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Not every celebration calls for heavy silk and zari. For morning pujas, day weddings, office Diwali parties and Sunday brunches, soft pastel colours look fresh, elegant and photograph beautifully in daylight. They also travel well – perfect if you are flying from London or Dubai for a family function in India.
Here are three pastel kurta sets from our Jaipur studio, and exactly how to style each one.
1. Off-white with blush-pink embroidery – the forever classic
Our off-white embroidered cotton kurta set is the one piece every wardrobe needs. Delicate pink and grey florals are embroidered across the kurta, the pants have a pretty scalloped cutwork hem, and the organza dupatta carries the same flowers with a cutwork edge.
- Best for: puja, day weddings, temple visits, brunch, office celebrations
- Jewellery: pearl drops or small silver jhumkas
- Shoes: pearl-detail heels or nude block heels
- Make-up: soft pink lip, light kajal – let the white do the work
2. Peach pink – warm, pretty and cheerful
The peach pink embroidered kurta set has the same thoughtful details – band collar, floral thread embroidery, cutwork hem and organza dupatta – in a warm, happy peach that suits almost every skin tone.
- Best for: haldi, family functions, festive lunches, baby showers
- Jewellery: pink or lilac chandbalis make the colour pop
- Shoes: clear block heels or embroidered juttis
- Tip: a pearl clutch keeps it polished
3. Grey hand block print – calm, handmade and timeless
Our grey hand block print kurta set is printed by hand in Jaipur, one wooden block at a time. Mustard-olive and charcoal florals sit on soft dove-grey cotton, and the Kota Doria dupatta is block printed too, finished with a fine gold border.
- Best for: office, day events, travel, puja, gallery visits
- Jewellery: oxidised silver and a slim kada
- Shoes: gold juttis or tan sandals
- Tip: a tan leather tote brings out the mustard tones
Pastel colour guide by skin tone
| Skin tone | Best pastel | Why | |---|---|---| | Fair / cool | Off-white, grey | Clean and crisp, does not wash you out | | Wheatish / warm | Peach, off-white | Warm tones make skin glow | | Dusky / deep | Peach, grey with mustard | Rich contrast, very flattering |
Why cotton for day events
Day functions are long – and often outdoors. Cotton and cotton flex are breathable, absorb sweat and stay soft through the day, whether it is a warm afternoon in Jaipur, a Dubai garden party or a summer wedding in New Jersey. They are also easy to wash and re-wear, so you get far more value than from a one-time heavy outfit.
How to care for embroidery and organza
- Dry clean the first time, then gentle hand wash in cold water
- Never wring the organza dupatta – roll it in a towel to dry
- Iron on the reverse side, and avoid ironing directly on embroidery
- Store folded with tissue paper to protect the cutwork edges
Frequently asked questions
Is white okay to wear to an Indian wedding? For day functions, puja and mehendi, off-white with colourful embroidery is perfectly fine and very elegant. For the main wedding ceremony, check with the family – some prefer brighter colours.
What is cotton flex? Cotton flex is a soft cotton with a gentle slub texture. It drapes better than regular cotton and stays breathable.
What is Kota Doria? Kota Doria is a feather-light chequered weave from Kota, Rajasthan – sheer, airy and perfect for dupattas.
Want any of these stitched to your exact measurements? Message us on WhatsApp – we are happy to help.
