Traditional South Asian attire extends far beyond the familiar shalwar kameez, sharara, gharara, or sarees. The desi style offers a rich tapestry of fashion options, and one such example is the resurgence of tulip-inspired shalwars. This particular design made its debut some time ago, but despite being initially short-lived, it has made a triumphant return this Eid season, with many Pakistani brands incorporating the trendy tulip pattern into their designs.
How To Wear Tulip Shalwars
Before we dive into styling tulip shalwars for various occasions, let’s start with some quick pointers. These tulips have evolved from traditional shalwars, offering a range of options – printed, plain, or embroidered. If you’re familiar with stitching shalwars, you’ll find the process of creating tulips at home to be quite straightforward. The style is also suitable for those who prefer to stick with conventional shalwar designs.
Moreover, tulips are widely available from local brands and have gained popularity this year, making them a great option for brides as well. When it comes to pairing, tulips seamlessly blend eastern and western fashion, allowing you to team them up with boho or chic tops. To make the most of your investment, consider investing in high-quality white shalwars that can be worn throughout the year with different tops. To cut a tulip salwar, start by folding the fabric into two layers.
Next, bring together two opposite corners and overlap them in the center, leaving about 2 inches between. This will form the broader upper area of the pant and the cone-shaped lower area. Then, carefully measure and cut the crotch area before stitching the sides together from this point. Once you’ve stitched the fabric together, unfold it and use the excess material to create a tulip shape for each leg. Finally, stitch each leg separately to complete your tulip salwar.
↓ 14 – Trend Alert: With Frills
Incorporating frills into shalwars makes perfect sense in today’s fashion landscape, where they’re being showcased at high-profile events like the Cannes festival and ramp walks. However, it’s crucial that this trendy addition doesn’t look out of place. One of the most striking examples of frill-adorned shalwars is the tulip-patterned design, which has quickly become a favourite on our radar.
For more inspiration and ideas on how to style your Patiala shalwar with panache, check out our comprehensive guide: Best Ways to Wear Patiala Shalwar.
↓ 13 – Girls Day Out Look
When gathering with friends for a casual outing, such as lunch or brunch, consider pairing a flowy tulip dress with a mid-length embroidered Kurti. This understated yet stylish combination is sure to make you feel confident and put-together.
↓ 12 – Work Outfit
For a stylish fusion of traditional flair and contemporary sophistication, look no further than the humble tulip print. When paired with a beautifully embroidered kurta, this timeless design creates a work outfit that’s both modern and culturally rich. Case in point: the stunning ensemble crafted by Anousheh Malik, a rising star in the world of fashion.
↓ 11 – For Weddings
As the camera pans, renowned Pakistani makeup artist Sobia is spotted alongside her daughter Zarpash, exuding elegance in a stunning ensemble featuring a rich velvet shirt paired with intricately designed silk shalwars. The discerning choice of silk fabric for the shalwar is particularly noteworthy, as its natural sheen and fluid movement create a beautiful tulip-like silhouette that falls effortlessly into place.
↓ 10 – With Long Shirt
Pairing a stunning Lincoln Green embroidered long Kurti with light peach or fawn-colored tulip pants, adorned with embellishments at the shalwar’s bottom, creates a visually appealing ensemble. The combination is particularly suited for warm weather, as the soft colors and tulip-inspired design evoke feelings of summer serenity. This versatile outfit can be worn to a variety of occasions, from work or university to social events or casual gatherings.
To complete the look, add some subtle jewelry and makeup for a polished finish. Given Eid’s recent tendency to fall during the scorching summer months, this outfit is an excellent choice for those seeking to stay cool and stylish.
↓ 9 – With Kurti
Imagine slipping into a radiant white ensemble, perfectly suited for the warmest summer days. The crisp combination of a short Kurti adorned with golden prints and plain tulip pants is an effortless summer delight. While Cross Stitch offers this stunning outfit as part of its collection, feel free to draw inspiration from it and create your own unique version. Pair this light Kurti with tulip pants for Eid celebrations, and elevate the look with chic tassel earrings or gold jhumkas/chandaalis.
A beautiful pearl and gold neckpiece adds a touch of elegance, while maroon or bronze khussas bring the overall aesthetic to life.
↓ 8 – Casual Wear
The wait is finally over! Presenting an effortless everyday look that’s perfect for a summer iftar party or just lounging around. Imagine slipping into a crisp white Kurti and matching tulip pants – it’s the epitome of comfort, elegance, and practicality. For those familiar with Pakistan’s fashion and drama scene, you may have noticed the trend of celebrities donning white attire at events like Nomi Ansari’s iftar parties. This look is sure to impress for any summer gathering or everyday wear.
To add some flair, simply throw on a colorful dupatta and matching footwear, and you’re good to go! For more inspiration, check out our previous post on short shirts with palazzo pants.
↓ 7 – With Short Shirt
To style a short shirt with tulip-style shalwar, a key consideration is to balance the proportions. A short peplum or frock can be paired with tulip bottoms as long as they are flared and pleated. This combination creates a chic expression of Punjabi and boho style, reminiscent of the iconic Patiala shalwar. The far-apart pleats of the tulip will add a flared touch to the overall look.
For instance, actress Ayeza Khan’s ensemble features a short blue A-line frock, a pleated shalwar with orange flowery embroidery on its borders, and a boho clutch. To complete the chic look, dainty silver earrings and a boho neckpiece, as seen in Ayeza Khan’s outfit, are essential additions. The use of a belt around the waist can also enhance the overall aesthetic, as demonstrated by another stylish outfit that features a short shirt belted at the waist.
↓ 6 – 3 Piece Suit
In South Asia, the rise in temperature signals the start of summer’s fashion frenzy. Women eagerly await the launch of lawn collections from various brands, seeking to update their wardrobe with the latest trends. From tulip shalwars and frocks to Patiala shalwars and cigarette pants, there’s a plethora of options available. Instead of settling for an off-the-rack outfit, why not opt for customization?
With the ability to get your favorite 3-piece suit from Kayseria’s ’19 lawn collection stitched according to your measurements, you can create a one-of-a-kind summer look. A beautiful lawn shirt paired with tulip pants and a stunning embroidered net dupatta is all it takes to complete the ensemble. Add some finishing touches with a wristwatch and dangly earrings, and you’re ready to take on the season in style.
↓ 5 – With Choli
For those who adore tulip pants but prefer to style them differently than the traditional shalwar kameez combination, here’s an alternative approach. Pair your flared tulip pants with a chic choli, as beautifully showcased by this fashion inspiration. To elevate the look further, you can repurpose a chiffon or net blouse from your sarees or lehengas and add it to the tulip pant equation.
This versatile ensemble is perfect for making a stylish impression at social gatherings like sangeet, dholki, cocktail parties, or festive occasions. What adds a touch of glamour to this outfit is the thin, golden belt cinched around her waist, subtly breaking up the monotony of the plain shalwar. Complete the look with some traditional jewelry, a pair of elegant heels, and you’re ready to turn heads.
↓ 4 – Indo-Western Wear
The tulip pant style’s versatility allows it to be paired with a range of tops, from crop and silk numbers to T-shirts. This versatility gives the look a similar flair to harem pants, flared pants, and pleated pants – all of which are commonly worn with casual tops for everyday occasions or dressier events like work or parties.
A scenario like the one depicted in the accompanying image would be perfect for a social gathering, outing with friends, or even as a stylish choice for a celebrity or model. For instance, the Bollywood diva pictured here might have worn this outfit to a party, event, or movie screening, and it would undoubtedly make her stand out.
↓ 3 – With Pearl Detailing
Elevate your wedding attire with our elegant white chiffon shirt paired with a striking tulip. The flowing fabric and delicate blooms create a show-stopping combination perfect for a special occasion. The multicolored embroidery on the shirt adds a touch of glamour, allowing you to coordinate your accessories with ease. Pair the look with metallic jewelry or footwear in gold, silver, or the matching hues from the embroidery for a cohesive ensemble.
For a lighter summer-inspired appearance, opt for light makeup and subtle blush with a hint of pink lipstick. Alternatively, go bold with a red lip color and add golden or silver bangles for a more dramatic wedding look.
↓ 2 – Bridal Look
For a truly show-stopping look, consider pairing a heavily embellished tulip-patterned shalwar with matching embroidery on a shirt and pants. Add a dupatta that mirrors this intricate design for a cohesive and sophisticated ensemble. While stitching such an elaborate fabric can be challenging, consulting an expert tailor or designer will ensure the best results. To avoid overwhelming the outfit, keep jewelry simple with sleek stilettos and understated silver accessories.
Remember to prioritize a statement-making tikka or matha Patti over bold neckpieces, as the focus should remain on the stunning embroidered dress.
↓ 1 – Trendy Summer Look
Sania Maskatiya’s trendy ensemble stands out as a versatile choice for various occasions. Whether it’s a high-energy party, a wedding celebration, or a relaxed gathering with loved ones during festive seasons like Eid, Diwali, Ramzan, or Holi, this outfit is sure to impress. The vibrant color palette makes it particularly suitable for warm summer days.
