No matter what time of year it is or where they are going, Bollywood celebrities seem to never tire of the humble kurta. From airports to family dinners and office meetings, the forgiving piece has a reserved spot in almost every movie star closet. But if there’s one style that’s common for all, it would be a chikankari laden kurta. The traditional Lucknowi craft has always been a favourite with the stars, taking heavily-embroidered lehengas and saris to celebrity weddings and festive occasions. Although the tonal hand embroidery is often seen on ostentatious occasion wear, Bollywood celebrities also like their chikankari on everyday kurtas. On their days off, some of the best dressed names like Anushka Sharma, Malaika Arora and Kiara Advani, have given their fans a crash course on wearing simple, elegant chikankari kurtas for casual outings.
The kinds of chikankari kurtas, as seen on Janhvi Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and more
The fuss-free charm of this Indianwear wardrobe classic has clearly won the vote of approval from Anushka Sharma more than just once. While she stepped out in a pretty icy blue straight cut kurta earlier this year, she picked an intricate number by Kanika Kapoor with a mukaish dupatta during Sui Dhaaga promotions. Like Sharma, Kiara Advani and Kriti Sanon too have multiple versions in their closets—think delicate white motifs over contrasting lime green and black—often paired with white flared palazzos. Brights find their way in too, check out Sara Ali Khan’s shocking blue kurta set that came with a sheer dupatta and silver accents. But it is the ivory and neutral-toned renditions that you’ll spot across collections of Alaya F, Tara Sutaria, Janhvi Kapoor and Malaika Arora. Scroll though our gallery of the best chikankari kurtas worn by the stars here.
Anushka Sharma in Kanika Kapoor
Kiara Advani
Sara Ali Khan
Malaika Arora
Janhvi Kapoor
Anushka Sharma
Tara Sutaria
Kriti Sanon
Kiara Advani
Tara Sutaria