Chikankari: A Bollywood celeb favourite for the wedding season

Chikankari ensembles are embraced in full glory all year around. Take cues from these celebs donning the embroidery work in various styles

A lehenga affair

Ananya Panday in an ice blue saree with chikankari work (Photo: Instagram)

Janhvi Kapoor in an ivory chikankari lehenga

Looking straight out of a fairytale, actor Janhvi Kapoor picked an ivory chikankari lehenga with pearl encrusted details suspended from the blouse, a long and white chikankari skirt and tonal jacket. She completed the look with middle-parted, slicked hair, a statement choker and a pair of diamond square studs.

Dreamy style

Ananya Panday in an ice blue saree with chikankari border work

Donning an ice blue chikankari saree, actor Ananya Panday gave major style inspo for bridesmaids. It featured chikankari work along the borders of the saree and a matching bralette. Finish with a diamond choker and blow-dried hair.

Ace it in an anarkali

Katrina Kaif opted for a peach embroidered chikankari anarkali set

Sara Ali Khan in a three-piece chikankari sharara set

Update your ethnic summer wardrobe with a three-piece chikankari sharara set à la actor Sara Ali Khan. It includes a sleeveless blouse, a high-waisted sharara pants with golden zari work along the hemline and a chikankari cape.

Sharara all the way

Kriti Sanon made a striking statement in a lavender chikankari sharara set

Keeping it desi chic, actor Kriti Sanon made a striking statement in a lavender chikankari sharara set. With a close-neck kurta, a wide-leg sharara and a dupatta, it is perfect for a daytime wedding. Keep the accessories to the minimum and opt for a messy, high ponytail.

Keeping it basic

Palak Tiwari in a bottle green straight cut kurta

For an everyday chikankari kurta look, recreate actor Palak Tiwari’s look in a bottle green straight cut kurta. Perfect to add it to your workwear wardrobe, it is equal parts comfy and equal parts functional. For a contrasting look, opt for white palazzos or straight cut pants and round off with a pair of silver jhumkas.

A pantsuit twist

Athiya Shetty in an ivory Lucknowi chikankari pantsui

For the next cocktail party, take a cue from actor Athiya Shetty and slip into an ivory Lucknowi chikankari pantsuit. With baby pearl and sequin embellishments, it brought in the right notes of glamour. For a pop of colour, opt for a pair of lime yellow stilletos.

How to style

• Invest in a light, pastel colour, straight cut kurta set with palazzos to be worn during summer days.
• With its timeless feature, it is always a good idea to recycle and revamp your mum’s chikankari saree by stitching an anarkali set or lehenga from it.
• A chikankari corset blouse can be styled in various ways from a saree blouse to pantsuit sets.

Inputs by stylist Lakshmi Babu