Currently Trending: Anarkali With A Jacket

When my cousin got married in January, my mother and I were as usual running around like headless chickens looking for outfits for me. Naturally, since it's my first cousin, just the thought of repeating an outfit was enough to make my mother pounce on be like a big cat. So NO, repeating wasn't an option. We went through every designer boutique in Delhi and simple couldn't find anything. It always happens you know, whenever you're out to buy something fabulous, there's just nothing nice.

About two days before I was due to fly out to Mumbai for the wedding, we randomly decided to pop over to Ogaan at Hauz Khas village. Thanks to their amazing visual merchandising, (they had Anamika Khanna stuff displayed at the entrance so loyalists like us would be lured) we immediately ran inside. There they were, these lovely Anamika suits, which honestly are just so hard to find in Delhi. It's like they fly off the shelves within a matter of days. Anyways, so her latest thing was these amazing jackets with silver embroidery all over the front worn over a simple silk kurta or her floral anarkalis. I tried it on and lucky for me it fit like a glove, therefore no alterations required! We bought it :)

The jacket

The full suit

Sisters all dressed up for the cocktail. L-R: Sabyasachi, Anamika Khanna, JJ Valaya

I also tried another sky blue crushed silk kurta with an embellished jacket over it. There were no bottoms with that one so you could pair it with anything. And it was only 30,000 rupees (pretty cheap for an Anamika). I'm still cursing myself for not buying that one! I went back two weeks later to buy it for my in-laws' wedding anniversary but it was sold out.

What I love about the layering in these suits is that you can wear the embellished jackets separately and incorporate it in Western wear. I tried mine on over a white shirt and dark cigarette pants resulting in a pretty funky indo-western fusion look. Also, if you have a day function to attend. you can wear the anarkali sans jacket and you're good to go.

I eventually ended up wearing the floral suit on it its own for the in-laws' anniversary and it looked so pretty. I paired it with coral wedges from New Look and a bi-colour Victoria Beckham clutch (click here to purchase the clutch in another colour). Because it was a formal affair, I added big diamond chandeliers from Nothandas to glam it up a bit. It was the perfect choice for a winter luncheon.

With the husband. Wore the outfit without the jacket

Nothandas diamond chandeliers

It's not only Anamika who is doing these suits with jackets, a lot of other designers have some fabulous designs too. I checked out Pernia's Pop Up Shop and shortlisted a few to share with you. Here are my top picks.

1. Aharin Candy Pink Kurta Set With Jacket - Isn't the colour of this suit just so happy? I love the palazzo pants that complete it. The badla and dori work on the jacket make it perfect for the evening. Click here to purchase.

2. Biba By Rohit Bal Burgundy Crinkled Kurta With Waistcoat - I like the chanderi waistcoat with velvet applique on this one. The shape is kind of like a Nehru jacket and would look great worn over a shirt too. Very androgynous.  Click here to purchase.

3. Sonali Gupta Ivory Anarkali Set With Black Sequin Jacket - The jacket with this anarkali is just divine. Its embroidered all over with sequins in the front and intricate gold work at the back. So regal looking. LOVE! Click here to purchase.

4. Ridhi Mehra Light Pink Anarkali With Black And White Beaded Jacket - I love Ridhi Mehra suits, she's now turning into one of my favourite Indian designers. Her work is really intricate and the craftsmanship is exquisite. This jacket again is fully embroidered with beads and silver zardozi all over. Also, the colour of the anarkali is so feminine and just right for the summer. P.S, Deepika Padukone wore this at an appearance. Click here to purchase.