The Indian sharara has been in style since the 19th century. Traditionally a Muslim staple, shararas and it’s sister staple ghararas have made like a permanent mark on the trend charts. The flared-from-the-waist-and-below silhouette beautifully amalgamates comfort with style and exudes a playful vibe. Over the years, shararas have received a sartorial upgrade with versatility as a prime incorporation. They’ll take you through a variety of festivities, whilst keeping you at ease yet decked up, which is a need given the extravagance of Indian festivals. What’s more, 2020 is making way for comfort as a focal point in fashion, and shararas guarantee just that!
Their popularity amongst the masses can be credited to Bollywood. From heavily embellished numbers to flimsy and airy ones, stars have sported them in a myriad of ways. And for a myriad of occasions. They’ve been tried and tested by the likes of Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonakshi Sinha and more. Need some inspiration on unconventional ways to style them once festivities resume? Read on!
8 celebrities that will convince you to invest in sharara pants:
1. Preity Zinta
Indian ensembles are known for their usage of embellishments. But when you’re going for outfits that are not high on ornamentation, opt for classic, standout, Indian hues. Deep, rani pink for instance. Preity Zinta picked a sharara set by Manish Malhotra for Diwali celebrations last year. The floor-sweeping sharara was worn with an asymmetrical kurta. The kurta was cinched at the waist with a golden belt and layered with a muted pink dupatta, featuring an embellished golden border.
2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
For a jewellery event in Qatar last year, Aishwarya made an appearance in a red, Manish Malhotra ensemble. The look comprised a straight, short kurta and sharara pants flaunting rich, zardozi work in floral motifs. The pants, on the other hand, were plain with a thick, gota border. A red dupatta featuring an intricately embellished border completed her outfit. When in doubt, always opt for red to stand out!
3. Vidya Balan
Vidya is currently busy e-promoting Shakuntala Devi and picked a sharara set for one of the events. A slightly toned-down version as opposed to the first two, Vidya’s ensemble is perfect for casual festivities at home. A blush pink kurta with block-printed, floral motifs was teamed with sharara pants in the same print. A plain, pink dupatta rounded off her casual-chic look.
4. Ananya Panday
Ananya, for an engagement party a few months back, opted for this lime yellow ensemble by Ritika Mirchandani. The ensemble only enhances the actor’s preppy personality with its flowy silhouette. The unconventional kurta boasted intricate threadwork and was adorned with embellishments. The belted silhouette was teamed with a chevron-patterned sharara. A tulle dupatta added a finishing touch to her ethnic look.
5. Alia Bhatt
While attending a friend’s wedding last year, Alia mixed two quintessential Indian silhouettes and the result? Mesmerising! Styled by Ami Patel, the actor teamed a statement, blue saree with sharara pants by Manish Malhotra. The saree was adorned with self-toned beads and sequins that lent a glamorous touch to the look.
6. Sonakshi Sinha
Nothing like a striking red, Indian ensemble that doesn’t make for a show-stopping outfit. For an event, the Kalank actress decked up in a deep red, sharara set by Manish Malhotra. The combo came with an ornated kurta with scalloped sleeves, teamed with floor-grazing sharara pants. The pants featured delicate lace detailing. A frilly, red dupatta tied the look together.
7. Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha’s Tarun Tahiliani shararas emanate a regal vibe. This couture piece features a tunic-style kurta which is decorated with Swarovski crystals, intricate beadwork and adorned with tassels. The kurta is teamed with shararas that are encrusted with all things glamour—beads, pearls and crystals. Got an intimate wedding on your calendar? Let Shraddha’s ensemble serve as your inspiration.
8. Athiya Shetty
For Ganesh festivities last year, Athiya picked a heavily embroidered sharara set by couturier Tarun Tahiliani. The cream-coloured kurta was worn with tulle sharara pants featuring beadwork. The look was rounded off with a panelled, tulle dupatta. A look like Athiya’s can take you from traditional celebrations during the day to celebrations in the nigh!
Shararas are indeed an all-seasonal Indian staple! Whose look do you like the most? Tell me in the comments below!
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