What is formal wear for ladies in India?

Formal wear is a type of clothing that suits a business or working environment. Universally, occasions like interviews, formal events, business conferences, etc., and the corporate offices of organizations and enterprises mandate formal wear as professional etiquette. 

With regards to ladies, the working environment in India expects them to wear any of the choices under formal attire for women. Nevertheless, Indian formal attire includes a wide range of clothing options. The only concern is that they must be tidy, subtle, and solid-hued and not have loud or distracting prints or patterns.

The Two Major Types of Ladies Formal Wear

In the past few decades, we have seen how Indian formal wear has evolved many times. In particular, women’s working attire has undergone a huge set of changes in terms of color choices and style preferences.   

Keeping in mind the style, Indian formal attire for ladies is of two types—Indian formal wear and Western formal wear. The former mainly includes kurtas, kurtis, kameez, salwar, and sarees. The latter mainly includes shirts, trousers, sheath dresses, skirts, and blazers.

Now, if you ask us, “What is formal wear for ladies in India?” our answer is both. Yes, both of these types are recommended and widely accepted. But if you ask us, “What type of formal wear do the Indian ladies prefer the most?” our answer is the former type.

The Most Preferred Indian Formal Wear

Needless to say, Indian women grew up with kurtas, kurtis, and salwars. It’s everyday clothing for most women in the country. That is why it is considered a great choice of desi formal wear. Undoubtedly, the comfort levels that kurtas and kurtis provide are unmatchable. When paired with bottom wear, like leggings, cigarette pants, ankle length pants, etc., they give the utmost cozy feeling.   

A properly matched kurti and cigarette pants, along with a matching shawl, is a typical example of the most common Indian-type formal wear. Looking for a cotton dupatta for women? Instead, did you want a salwar dupatta set? Check out our collections! These sets are amazing as they eliminate the need to get the right color match. Explore all vibrant shades (20+) to match the shade of your kurtis or kurtas! 

Salwar suits rank number two when it comes to Indian formal wear, next to kurtis and kurtas. Of course, heavily worked kameez or suits are more suitable for ethnic occasions. Thus, the subtly worked salwar kameez is accepted as formal wear in the country. 

Women can wear suits by swapping their pants (patiala, salwar, palazzo, etc.). The shawl is entirely optional and depends on the type of salwar suit. Explore all the types of pants for women online at Happy Bunny.

Next to churidhars, salwars, and kurtis, sarees are considered formal in India. Neatly draped, simple sarees are the best examples. If you’re looking to wear a saree for your formal event or office, ensure it is minimally designed, mild in hues, and has no distracting prints. Though sarees are still fashionable, the formal ones always stand out, retaining their elegance and simplicity. 

One simple and best example of formal sarees is the uniform of school teachers or college lecturers. Indeed, it is much more relatable to any woman in the country!

The Significance of Cotton Fabrics in Formal Wear for Ladies in India

Lately, be it Indian-type or Westernized formal wear, we have several fabrics in use, like chiffon, velvet, satin, organza, etc. However, cotton always stands out. It is one of the best choices of fabric because of its breathability, soft texture, and environmental friendliness. After all, they are natural fibers and not synthetic materials that might harm the skin or the earth.  

Buy women’s formal wear from the No. 1 cotton clothing brand in India—Happy Bunny! Also, check out our guide on: How to dress in summer for ladies?