The Basics - Indian outfits

What's your budget? I can help you put your basics together within it...

The Indian calendar is full of festivals and occasions where a woman is expected to dress up in traditional attire. If you're the kind who feels forced to wear Indian clothes, feels tremendously uncomfortable wearing Indian clothes, I will address your issue separately.
This post is about the basic Indian outfits you must have in your wardrobe.

Lucknowi kurta
Ideal for summers and passable at winters with a suitable inner, the Lucknowi kurta can be a beautiful blend of traditional and modern when worn over a pair of skinny jeans or white leggings. Team these up with simple jewelry and flats , you are good to go!
I pick the color pink because this is most versatile - its suitable for summer and happy for winter.
I pick full sleeves or 3/4th sleeves to adapt it to the season and occasion ( there are occasions where wearing a sleeveless garment isn't appreciated)
You can completely avoid the chunni over the this one and that's what makes it my coolest basic outfit.

Formal kurta
For those days at work where you feel you can wear a traditional outfit or those office Diwali parties, a beautiful simple silk kurta with a thread embroidery pattern at the neck is just perfect.
I've picked the color blue here, this is sober enough for meetings.
The fabric is better when its silk - get festive and formal under one roof.
Again, the sleeves are to make you comfy in your air conditioned office.
You can team this kurta with silk leggings or even your slim fit tapering black trousers.
It looks formal enough for the day and the silk gives it a smart look for a party in the evening. You can use a suitable change in accessories to transform your self after office.
You can skip the chunni here and try a stole or a jacket instead. Yes a jacket, we will discuss this shortly.

White leggings
This is a basic side kick for kurtis and is a trusted aid in lending a modern look to your kurtis. Warning - use this casually, over use on formal occasions is not appreciated.

Silk Leggings
In almost any color but I would prefer metallic dull gold or dull copper. It works perfectly to tone down your otherwise flashy heavily embroidered kurtas

Silk / Chiffon saree with embellished borders
This is a must if you're invited to an important formal occasion like say a naming ceremony, an office pooja, a formal traditional dinner etc.
I would advise peacock blue hues, dark red ( but don't try this on occasions where you're not the bride) or even a deeper autumn orange.
Ensure that the border has elements of gold thread embroidery and a contrasting colored thread embroidery all over.
I would de-recommend any more embellishments  - stay away from crystals and stones for now.

Festive churidar
A classic benarasi silk churidar kurta is ideal for festivals when you're visiting friends, colleagues or have guests coming over at home ( make sure these are not guests who are likely to expect you to dress up in a saree)
I recommend beige or cream color with gold embroidery teamed with brick red or a deep dark red churidar, don't skip the chunni / dupatta please.

Classic black and gold silk saree  - Introducing the CBGS strictly for glamorous evenings and nights. Just try it. I would say its the Indian equivalent of the LBD ( Little Black Dress)

Basic white kurta or kameez  plus colorful bandhi chunni
The length for this one should ideally be mid thigh. Try a wide round neck with an hour class effect silhouette. In other words, get your tailor to fit your waist as best as possible to create an hour class look.
Ensure you get higher slits on both sides. Experiment with playful short sleeves.
Try pearl embroidered fabric in georgettes.
For the salwar , you can try churidar or a semi patiala even. If you're okay with color you can try and match the color of your dupatta in basic cotton and ensure this one is a churidar - we need less fabric because your bandhni dupatta must steal the show

Bandhni Chunni - colorful, playful and an indispensable companion. Try to keep at least one red colored bandej style one and one pink colored one with mirrors.

Yes I know there might be too much jargon in this post for some, I will get you there.
Keep reading.
This was just a starter so you can just add this stuff to your wardrobe and feel at least a bit prepared.

(PS: For this montage I have sourced images from the internet and will be updating you with links so you can buy these outfits from their sources if you like it)