Salwars: Salwars are the most comfortable of all. It is a more sophisticated version of a pajamas which can be worn outside the house. It is pretty loose in terms of fitting and tapers slightly near the ankle. These kind of Indianized trousers can be worn with any kind of kurta be it short or long but remember, do not pair it with anything too short since it does not have any pleats to hide flaws.
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Patiala Salwars: Said to be the royal dress of the King of Patiala in the ancient days, this one works best with just above knee length kurtis. These are extremely comfortable and come with a lot of pleats which camouflage a heavy lower body and when worn with the right top, it looks amazing! When you wear printed versions of these, remember to pair it with a plain top. (Too many prints = DISASTER!!)Source
Leggings: Leggings are tight fitting trousers, made from knit which is stretchable. Leggings are usally ankle length and in recent times, there are churidars made from knit material which have folds the exact same way as churidars. These are again, tight fitting and requires no ironing so working women generally prefer these to cotton ones since these are low maintenance.
Salwars: Can be paired with a kurta of any length but remember not to wear something really short.
Patiala Salwars: Best paired with a knee length/just above knee length kurta or a kurti. (Kurtis generally are shorter versions of kurtas, usually upto the hip)
Churidars: Best paired with a long kurta (if you are on the heavier side) and a slightly shorter one (if you have a great lower body). To look taller, pair it with a kurta which just about covers your knees.
Leggings/Knitted churidars: Best paired with a long kurta or an anarkali. If you wear a tunic, team it up with leggings (not the knitted churidars).
Remember:
- Do not mix prints. Too many prints will make you the talk of the town in a not so good way.
- If you wear a plain salwar and a plain kurta, complete the look with a printed dupatta or a contrasting dupatta. This always makes an otherwise drab plain salwar-kameez, bright and vibrant.
- Iron your cotton clothes before you wear them Crumpled cotton clothes look shabby especially to work.