22 Modern Chikankari Kurti Designs & Styling Tips

A supremely delicate and intricate technique of hand embroidery is called Chikankari. An artful creation of exquisite patterns with thread, chikankari is an age-old creative technique of decorating and designing a piece of cloth through fine strands of thread, by hand.

Originating in Persia, this magnificent technique was popularised and brought to India by Persian nobles mainly Noor Jahan, wife of Jahangir. The practice of designing clothes with intricate chikan patterns is still quite prevalent and loved in the Indian subcontinent.

Starting as a white-on-white embroidery, chikankari, over the years has transformed and has painted itself in different colors and patterns.

Styling Tips

• Chikankari kurtis are super versatile in nature so pair it with your favourtie jeans for an indo-western look or go full traditional with some matching pallazo and statement oxidized silver jewelry, when it comes to styling a chikankari kurti, the options are endless.

• Pair your full jaal chikankari kurti with minimal jewlry for a more casual and laid back daytime outfit.

• If your kurti is more on the simplistic side, play with accesories to enhance the whole look, you can opt for statement chandbalis or layered silver necklace. Chunky bangles and anklets are also great options when styling a chikankari.

What to Wear with a Chikankari Kurti?

22. Celebrity Style

We’re totally in love with Kriti Sanon’s simple yet elegant off-duty look as she wears a chikankari kurti with white chikankari pants. Her kurti has been shaped and stitched in a modern, A-line style. If you’re planning to buy new chikankari pants then white is definitely the color to go for as it can be paired with a number of different tops. You can get some good styling ideas from our post on how to wear palazzo pants with kurtis.

21. Cotton Chikankari Kurti

Nothing beats the comfort of a cotton kurti, and when it is decorated with intricate chikankari design, the elegance is class apart. Cotton kurti is the oldest and the most common type of chikankari out there. Chikankari was usually done on cotton or mulmul cloth which has since then expanded to other materials. Pair your kurti with statement earrings for a casual, no-nonsense look.

20. Indo-western Style

Late for a movie night and don’t know what to wear? Fret not! Pick out your favorite kurti and pair it with a tank top, casual pants, silver bangles, and finish it off with a statement ring, and voila! You’re all set! A super fun yet chic look, this indo-western combo is sure to grab some eyeballs.

19. With Jeans

A super chic and modern look, long Chikankari Kurti with blue ripped jeans was brought back in the game by our beautiful A-lister Anushka Sharma. Sport this trendy design with beachy waves and bask in the limelight. Here are some more ideas on styling kurtis with jeans.

18. With Chikankari Pants

For an effortless yet modern look, pair your kurti with chikan pants in contrasting shade and you are all set. Match it with oxidized silver jewelry, open hair and your contemporary yet casual look is complete.

17. Angrakha Style Chikankari

A more novice approach to an otherwise traditional weave, fine chikankari jaal on angrakha kurti is what is up in the fashion world. Super modern and stylish, this angrakha chikankari kurti can also be worn as a dress. Style it with strappy sandals for when you are out on a brunch with your girlfriends or pair it with matching pants and embroidered mules for a more traditional look.

16. Anarkali Chikankari Kurta

Rooted in rich history and culture, this traditional technique is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, and when it is presented on an Anarkali Kurti, the charm is unmatchable.

15. For the Beach

For a modern yet modest beachy look, take your kurti out for a spin to a beach. Pair it with minimal jewelry, strappy sandals, sunglasses, and your contemporary and hip beach outfit is ready.

14. Lucknavi Chikankari

GIR has recognized Lucknow as an exclusive hub of chikankari, which makes Lucknavi chikankari the most beautiful and authentic form of this artful creation. Pair your white chikankari with blue jeans, strappy sandals, and complete your contemporary yet traditional look with open flowy hair.

13. Bridal Chikenkari Designs

Who said chikankari is only for a casual traditional look? Add a touch of modern elegance with an Anarkali kurti with heavy mukaish work, pair it with a statement necklace, matching earrings, messy bun and you are all ready for the wedding season. Such white chikankaris are an excellent choice of outfit for Indian engagement functions for both brides and guests.

12. With Dupatta

Have some fun with a little mix and match. Pick out a kurti in pastels pair it with a contrasting dupatta and flaunt this modern chic celebrity-approved look with style.

11. Sleeveless Chikankari Kurti

A perfect outfit for the bridesmaids or sisters of the bride, sleeveless kurti is sure to grab attention and raise your hotness meter. Opt for a monochromatic look with chikan kurti in a bold shade, matching pants, and some silver statement earrings to complete the look, and voila you’re all set to dance the night away.

10. Short Chikankari Kurta with Jeans

Short chikankari kurti with fine chikan jaal is a classy yet modern design that is perfect for brunch with your girlfriends or a shopping spree. Pair it with your trusty blue jeans, messy ponytail and you’re all ready for your day.

9. Style it with a Sharara

We all know sharara is the hot topic this wedding season. Then why not add a touch of style by opting for a chikankari sharara? Pick out a chikankari Kurti, pair it with contrasting sharara for a more modern look, turn up the style meter with a contrasting dupatta, statement jewelry, and shine at that party like an absolute diva you are.

8. Multicoloured Chikankari

For all our color lovers, who hate anything monochromatic and boring, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Check out this beautiful chikankari Kurti with intricate multicolored weaving that is sure to take your breath away. Pair it with simple blow-dried hair, embroidered juttis, and turn a traditional outfit into a modern boho-chic look.

7. With Contrasting Weave

Chikan work is usually in the same shade of the fabric but nowadays chikan work in the contrasting shade is steadily gaining popularity. This pastel chikan kurti with contrasting white chikan embroidery is the perfect example. Dress it up with a messy bun and gajra or opt for a casual, easy-breezy look with ripped jeans, this modern kurti design is sure to leave you impressed.

6. Kaftan Style

If you are looking for a more modern and contemporary design, opt for the uber-chic kaftan with contrasting chikankari work. Doll up the look with some classy smokey eyes oxidized silver jewelry and add a touch of elegance with statement anklets for a stylish look.

5. Front Open Chikankari Cape

For all our fashionistas out there, this chikankari cape kurti is sure to win your hearts. A supremely elegant and stylish outfit, this kurti design is perfect when you want to stand out without being loud. Pair it with an elegant messy bun, traditional clutch, and you are ready for your evening outing.

4. Chikankari Gown

A regal and elegant option, a chikankari gown is all parts modern and dapper. A classy and versatile design, a chikankari gown in pastel white tone screams sophisticated luxury. Pair it with a messy bun, kohled eye makeup statement earrings and you are ready to perform at your friend’s sangeet party.

3. Jacket Kurti

A trendy style that also keeps you warm? Chikankari jacket kurti is an up-and-coming style that has caught influencers’ and celebrities’ attention. An uber-chic option, this is a more contemporary take on the classic traditional outfit. Rock this super modern style with a twisted braid, silver chandbalis, or layered necklace, and look like a fashionista.

2. Ombre Look

Style divas, listen up! We’ve got something modern and colorful for you that is surely gonna blow your mind. An ombre kurti is all about Indian modernity with a classy, contemporary style. A sophisticated option, it is the perfect example of how fashion can be comfortable yet stylish. The intricate chikan pattern is what makes it classic but it is the novice ombre technique that gives it a touch of oomph!

1. With a Gharara

Confused as to what to wear to that upcoming haldi party? Then we’ve got just the perfect outfit for you. Comfy, stylish, and chic, this yellow chikankari kurti with gharara is perfect for when you have nothing to wear. This super-versatile option is easy breezy and will work with any daytime function. Dress it up by pairing it with matching pants, silver jhumkas and you are ready to party. If you like this look then you must check out these latest gharara suit designs.

And if this wasn’t enough to convince you, we’re sure Deepika will change your mind with her stunning yellow kurti and gharara combination, designed by Anjul Bandhari.