Who said ethnic attire is only for weddings and festivals? Today, modern Indian fashion is all about blending traditional textiles with contemporary wear — so you can wear a look just as easily on a Monday at work as you can at brunch on a Saturday. 

If you've been wondering how to add your lovely handwoven sarees or ethnic dupattas to your daily style, then this guide from Iktaara will help you reimagine them. Here are ways to style ethnic wear with ease, comfort and appeal for the long haul.How to style ethnic wear for daily use!

1. Choose breathable fabrics for everyday wear

The most important thing about styling ethnic clothing for everyday is comfort. Fabrics such as Khadi, Tussar silk, Odisha cotton and Jamdani are all lightweight and breathable, especially for Indian summers.

•  Combine a Khadi saree with a simple blouse and Kolhapuri footwear, perfect for a relaxed weekday look. 
•  Combine an Odisha cotton saree with a statement necklace for casual chic.

2. Be adventurous with blouses

Lets move beyond traditional blouse types: sleeveless, crop tops, long sleeve shirts, high neck blouses etc are all options! A traditional Kanjivaram saree with a structured shirt blouse, even a Sambalpuri saree with a block-printed crop top will transform a traditional look into a contemporary one.

3. Add a Jacket or Shrug to the Saree

You can easily take your saree from day to night with a structured handwoven jacket or casual soft shrug. So easily layered over a plain Ajrakh saree or a Wearable Art saree for an elegant, contemporary touch.

4. Style Dupattas

Ajrakh dupattas and hand-painted stoles are easy to wear with jeans, tunics, even dresses. Drape it as a shawl over your shoulders or wrap it like a scarf for the Indo-Western vibe.

5. Wear Minimal Accessories

On the whole everyday ethnic look, let the fabric and craftsmanship shown in the outfit take centre stage. You want to wear understated silver jewellery, handmade juttis, or leather sandals—pieces to enhance and minimise clutter to your outfit.

• Wear a Jamdani saree with stand-out earrings for a light elegant look.
• Wear your Paithani with a simple bindi and soft waves for that understated glamour.

6. Combine Traditional with Contemporary

Feel free to layer your ethnic, wearables with modern, contemporary staples:

• A Wearable Art saree worn with sneakers
• A Khadi kurta worn with denims
•  A Banarasi dupatta wrapped around a white loose summer dress

Fusion will be the key to incorporating Indian fabrics into your everyday wardrobe in 2025.

Styling ethnic wear for everyday use is all about comfort and authenticity - blending classic nature weaves with contemporary silhouettes. At Iktaara, our collections - from Sambalpuri sarees to Ajrakh stoles - catered to women wanting to wear a conscious, stylish, daily celebration of tradition.

Start exploring - layer Indian craftsmanship into your everyday wardrobe with Iktaara's handwoven pieces. 🌸