The kurta might be the most underrated piece of office wear in India. It's comfortable through a long day, works in an air-conditioned meeting room and on a humid commute, and looks polished without trying too hard. But wear it the wrong way and it can look too casual for a client meeting, or too festive for a Tuesday.
Here are five easy ways to style a kurta for work, from everyday desk days to big presentations, using pieces from our kurta edit.
1. Go for a matching set on busy mornings
A kurta set is the office equivalent of a suit: one decision, and you look put-together. Choose a set with a straight silhouette and a calm colour palette for everyday wear.
Try: the Madhavi Kurta Set in Chanderi, which has a timeless silhouette and delicate striped detailing. For warmer days, the Thumba Co-ord Set pairs a lightweight sleeveless kurta with straight-fit pants. Add a light stole or cardigan for the office AC.
2. Choose stripes and checks for meetings
Woven stripes and checks read as quietly professional, the kurta version of a crisp shirt. A neutral base with a subtle pattern works in almost any workplace.
Try:
- The Kattam Kurta, an ivory handloom cotton kurta with a classic checked weave, a split neckline and three-quarter sleeves.
- The Rekha Kurta, in handloom cotton with bold grey and ivory stripes.
- The Karinira Kurta, in ivory handloom with fine black woven stripes. Pair it with black trousers for a sharp, monochrome look.
3. Swap leggings for structured trousers or wrap pants
The fastest way to make a kurta look more "work" is to change what's underneath. Straight-cut trousers or cigarette pants look sharper than leggings, and a printed wrap pant adds personality on a casual Friday.
Try: pair a plain handloom kurta with a patterned bottom such as the Ikat Wrap Pant or the Turquoise Floral Printed Wrap Pant. Keep the kurta simple so the print stands out. Browse more in our Bottoms collection.
4. Layer a jacket or blazer over it
A structured layer instantly turns a kurta into boardroom wear. A shorter, straight-cut kurta works best under a blazer. Long, flared kurtas tend to bunch.
Try: any well-fitted blazer you already own over a solid kurta. For festive-season Fridays and year-end office parties, the Holiday Pinstripe Blazer with floral embroidery adds a little celebration to the workweek.
5. Keep accessories minimal but intentional
At work, pick one accessory to make a statement and keep everything else quiet:
- Earrings: small drops or studs instead of heavy jhumkas. The Kemp Stone Drop Earrings are designed for everyday wear.
- Necklace: a fine chain or a small pendant, like the Golden Leaf Charm Necklace.
- Footwear: closed flats or mojaris look more polished than sandals. Sattva Mojaris are handcrafted, vegan and comfortable for a full day.
Quick rules for kurtas at work
- Fit matters most. A kurta that's well tailored at the shoulders and falls straight looks professional, whatever the print.
- Choose natural fabrics. Handloom cotton and Chanderi breathe through a long day and a sweaty commute, and don't feel clammy in an air-conditioned office.
- Save heavy embroidery and shimmer for festival days and office celebrations.
- Mid-length works best. A kurta that ends around the knee is the most versatile with trousers, wrap pants or a jacket.
To keep your handloom kurtas looking crisp through many workweeks, read our handloom wash-care guide. And if you're building a work wardrobe from scratch, see how to build a capsule wardrobe with handloom cotton.
Find your work kurta in Kochi
Try kurtas, sets and trousers together at our Panampilly Nagar boutique or our Fort Kochi store next to Lila Cafe, Ridsdale Road. You can also browse our kurta edit and co-ord sets online.