How to Layer a Kurta Set for Winter Weddings and Christmas

In this article

1. Can you wear a kurta set in winter?
2. What should I wear under a kurta set?
3. What goes on top of a kurta set?
4. How do I style the dupatta in cold weather?
5. What should I wear for an evening winter wedding?
6. What shoes work with a kurta set in winter?
7. When should I order for winter functions?
8. Our pick for you
9. Frequently asked questions

To layer a kurta set for a winter wedding or Christmas, wear thin thermals or skin-tone inners underneath, the kurta set in the middle, and a long coat or shawl on top that you can remove indoors. The goal is to look festive inside the venue, where it is usually heated, while staying warm for the cold walk from the car or the outdoor photos.

By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Our kurta sets are stitched in our own Jaipur unit, with block prints printed by hand by karigars.

Quick answer

• Base layer: thin thermal leggings and a fitted thermal top in a skin tone
• Middle layer: your kurta set, ideally in a mid or deep colour
• Top layer: a long wool coat, a pashmina shawl or a cropped jacket
• Dupatta: wear it over a shawl, or swap it for a warm stole outdoors
• Shoes: boots outside, juttis or heels inside

Can you wear a kurta set in winter?

Yes, and it is what most Indian women abroad do every wedding season. Indian wedding season runs roughly from November to February, which means many functions in the UK, Canada and the northern USA happen in real cold. Most kurta set fabrics are light, so the trick is not to change the outfit, but to layer around it.

Deeper, richer colours also feel more wintry. The plum purple embroidered cotton suit set with kurta, pants and dupatta is a good example: the colour looks right on a grey December day, and the cotton is easy to layer over a thermal.

What should I wear under a kurta set?

The base layer should be thin, smooth and close-fitting, so it does not change the shape of your kurta.

• Thermal leggings: sit easily under straight pants and palazzos
• Fitted thermal top: choose one with a neckline lower than your kurta's, so it does not peek out
• Skin-tone colours: these stay invisible under lighter fabrics like kota doria
• Thin socks: fine under juttis if you choose a skin-tone or matching colour

If you are ordering a custom fit and plan to wear a thermal top underneath, take your bust and waist measurements over that thermal. That way the kurta fits the way you will actually wear it. Our custom fit is free, and you share your bust, waist, hip and height.

What goes on top of a kurta set?

This is where you can have fun. Your top layer is the first thing people see when you arrive.

| Top layer | Best for | Tip | |---|---|---| | Long wool coat | Outdoor walks, church, travel | Choose one longer than your kurta | | Pashmina or wool shawl | Indoor-outdoor weddings, Christmas dinner | Drape over one shoulder for photos | | Cropped jacket or bolero | Sangeet, reception | Works well over Anarkalis | | Long cardigan | Casual Christmas, family lunch | Pick a neutral like camel or grey | | Puffer coat | Very cold cities like Toronto | Remove before photos |

A long coat is the most useful piece. If your coat is shorter than your kurta, the hem pokes out and the look feels uneven. Choose black, camel, grey or cream so it goes with every outfit.

For a softer, lighter look, a grey block print set pairs beautifully with a camel shawl. The grey hand block print cotton kurta set with kota doria dupatta is calm and elegant for a winter day function or Christmas church service.

How do I style the dupatta in cold weather?

The dupatta can be part of your warmth. Indoors, wear it as normal. Outdoors, you have two options. You can drape the dupatta over your shawl, letting the pretty border show, or fold the dupatta into your bag and wear a warm stole instead.

A light kota doria dupatta also works as a scarf under a coat collar. The navy blue kota doria embroidered kurta set is a good choice here, because navy goes with most coats and the dupatta is light enough to tuck in.

From our Jaipur studio: Kota doria is woven with a fine check, so it is light and airy. In winter, that means it layers well without bulk. Embroidered cotton is a little denser and sits smoothly over a thermal top without clinging.

What should I wear for an evening winter wedding?

For a reception or sangeet, you may want more shine than a cotton set. A taffeta Anarkali holds its shape well, even with a fitted layer underneath. The lavender taffeta silk Anarkali with organza dupatta has gota work that glows under evening lights. Pair it with a cropped jacket or a velvet-look shawl for arrival, then remove the outer layer for photos.

For country-specific advice, read our guides on Indian weddings in Canada and in the UK.

What shoes work with a kurta set in winter?

Wear boots outside and change into juttis, block heels or embellished flats indoors. Carry your indoor shoes in a small tote. If the venue has outdoor photos, a pair of closed-toe heels with thin socks can work for a few minutes. Avoid open sandals in snow and slush.

When should I order for winter functions?

Made-to-measure pieces take 5–7 working days to make, plus about 5–10 business days for delivery. Order at least 3–4 weeks before your event, or before 25 December for Christmas. Shipping to the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia is free, tracked and duties-paid. If you are new to measuring, follow our measuring guide.

Our pick for you

For day functions and Christmas, the plum suit or the grey block print set. For evenings, the lavender taffeta Anarkali with a cropped jacket. A small etiquette note: at a wedding, keep your coat on until you are inside, and take it off before you greet the couple.

Frequently asked questions

How do I keep warm at an Indian wedding in winter? Wear thermal leggings and a fitted thermal top under your outfit, a long coat on top, and boots outside. Change into lighter shoes indoors.

Can I wear a jacket over a kurta set? Yes. A cropped jacket looks great over Anarkalis, and a long coat suits kurta sets. Choose a neutral colour so the outfit stays the star.

Will a thermal show under a light kurta? Not if you choose a skin-tone, fitted thermal with a lower neckline than your kurta. Smooth fabrics work best.

How do I store kurta sets between winter functions? Fold them in a cotton bag, away from damp. For pieces with gota or embroidery, fold the work inwards to protect it.

Planning outfits for winter functions? WhatsApp us and we will help you choose.