Salwar Suit is an ensemble – you just can’t have enough in your wardrobe. The eclectic outfit keeps undergoing so many changes that it’s difficult to keep track.  Even if you have tonnes of gorgeous kurtis and Anarkali suits, there will always be this latest Indo-western suit to lure you. And, never forget, the endless choices you have, in sleeves, lengths, bottom-types, silhouettes – prints, patterns and what not!

Happily, this is one garment that has seen tremendous evolution – and has truly kept itself in tune with the global fashion trends. So now, fret not! Even if you are an only Salwar Suits girl – you won’t be left behind in the style race. From Western dress-inspired floaty kameezes to really short hemlines and practical bottoms like Palazzos and Trousers – the ethnic suits offer an inexhaustible range. In this season – and in the past few – this is one Indian ethnic ensemble that has really gone miles ahead. Wish to spruce up your salwar suits closet, in tune with the trendiest offerings? Well, we give you a reason to smile – read up and stock on these latest tunics, which we have hand-picked for you –

  1. The flared high-low

 Purple Silk Suit with Zari Embroidery Work - 1

Fusion is the buzzword in fashion scenes – the world over! Probably, it’s all to do with the Global Village phenomenon. No wonder then that the most popular tunic style is inspired by fairy tale frocks and Western gowns.  Gathered at waist, generally, these styles look uber cool and feminine.

Style Tip – Add stilettoes or high-heels to add height, as this one tends to cut height. It’s a great option for the tall and lanky belles.

  1. Front Jacket-Style Long Slit –

Cream Silk Printed Suit - 2

Extremely elegant and statuesque, this one looks great as casual-wear as well as (if done right) formal and wedding wear. The long-jacket cut is also very flattering. Adding an edge to the long, flowy jackets are the mile-high centre-slits, which make the whole garment quite modish. They are generally made in the paneled fashion, which allows the designers to play with panels in multiple colors or prints.

Style Tip – Long jackets, if tailored well, are slimming. They are as good for tall divas as they are for the petite ones. A well-fitted, paneled look works the best. Modulate the height of slit – depending upon how comfortable you are showing off your legs (best donned in slim, well-cut trousers) and/ or mid-riff.

  1. Frilly Double-layered

Yellow Cotton Suit with Resham Work - 3

If you are into chic suits, well, you can’t do without the haute and royal double-layered hemline trend. This one started off with straight-cut, dual colored tunics, went on to have a floor-length dress underneath with a straight-fit tunic over it, and now has metamorphosed further. The layers are innovated upon in many ways – and the cute frilly edged ones are super-hot right now. To emphasize the frill or ruched up look, you can opt for a floor-length lower layer, or get a pretty pleated frill on the upper garment.

Style Tip – Pair with fitted trousers or leggings to create a wonderful contrast – which will show off the ruffle beautifully. The ruffled edges can be created in numerous ways, but ensure the design doesn’t add bulk anywhere else, except for the hemline. Floor-length designs too look super cute.

  1. A-Line High-Low Hemline

Cream Cotton Silk Suit with Sequins Work - 4

When we talk of the asymmetrical hemlines, how can we forget this staple innovation! Chic and trendy, the high-low hems are done in almost all kinds of tops – Indian or Western – these days. The straight, shorter front hem with a rounded edged longer back hem is a beautiful stroke of creativity by designer – which is sure to add an extra dose of charm to the ensemble.

Style Tip – Besides breaking the monotony, these silhouettes add the illusion of height and in shorter designs, do well in covering up the back-side, which may be a problem area for some women.

  1. Thigh-high Side Slit

Purple Silk Indo Western Suit with Embroidery Work - 5

Besides the hemlines, the other design aspect that has gathered a lot of interest is the slit. Placed strategically – on a well-cut tunic/ kameez – slits can instantly up the trend quotient. But, of course, the regular side slits are out – for a good reason! Our fashion guru predicts that the coming times will see an even greater inter-mingling of the Indian and Victorian, Western and global trends – and this is where the lovely thigh-high side slits aka those 70’s style sensuous Maxis will come in play.

Style tip – Unless you are skinny and tall, avoid voluminous tunics with long side-slits. Same goes for the ones gathered at the waist. If your tunic is plain or low on drama – add some embroidery or patterns to the bottom.

  1. Floor-length A-line flared

Blue Raw Silk Printed Suit - 6

Can’t beat the regal charm of this subtle, classy yet extremely enchanting look! Try it in various fabrics and prints. While wedding suits are great in this design, you can also incorporate them in your regular-wear wardrobe, as they are low on drama and easy on eye.

Style Tip – Play with sleeves to create different looks. This one is a great substitute for Anarkalis or voluminous floor-length designs, which can’t be worn for day functions or for everyday wear.   

  1. Long, front-open, floor-length Jacket

Grey Georgette Floor Length Anarkali Suit with Embroidery Work - 7

A look borrowed from the royals, this one has been an eternal favorite, whenever creating a luxury feel is on agenda. Long floor-length jackets and capes are in vogue, as they are an easy way to create chic fusion looks. Go for a long cape in the same hue as the floor-length Anarkali or tunic underneath, or pick one in a contrasting color.

Style Tip – If your inner tunic is in a heavy material, ensure the cape is not an equally dense fabric. Same goes for prints and patterns. Don’t repeat them on both the tunic and jacket.   

  1. Dhoti-style High Slit

Grey Silk Indo Western Suit with Zari - 8

Quite on a revival trip, the dhoti-style is back with a bang – but this time, the whole focus is on the tunics. Instead of making the bottom dhoti-style – the usual way – the designers have played with the kameez, giving it a dhoti-like endearing silhouette – very charming, absolutely unique!

Style Tip – Pair with trim trousers, as the top is generally roomy and has fabric creases. So, it’s best to keep the volume low – in pants. Go for belts and wide waist bands to emphasize the mid-section and give definition. 

  1. Inverted V Front Slit Tassled

Red Cotton Printed Suit - 9

Super stylish and chic, this one has an earthy charm – especially the tassles that are super-in-vogue. Use colorful thread tassles or go for the gorgeous hand-made ones. This is an excellent shape to define your waist – create the illusion of a slimmer mid-riff.

Style tip – Show off your navel only if you are comfortable and confident doing so. Do not use this inverted V style, if you are an hour-glass, heavier on the bottom shape.

  1. Stylish Layered Tunic

Red Cotton Suit with Resham Work - 10

A lovely concoction of new-age slits, layers and hemlines, this style-edge adds drama and depth to your ensemble – and has a girly, bohemian charm. You can try it for all kinds of party-wear and festive-season suits – and in simpler, handloom cottons, get them for every-day, office-wear for a glam fusion appeal.

Style Tip – Pair with cigarette pants or leggings. This is a slightly tricky territory, especially if you wish to wear these stylish creations to the boardroom. Choose slimmer cuts – and low volume layers. Plain tunics with no busy prints or embellishments look the best in this design.

You can now see these gorgeous designs in a saveable Infographic – which will also help you take it as a ready reference, when you go out to shop or visit your designer/ tailor.

10 Latest Tunic Styles in Ethnic Salwar Suits - you can’t miss!

Do let us know, if this article helped you find your favorite ethnic suit or kurta. Your comments and feedback are welcome.