Many have argued for a long time that western wear is more crisp and clean. The construction and tailoring of the shirts and jackets give a more refined look. It is also relatively easier to source if you live in western society. While I don't disagree with that analysis and rather prefer dressing in western formals especially in wintertime but I also love incorporating my Indian clothes and accessories in my work wardrobe.
I don't know how but the perception is that is someone is dressed in Indian wear, the person is less professional. Am I right? Having lived here for over a decade and sharing my sartorial choices online for almost same amount of time, you can see that I haven’t given up on Indian clothes in America. Not even for my professional choices. I mean, you have to add some color and style to your work wardrobe, right?
I had once read an article about Indra Nooyi, the Indian-born ex-chief executive of PepsiCo, who once went on a job interview wearing a sari and sometimes attends company functions in one. ("Never hide what makes you," Nooyi has said.) So taking a cue from Nooyi I hope we all can accept ourselves or whoever we are personally and sartorially.
Kurtas (see: Friday) are your safest bet. You can wear them plain or printed, long or short, fitted or loose and they are bound to look good. It's quite easy to play with them. I usually like to keep it simple, and opt for simple straight cuts.
However, I feel wearing them with salwars (especially patialas) makes it looks a bit too casual for work so I pair them with palazzo pants or cigarette pants. Long kurtas go well with both (styled below: Tuesday)
You could wear the age old way to dressing 'kurta with jeans' (also read: how to style a kurti). You could also pair them with cotton narrow leg pants or linen pants for a smart casual look.
Work Wear Wardrobe - XV
MONDAY
How to you feel about dressing ethnically to work?
Yesssss love this!!! I haven’t gone to kurtas yet, but my workplace is more on the side of casual on the business casual spectrum - so esp in the summer I love incorporating small jhumkas, some statement Indian jewelry (as appropriate), and a few cotton printed skirts that I have from India. I just got some solid cotton kurtas that are tailored perfectly that I’m excited to start incorporating them soon!
ReplyDeleteLove all these looks. I am obsessed with those fabulous buttons on your green blazer!! They're fabulous!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Cathy
You look beautiful! I love Thursday's midi skirt!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfits! I love your Tuesday look the most.
ReplyDeletewww.fashionradi.com
i absolutely love your Tuesday and Thursday outfits you look so stylish but they have those " comfortable and chic' flare about them ! - some really great ideas here i am inspired
ReplyDeleteI love love Monday outfit, especially the olive jacket. The color is quite unique and not that we could easily find. The buttons also look super stylish.
ReplyDeleteI think you should wear whatever you feel the most comfortable in (as long as it is work appropriate). Loving all these outfits!
ReplyDeletexo,
Madison
These are wonderful looks. I love coming here and seeing the great ways you make work attire stylish. Fantastic post.
ReplyDeleteIf you did not tell me these were Indian clothes I would have just thought there were western garments.Loving your casual friday look btw.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see you wear Tuesday's outfit without the duster. The tunic and pants combo looks pretty great!
ReplyDeletewww.ohtobeamuse.com
I see no problem with dressing ethnically when done with style and appropriate to the work-situation, things you do without effort. These are all pretty outfits.
ReplyDeleteThese are all amazing, like all of them but i do have a fave! Number two is so stylish and cool, love it.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great outfits! I love your skirt on Thursday's look!
ReplyDeletewww.rdsobsessions.com
I had no idea, honestly that you were from India. Indian clothes are so so beautiful! Whenever I see Indian women wearing saris or any other traditionally Indian clothing, I am always so envious of how effortlessly beautiful they look. I love that you took your culture and sort of meshed it into your own look. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love Indian clothes, it always looks very pretty and a lot of women look way better wearing it. I love it so much! Your style is flawless
ReplyDeleteThese are great looks. My son's girl is from India and I've seen photos of her dressed in lovely clothes from her home, but never have I seen her wear them in person.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those outfits look fab! They are perfect on you
ReplyDeleteYou look great in every outfit this week but Thursdays outfit stands out to me the most. I love that floral skirt! You pull off the Indian clothing very well.
ReplyDeleteWow, those outfits are all stunning! I like that is also brings out the Indian culture. You are rockin it girl! -Sondra Barker @cuisineandtravel.com
ReplyDeleteyour outfits make me miss working outside the home. i dont have to really dress up for work here
ReplyDeleteI love the variety in your outfits!! They are all very workwear appropriate. That floral skirt might be my favorite but honestly you look great in all of them!
ReplyDeletexo, Laura
https://www.have-need-want.com
All of these outfits are so great for work and I love that you can incorporate your culture into your workwear. That midi skirt is so pretty!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kim
I love how you incorporate your culture into your work wardrobe! All of these outfits are so cute!
ReplyDeleteRachel
www.hello-her.com
That skirt is so pretty! I personally love all the colors and fabrics of Indian clothing
ReplyDeleteLove the styling of your Friday look! I definitely feel that I could pull this version
ReplyDeleteI think you look fab and it's so stylish the way you've incorporated your wardrobe into your working week!
ReplyDeleteI love that you incorporate your culture into your outfits!! I think these looks are great for work!
ReplyDeleteKileen
cute & little
You look super stunning in those outfits
ReplyDeleteYvette of www.upliftingandinspiringcontent.com
Your wardrobe outfits are so very cute. I love that you have shared ones that are amazing for a work atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI love that you keep up with your Indian traditions! So important to remember our culture and heritage and to share it with others.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s great to share your Indian culture and traditions in the workplace! Totally fine for the workplace!
ReplyDeleteSo many cute outfits.
ReplyDeleteThat floral skirt is so pretty! I can see you styling it to wear outside of work too!
ReplyDeleteXx, Nailil
http:/:thirtyminusone.com
Beautiful outfits! Esp Thursday!
ReplyDeleteThat floral skirt is beautiful and looks so good on you!
ReplyDeleteLove how you styled everything - such chic work looks!
ReplyDeletexx Mollie