think this kurti is stylish and comfortable enough to get you through a corporate day at work.

Here’s another example of the same kurti with 2 different types of black button down sweaters:

So much for my design attempts.  Now check out some even more impressive kurtis that I found online:

Photo at http://swatiargade.com/

Here are some excellent designs from my favorite sari dress designer, Swati Argade!  I really like these kurtis from her collection.  The colors are bright and bold, but the look is conservative enough for work.  I admit, the combo of style and color might be too bright for law firms and investment banks . . . but maybe in the summer?  And forget work – I would love to wear these over some slim white summer pants.  My only concern about these tops . . . I have a lot of Indian curves (what can I say, too much Indian food), and these kurtis look a little bit narrow.  But I’m more than willing to give them a try.  Now let’s take a look at another use for kurtis: beachwear!

I have never tried this before – but as http://www.whyoffashion.com/indian-fusion-fashion-indian-traditional-clothing-twist/ shows, kurtis at the beach can be done!  In fact, it’s absolutely perfect.  Of course, the design has to be right – over-embroidered or silk kurtis won’t work for the beach, but cotton ones with minimal contrasting design are absolutely perfect.

And now for another kurti loook:

I’m classifying this image in my mind as a kurti, but I admit that some would see it as a dress.  Either way, I think it’s incredibly cute.  Probably not a work item . . . unless it’s a Friday in the summer (and if it’s going to work, definitely wear some pants underneath!).  I like the intensive and slightly clashing design, and the fact that the designs, though bold, are not too loud or heavy.

And now for another casual kurti look:

I liked the look of this kurti, mostly because it has very little embroidery or bling on it.  I also love the color.  Unfortunately, it’s probably too casual for work.  But I would definitely wear it during travel – planes would work perfectly, or even a long road trip – maybe a winery tour on a hot day?  Kurtis are versatile!

Anyway – we’ve looked at kurtis as shirts, for work and beyond.  How about as dresses?  Check out the design below:

Photo from http://www.vardhita.co.uk/

I thought this dress looked super cute, but I have to admit . . . it probably doesn’t qualify as a kurti.  Or does it?  You be the judge!

And now, let’s take a look at some custom made kurti dresses – my designs!  Take a look below – without a black sweater, and with a black sweater:

In my attempts to create homemade kurtis, I also had a tailor put together a kurti dress from some excess sari fabric my mother had in her cabinet.  The result is as you see above.  I can’t say I really liked the fabric color, even though the pattern is appealing.  But I do think the dress looks good against the contrast of a black button down sweater.  At the very least, it qualifies as work appropriate – although I probably wouldn’t wear it to work if you happen to have a job at a fashion house or art publication 🙂  And, as you can see from the photos, you don’t have to be a stick figure to pull this dress off.

And now for one final kurti dress:

And last but not least, here’s an entirely different kurta dress look.  This is from the 9rasa website.  I think it’s cute!  It probably could be worn in to work, but with a camouflaging sweater or blazer (to add that Western formal edge!).

I hope these kurti styles gave you some ideas about incorporating Indian fashion into your everyday wardrobe, for work and play!