There is always one kurta set in the wardrobe that somehow gets more attention than the rest. Maybe it is the colour. Maybe it fits just right, or perhaps it is simply easy to reach for when you don't want to spend too much time deciding what to wear.
But wearing it often does not mean it has to look familiar every time.
Indian clothes have always had a little flexibility built into them. A kurta can look completely different with another dupatta, a different pair of earrings or even a change from juttis to heels. If you have ever wondered how to style a kurta set in more than one way, the answer is usually simpler than you think. You don't have to follow a long list of styling rules either. A little experimentation usually does the job.
The Risha Maroon Embroidered Kurta Set from Lakshita is one such piece that lends itself well to this kind of styling.
Meet the Risha Maroon Kurta Set
The Risha Maroon Embroidered Kurta Set has a deep maroon base with dori and zari embroidery around the neckline and sleeves. The mandarin collar gives the kurta a slightly sharper appearance, while the curved hem keeps it from feeling too formal. Straight pants complete the set without adding too much volume.
There is enough detail here to make the outfit interesting on its own, but not so much that you cannot play around with it. That makes the set a good wardrobe piece for someone who likes getting more than one occasion out of their clothes. It also makes it a good starting point if you are looking for simple kurta set styling ideas that do not feel overdone.
So, how do you take one kurta set from one occasion to another?
1. For the Days When You Want to Keep Things Easy
Not every outfit needs a styling moment.
On an ordinary day, let the kurta remain the main part of the outfit. Small earrings and a watch are enough. Pick your most comfortable flats or juttis, grab a tote and you're ready to leave.
For an everyday version, think about:
- Small hoops or studs
- A simple watch
- Juttis, flats or sandals
- A tote or everyday handbag
- Open hair, a braid or a low ponytail
This version feels right for work, running errands, a casual lunch or simply a day when comfort matters a little more.
The idea here is simple: don't add something just because you think you should. Sometimes the nicest way to wear Indian clothing is to leave it alone.
2. When a Few Good Pieces of Jewellery Are Enough
Festive dressing does not always mean bringing out every piece of jewellery you own.
With a maroon kurta, gold jhumkas would be an easy choice. If you prefer something less traditional, colourful earrings or a pair of small chandbalis can work just as well. A couple of bangles can add a little movement without making the outfit feel heavy.
For a festive touch, you could reach for:
- Gold jhumkas or chandbalis
- Colourful earrings
- A few bangles
- One statement ring
- A small potli
For smaller celebrations, this is often enough. The outfit still feels comfortable and familiar, but the jewellery gives it a more occasion-ready feel.
And if you're someone who loves colour, this is where you can have fun. A bright pair of earrings against a deep maroon kurta can do more for the outfit than a whole stack of accessories.
3. Let the Dupatta Change the Story
A dupatta has a funny way of changing an outfit without changing the outfit.
If your kurta set already comes with one, try wearing it differently instead of automatically repeating your usual drape. Leave one end over your shoulder, carry it loosely around your arms or place it evenly across both shoulders.
You can also play with colour:
- Mustard: brings out the richness of maroon
- Soft pink: gives the outfit a lighter feel
- Printed: makes it more relaxed
- Embroidered: works well for a festive setting
- Contrasting shades: make the familiar set feel new
The important thing is to look at the colours together rather than trying to make everything match exactly.
That little bit of contrast is often what makes an Indian outfit interesting and gives you new ways to wear a kurta set without buying anything new.
4. Make It Work for a More Contemporary Setting
A kurta set does not always have to be accompanied by jhumkas and juttis.
For a more modern take, start with the accessories. A structured handbag and simple block heels can immediately make the outfit feel sharper. Contemporary earrings can replace traditional ones, and a sleek watch can sit comfortably alongside the embroidery.
A few pieces that can help create this look:
- Block heels or clean sandals
- A structured handbag
- Contemporary earrings
- A sleek watch
- A slim belt, if it suits the cut of the kurta
This kind of styling makes sense for places where you want to wear Indian clothing but don't want to look dressed for a traditional occasion — an office dinner, a creative workplace, a gallery visit or a meal out.
You are still wearing a kurta set. It just feels a little less expected. This is where kurta set styling can be as much about restraint as it is about adding something new.
5. Save the Heels for the Evening
Come evening, you can afford to be a little more dramatic.
Put away the everyday tote and take out a small clutch. Trade your flats for heels or metallic sandals. This is also a good time to wear larger earrings or jewellery with a little more shine.
For an evening plan, consider:
- Statement earrings
- Gold or metallic jewellery
- A small clutch
- Heels or dressier sandals
- A deeper lip colour
- A soft bun or styled open hair
With a rich colour like maroon, warm metallics can look especially good. Gold brings out the warmth of the outfit, while pearls or silver can make it feel quieter and more refined.
You don't need heavy makeup either. A defined eye, a deeper lip shade and a hairstyle with a little more polish can be enough to take the outfit into dinner territory.
It could be a family celebration, an evening gathering or simply a plan that came up at the last minute. The outfit does not need to announce that you spent hours getting ready.
Styling Is More About What You Leave Out
When people look for kurta set outfit ideas, they often start by thinking about what they need to add. More jewellery. Another layer. A new bag.
Sometimes, the better question is what you can leave out.
A heavily embroidered kurta may not need a statement necklace. A colourful dupatta might be enough on its own. If the earrings are large, perhaps skip the bangles. If you're wearing heels, a simple bag may balance things out.
A good balance can be as simple as:
- Detailed kurta + simple jewellery
- Statement earrings + no necklace
- Colourful dupatta + understated accessories
- Dressy footwear + minimal bag
Getting dressed is not always about adding more. It is about finding the point where the outfit feels right.
And that point will be different for everyone.
One Kurta, Your Own Way
The best ways to style kurta sets are rarely the ones that come with strict rules. They are the combinations you arrive at after trying things that you wouldn't normally put together.
Wear your favourite set with flats one day and heels the next. Try the old dupatta with a new kurta. Bring out jewellery that has been sitting untouched for months. Wear your hair differently.
You may end up liking a combination that was never part of the original outfit.
That is the nice thing about having clothes you genuinely love. They don't have to stay fixed in one version.
At Lakshita, Indian wear is made to be part of real wardrobes — outfits that can move between everyday plans, celebrations and everything in between. So the next time you reach for a kurta set you've worn before, don't think of it as an old outfit.
Think of it as one you haven't finished styling yet. And if you are still wondering how to style kurta sets without making them feel repetitive, start with one small change and see where it takes you.
FAQs
Can I wear the same kurta set to both work and festive occasions?
Yes. Keep the styling understated for work with minimal jewellery and comfortable footwear. For a festive setting, switch to statement earrings, a dressier dupatta or embellished footwear.
What should I consider when choosing accessories for an embroidered kurta set?
Look at the embroidery, colour and neckline first. If the kurta has detailed work, simpler jewellery usually keeps the outfit balanced. With a plainer set, you have more room to experiment with statement pieces.
How can I style a dark-coloured kurta set without making it look too heavy?
Bring in lighter or contrasting elements through your dupatta, footwear or jewellery. Pearls, colourful earrings, metallic sandals or a lighter-toned bag can soften a deeper shade such as maroon.
How can I make a kurta set feel different each time I wear it?
Start by changing one element rather than everything at once. A different dupatta, hairstyle, pair of shoes or jewellery can alter the overall feel while keeping the outfit familiar and comfortable.
