The Salwar Kameez: How to Wear It and Care for It

The business meeting was long and stressful. You could hardly wait to run from it all. The party at 7p.m. was promising to be a glorious event. At home your evening attire is lying on the bed, a peach-colored, silk salwar kameez with matching dupatta. The CEO looks at you with a funny grin on his face and finally says, "Go on. Get out of here". When you finally arrive at home and slip on your outfit after showering, the feeling of freedom pervades your spirit. Your clothes fit perfectly and looks wonderful. As you leave for the evening you glance over your shoulder at the mirror in pride. You love your native Indian attire and people love you in it. If that is you or you want that to be you read on to learn how to wear and maintain your authentic Salwar Kameez designs.

It may seem like an open and shut case when it comes to wearing a salwar kameez, but there are some guidelines that if followed could bring the results that you want when you look in the mirror. Let's talk about style and color. There are many salwar kameez designs for many occasions, but the best rule of dress is to consider which flatters your body the best. For example women who are busty or full figured might want to lean toward darker colors and A-line styles while thinner women would probably want to try an anarkali and experiment with a little more texture. Women of darker complexion should consider sticking to darker colors like maroon and browns while lighter complexioned women should consider lighter colors like pinks and light greens. Sticking to colors and cuts of dress that compliment your body will make for a lot of compliments.

Necklines are a very important part of wearing a salwar kameez. The right neckline can redirect attention away from areas that you don't want, and accent your greatest assets. For the woman who wants to draw attention away from her bust a V neckline could do that for you. For the woman who wants a little more height a Chinese collar will make you look taller. For a woman who wants to play herself up a little bit, she could try salwar kameez designs with different neck lines. It is a small change that can make a big impact.

Designs, additives, and embellishments should also be chosen based on your body type. Stripes provide a slimming look while pleats and thicker designs tend to make you look fuller. To draw attention away from your shoulders try more elaborate embellishments around the neckline and avoid straps. To pull in your stomach try wearing a skirt around your waist and use pleats to hide any bulge. To add a little body to your look try a thicker dupatta if you are thinner. Remember that clothes are made to make you look good. You are the centerpiece not the accessory.

Once you have perfected your wardrobe with the salwar kameez designs of your dreams it is important to maintain them. Cleaning and ironing a salwar kameez should be done with extreme care. It is best just to get an expensive and decorative garment cleaned and ironed professionally. Embroidery is delicate and it should be maintained diligently.