When it comes to ethnic fashion, choosing the right footwear is essential for completing your look. Just like makeup and jewelry, your footwear can either elevate your outfit or throw it off balance. The right pair of shoes can tie everything together, ensuring comfort while enhancing your ethnic ensemble. Whether you’re dressing up in a lehenga for a wedding, wearing a saree for a festive event, or going casual with a kurta, there’s a perfect pair of shoes to match.
At Thread Arts, we not only offer the finest ethnic dresses but also believe in curating a head-to-toe look that leaves a lasting impression. Let’s dive into our ultimate guide to styling your footwear with ethnic wear!
1. Footwear for Sarees: Traditional Meets Modern
Sarees are timeless, and the right footwear can add grace and elegance to this traditional outfit. Whether you’re wearing a light chiffon saree or a heavy silk one, the shoes you choose can affect the entire look.
- Heeled Sandals or Kolhapuris: If you’re wearing a saree with intricate detailing or embroidery, a pair of heeled sandals or metallic Kolhapuri flats is a perfect match. These classic Indian sandals add an ethnic touch while keeping things comfortable.
- Stiletto Heels or Block Heels: For more formal events like weddings, pair a saree with stilettos or block heels. Stilettos offer a chic, modern look, while block heels provide more comfort for long events.
- Mojaris: For a traditional vibe, mojaris or juttis work beautifully with sarees, especially those in light fabrics like cotton or linen.
Pro Tip: Ensure that your footwear elevates the saree drape. Heels or sandals with a bit of height can help keep the saree from dragging on the floor and give your posture a more elegant look.
2. Footwear for Lehengas: Glamour and Comfort Combined
Lehengas are often worn for grand occasions like weddings, receptions, or festive celebrations. With their voluminous skirts and intricate details, the right footwear should strike a balance between glamour and comfort.
- Embellished Heels: If you’re going for an opulent lehenga with heavy embroidery or zari work, embellished heels or wedges are a great choice. Look for shoes with mirror work, sequins, or metallic detailing that match the tone of your lehenga.
- Juttis: For a more traditional, comfortable option, pair your lehenga with embroidered juttis. These flat, closed-back shoes offer comfort for long hours of standing or dancing, while still complementing the ethnic aesthetic.
- Wedges: If you’re looking for a mix of height and comfort, wedges are the way to go. Wedge sandals or closed-toe wedges in metallic shades like gold or silver pair well with heavily embroidered lehengas.
Pro Tip: If your lehenga is floor-length, opt for footwear with some height—like wedges or heels—to keep the skirt off the ground and to avoid tripping.
3. Footwear for Kurtas and Co-ord Sets: Casual and Chic
Kurtas and co-ord sets are perfect for everyday wear or semi-formal occasions. When choosing footwear for these outfits, think about comfort and style.
- Flats: For a casual day out, flat sandals or mojaris are ideal. These options add a simple yet chic touch to cotton or linen kurtas and co-ord sets.
- Kolhapuris: Whether you’re wearing a printed kurta or an Indo-Western co-ord set, Kolhapuri chappals are a stylish and comfortable choice. They add a traditional vibe without being too heavy or over-the-top.
- Mules or Loafers: For a more contemporary look, mules or loafers work well with straight-cut kurtas or trouser sets. These shoes are comfortable for all-day wear and offer a modern twist to ethnic outfits.
Pro Tip: For Indo-Western co-ord sets, opt for more modern footwear like loafers, mules, or ankle-strap sandals to create a fusion look.
4. Footwear for Anarkalis: Regal and Elegant
Anarkali suits are synonymous with grandeur and elegance, and the right footwear can enhance the regal look of this outfit.
- Heels: Anarkalis are best paired with heels—be it stilettos, block heels, or platform sandals. The long, flowing silhouette of an Anarkali looks best when elevated, adding to its majestic appearance.
- Juttis: For more comfort while still keeping things traditional, juttis are a great match for Anarkalis. Opt for juttis with embroidery or beadwork to complement the embellishments on your outfit.
- Peep-Toe Sandals: For a modern touch, peep-toe sandals in metallic hues or embellished styles pair beautifully with Anarkalis, especially for weddings or formal events.
Pro Tip: Since Anarkalis often have long, flowing hems, choose footwear that gives you some height to avoid tripping on your dress. Heels or platform shoes will help maintain the fluidity of the dress’s movement.
5. Footwear for Salwar Suits: Everyday Elegance
Salwar suits are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Your footwear should match the style and fabric of the suit—whether it’s casual cotton or dressy silk.
- Juttis: For a classic, everyday ethnic look, juttis are your go-to. They offer comfort and come in various designs, from simple to heavily embroidered, making them suitable for both casual and festive salwar suits.
- Flats or Sandals: For casual salwar suits, simple flats or strappy sandals are perfect. These shoes offer comfort and a clean look for daily wear or informal gatherings.
- Heeled Pumps: If you’re dressing up in a more formal salwar suit or Patiala suit for a special event, heeled pumps or block-heeled sandals provide a sophisticated finish.
Pro Tip: Keep your footwear comfortable if you’ll be on your feet for long. Choose shoes with a cushioned sole or those made of soft leather to avoid discomfort during events.
6. Footwear for Indo-Western Ethnic Wear: Fusion and Flair
Indo-Western outfits, such as dhoti pants, shararas, or contemporary sarees, offer a chance to experiment with your footwear. These fusion outfits can be styled with both ethnic and modern shoes.
- Heeled Boots: For a bold fusion look, pair your Indo-Western outfits with ankle boots. This unexpected choice adds a modern edge to traditional attire like dhoti pants or palazzo sets.
- Wedge Sandals: Wedge sandals, especially in metallic or neutral tones, add a modern flair while keeping your look comfortable. They pair well with sharara sets or long Indo-Western jackets.
- Sneakers: For a truly contemporary look, sneakers with sarees or dhoti pants create an edgy, street-style vibe. Pairing chunky sneakers with a saree drape or a fusion outfit gives you comfort and a high-fashion edge.
Pro Tip: When going for a fusion look, experiment with footwear that’s outside of the traditional ethnic realm. Mix and match styles to create a unique, personalized outfit.
Final Tips for Footwear Styling
- Comfort Comes First: No matter how stylish your shoes are, comfort is key. Opt for shoes that allow you to walk and dance comfortably, especially for long events.
- Match the Occasion: While flats and juttis are great for casual or daytime events, heels and wedges are perfect for formal and festive occasions. Keep the venue in mind—opt for wedges or block heels if you’ll be walking on uneven ground or grass.
- Coordinate Colors and Materials: Metallic shades like gold, silver, and bronze work well with most ethnic outfits, while embroidered or embellished shoes can elevate simple outfits. Make sure the material of your footwear complements the fabric of your outfit.
Step Up Your Ethnic Look with Thread Arts
At Thread Arts, we believe that the right footwear can transform your ethnic outfit into something extraordinary. Whether you’re going for a traditional look or experimenting with fusion fashion, our ethnic wear collection is designed to pair beautifully with your favorite shoes. Find your perfect outfit today and step out in style!