A Simple Kurta

Whilst others seem content to strip down and sweat it out under the blazing sunshine, I always find taking the less travelled path, of covering myself up, the better option. Loose fitting and lightweight clothing really can make the difference, and it allows the summer heat to remain a wonderfully pleasant and enjoyable affair.

Indeed given the rather high temperatures today, at least by London standards, I opted for a somewhat more traditional summer outfit. Admittedly its bearing as traditional depends entirely on one's own interpretations and upbringing, however for me it is exactly that. Whilst in itself, not an outfit I would think of to be that post worthy, and indeed for me, akin to someone wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt, it is nevertheless not a common sight on the London streets. After all, it is always the very displacement of a style into another setting and interpretation that makes it interesting. As such, consider this more of as a casual everyday at home outfit.

I decided to wear a loose fitting, white cotton kurta, with some simple gold detailing. The simplicity of the top, yet still interesting design, lends it to a great versatility during the summer months, where one is usually left somewhat drier of outfit ideas due to the heat. The gold detailing helps to provide a nice point of visual interest to the top, especially when considering the cut of the neckline, whilst managing to remain a touch more casual than one would assume.

Indeed, although I have no issue in wearing patterned kurtas, by which the patterning is usually achieved via complex embroidery, or even colourful kurtas, plain white shall always be the easiest of summer wears. This kurta was actually tailor made for me in Pakistan last year, and the benefit of having a traditional fit, slightly loose and with a higher neckline, really does help make a difference in the way I feel when wearing the garment.

For my trousers, I went with a piece which although has recently become a love it or hate it trend item, is actually steeped deep in culture and history across the Asian subcontinent. The drop crotch cotton trousers allow for a loose and comfortable fit, yet the tapered legs make it far more practical in daily use. Rather than going with a full white outfit, I chose to subtly compliment the gold detailing of my kurta with the rich brown trousers.

I was however admittedly tempted to wear some looser shalwaar bottoms, or, find my way to the other end of the spectrum in choosing to don a pair of churidars. Shalwaar bottoms, usually referred to as paijamas, are similar to the trousers I chose to wore today, however the tapering of the leg tends to be in a straight diagonal, cut on the bias of the fabric, giving a very wide and easy fit. Indeed usually held up by drawstring, the bunching of fabric around the top of the trousers tends to be rather great. The most noticeable visual characteristic of the trousers is their dramatic draping.

Churidars on the other hand, often wore for more formal events, are closely cut skinny trousers. They are however equally light in fabric weight to the paijamas or the trousers I opted for today, being a fine and airy cotton. This allows them to be closely cut onto the leg, revealing the gentle contours, and yet remain highly comfortable. Indeed they are actually more so than the skinny jeans one finds today, due to the inherent breathability and light weight of the fabric. They also tend to be far longer than one's leg to allow considerable stacking of the fabric, giving them a highly unique look.

Currently playing: Provider (Zero 7 remix) - N.E.R.D

xxxx