With the red carpets of the Ambani wedding finally rolled up and all the blingy, opulent Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Anamika Khanna, and Falguni Peacock designs now behind us, it's time to give our eyes a well-deserved rest. With that thought in mind, the ultimate comfort wear comes to mind: the short kurta and jeans combo. This combination, once an obsession of the early 2000s' "girly girls," has now evolved into a beloved "desi aesthetic" for many.
In college, my wardrobe was all about short kurtas and jeans or cosy crop tees with jeans. Comfort was my signature look! But when I think about it now, isn’t it wild how something as simple as a kurta and jeans can be powerful enough to give you that boost of confidence? It made me feel ready to take on anything!
For fashion creator Niharika Jain, the charm of the short kurta and jeans combo lies in its ability to make traditional wear both accessible and casual for everyday life. "This outfit choice boosts confidence because it’s stylish yet easy to wear, allowing you to look polished without much effort—perfect for our busy schedules. It’s a versatile style that beautifully blends traditional and modern elements", she shares.
Just like me, who found inspiration from strong female characters in films like Aisha from Wake Up Sid and Vaidehi from Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Niharika was influenced by Geet from Jab We Met. She says, "Growing up, I was inspired by Bollywood characters like Geet, who rocked the iconic yellow kurti with jeans. It’s such a simple yet standout look."
For actor and fashion creator Khushbu Rajendra, her major inspiration has been Alia Bhatt. She shares, "I’ve recently been drawn to Alia Bhatt’s unique style, which perfectly mixes modern trends with traditional Indian fashion. She creates looks that are both stylish and deeply rooted in culture." Curious about this, I did a bit of digging and was surprised to find that Bhatt really does rock this combo in real life, just like her character Safina in Gully Boy.
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Khushbu also explained why the kurta and jeans combo boosts her confidence. She said, "Wearing something that looks great and has cultural significance naturally makes you feel more confident. There’s pride in wearing an outfit that connects you to your roots, and that connection can be really empowering. Personally, it fits my style perfectly, and I love wearing it!"
Megha Seehra, another content creator, shares her thoughts on this combination, "The charm of short kurtas with jeans is hard to resist! They strike the perfect balance between casual and chic, making them super versatile. Whether I’m running errands or meeting friends for brunch, this combo always works. And yes, it definitely boosts my confidence! Mixing traditional and modern styles feels empowering—it’s like saying, ‘I’m connected to my culture, but I’m ready to take on the world."
How To Reinvent the Classic Combo in 2024
While actors and movies have stylists to create appealing looks that reflect individuality, how can you achieve this on your own? It’s not too difficult—we’ve all experimented and made our looks uniquely ours. For me, I love combining different kurta silhouettes and patterns with different kinds of bottom wears and various accessories. This lets me customise each outfit to match my taste, making every ensemble a reflection of my personality. Celebrating the timeless appeal of kurtas and jeans, I find joy in creating looks that are both stylish and deeply personal.
Strappy Kurta & Sneakers
On that note, I asked these fashion creators how they would style kurtas and jeans in 2024 in a way that’s more than basic but not too over-the-top to be wearable. Popular creator Anushka Hazra shares her take, "If I were to style a short kurta in 2024, I would definitely go for a fitted, strappy one and wear it with a pair of wide-legged jeans. I would add a pair of jhumkas and finish the look with either my favourite pair of sneakers or jutis and a bohemian bag."
She believes this combination is a "very cool way of embracing 2K aesthetics" and finds herself "quite drawn towards these aesthetics of late."
Short Kurta- Long Skirt
Niharika Jain also has a bohemian idea but with a different approach to styling a short kurta in 2024. She says, "If I were to style a short kurta in 2024, I would pair it with a flowy, long skirt to create an elegant and bohemian look. “
She explains, "The skirt would ideally have a vibrant print or intricate embroidery to complement the simplicity of the kurta. I'd accessorise with a chunky silver necklace and a stack of bangles to add some traditional flair. For footwear, I'd opt for comfortable yet stylish mojris or gladiator sandals. To finish off the look, I'd carry a small embroidered clutch and add a light shawl or dupatta for an extra touch of elegance. This outfit would be perfect for festive occasions or a casual day out."
Embroided Kurta, Statement piece
Khushbu also shares her styling insights, saying, "If I had the chance to style a short kurta in 2024, I’d start by choosing a kurta with intricate embroidery or a bold print, something that stands out yet remains elegant. Pairing it with high-waisted palazzo pants in a complementary colour would create a balanced and stylish silhouette. This combination not only provides comfort but also exudes a sophisticated charm that’s perfect for both casual and semi-formal events."
Khushbu adds a modern twist by accessorising with "statement pieces like chunky earrings or a sleek belt to cinch the waist, adding definition and flair to the outfit." For footwear, she envisions "embracing comfort and style with either chic shoes or traditional jutties, depending on the occasion."
To complete the look, Khushbu imagines "open hair flowing naturally or styled in a messy ponytail, adding a touch of effortless beauty." She also incorporates a mix of traditional and contemporary jewellery, such as "a set of bangles or a minimalist necklace to keep the look balanced."
Megha offers yet another creative way to style a short kurta, "Styling a short kurta in 2024 would be all about mixing vintage vibes with contemporary twists. Picture this: a classic embroidered short kurta paired with high-waisted, wide-leg jeans. To add a playful touch, I’d throw in some chunky silver jewellery—maybe jhumkas or a statement necklace."
Kurta & Scarfs
She adds, "I’d finish off the look with funky sneakers for that street-style edge or some cute block-heeled sandals. And let’s not forget a stylish scarf, perhaps tied around the hair or draped casually over the shoulder. I’ve got so many scarf hacks on my page; you must check that out! It’s all about having fun with fashion and making the look your own."
Each of these styles uniquely blends traditional and trendy elements, making 2K short kurta styling both fashionable and wearable. So, what's your take on this classic combo of jeans and short kurtas? What's your story, and how do you make it your own?
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