Formal Outfit for Women
Ever caught yourself staring at your wardrobe wondering what to wear for an interview, a corporate meeting or a business cocktail event? Learn how to put together a formal look for women in a few easy steps! Explore elegant style options with classic outfits and accessories from top fashion brands handpicked to create the perfect formal look for you.
Our outfits are an extension of our personality. For most of us, our dressing styles have been drawn from movies, media, friends and family, and the latest fashion trends. Nowadays, we have a type and a style of outfit tailored to themes, occasions, and even day-to-day events. However, the one category that seems to blissfully rest in the grey area is formal wear. Countless movies have shown women sporting chic blouses, dresses, shirts and skirts to office, leaving many of us in India inspired to amp up our office-going wardrobe.
We’re here to show you how to put together a formal look for women in India with some great outfit suggestions inclusive of accessories from your favorite brands .
A formal attire for women can be classified into Indian formal wear and western formal wear. In this page, we will be diving into both categories exploring the perfect formal look for women who are comfortable sporting either styles.
Indian Formal Attire for Women
1. Sarees
Being an iconic Indian look, sarees are a perfectly accepted professional attire nationally. Sarees that are draped the standard way with the pallu over the left shoulder give a classic formal look for women to wear to office, or any other formal occasion. When styled well, sarees have the ability to put up a tough competition against even the most sophisticated western formal wear. When choosing colors for sarees, solid, pastel colors with minimal designs are ideal as opposed to large, bright embellishments or prints. Using fabrics like silk cotton, chanderis and kota silk and avoiding overly stylish or designer necklines and blouse designs ensure comfort for yourself and make a good Indian formal wear for office as well. For a modern formal look, you can pair a saree with a sleeveless formal blouse.
2. Salwar Sets
Salwar sets are also a comfortable outfit that help in creating a formal look for women. The two piece outfit can be mixed and matched to create a plethora of gorgeous color and pattern combinations. It can also be worn along with kameez, churidar, palazzo pants, or leggings. Styled with a dupatta and the right accessories, salwars make a formal or office-going attire. Like with sarees, while choosing salwar sets avoid blaring, bright colours or sophisticated prints. Instead go for subtler solid colours with minimalistic yet elegant designs that will provide a clean, compact look for any formal occasion. For a formal wear for office, choose salwar tops that are preferably knee length and of comfortable material.
3. Kurtas
Kurtas provide a similar style vibe to salwar sets but allow for more formal design varieties. Kurtas can be paired with leggings, trousers, jeggings, formal pants which together emanate a formal look for girls and older women. Kurtas have the versatility to vary in lengths and yet look stylish and elegant all the time. For a formal look for women, avoid pairing short kurtas with tight leggings. Choose colours of a neutral shade – light browns, off whites and ochres are great colours to start with. Avoid plunging necklines and figure-hugging kurtas. Instead go for ones that are made of a lightweight breathable material and one that you can comfortable move around in.
4. Accessories
Indian formal wear is never complete without pairing it with the right accessories. Complement your sarees, salwar sets and kurtas with these gorgeous accessories.
The last thing needed to complete a formal look for women is a matching handbag or tote that allows you to carry all your regular handbag essentials while looking chic and stylish on the outside. While choosing a handbag, go for solid colours and clean cut designs. Stay away from frills or handbags that have too much bling. A handbag needs to be large enough to serve its purpose but not too large that it overpowers the outfit. For sarees and long kurtas, clutches are also a suitable formal accessory.
Western Formal Attire for Women
1. Solid Shirts and Trousers
While creating a western formal look for women, you can never go wrong with the old-school solid shirts and trousers. This iconic work-wear is the embodiment of the phrase “less is more” and truly works up until this day. White shirts and trousers are considered wardrobe essentials for women and are a definite must have formal wear for office or other formal occasions. The classic shirt and trouser combo is great for those who are keen to try out western formal wear for the first time. This is one outfit that will never run out of style.
For trousers, checkered or plaid trousers are perfect if you’re going for a smart chic look. Avoid trousers of really bright colours and textures. Tan, beige, cream, and grey are some colour choices that will help enhance the formal look for women. Choose those trousers that are not too tight, nor too loose but fit just well on all areas of the waist down to the legs. Ensure that they are also comfortable to walk and sit in.
2. Formal Blouses
Formal blouses form a significant part of western formal wear for women. Unlike men who have limited options with their formal wear, formal blouses are a great addition to any woman’s wardrobe. Blouses are capable of providing a modest, smart-casual look and are suitable for daily office wear. When selecting a formal blouse, go for solid colours, pastel shades and blouses with round necks or collars. Plaid, checked, striped or geometric patterns are also great choices for a formal look for women.
3. Blazers
Blazers without a doubt are a fantastic option for a formal look for women. While originally worn by men, blazers have now become a fashion statement for western formal wear among women as well.
4. Skirts
Formal skirts emanate class and confidence and can be easily paired with solid full-sleeved shirts as well as blouses. Skirts make a great formal wear for office and high-functioning corporate events. It’s advisable to choose skirts that are knee length or below the knee for a formal look. In terms of colour, avoid bright skirts with popping colours or sparkly embellished designs. Instead, go for colours that are neutral such as beige, tan, and black for a formal look.
5. Dresses
Another fantastic addition to your western formal wear wardrobe, formal dresses are those outfits that effortlessly make you look your confident best in one piece of clothing. While choosing dresses, avoid those with prominent designs or bling that may draw unnecessary attention. Like skirts and blouses, go for neutral shades like beige, cream, light pink, off-white, tan or darker colour schemes like burgundy, black, dark brown greys and purples. Don’t be afraid to experiment with striped and plaid patterns as they have the ability to spruce up a formal look in a unique way.
Another style of formal dress that is gaining popularity among the younger generation are shirt-style dresses.
6. Accessories
Complement your western formal wear with these accessories designed to take your formal outfits to the next level.
Shoes
When choosing shoes for western formal wear, go for closed-toe shoes over open sandals. Choose solid colours that complement the shade and design of your outfit and a heel height that is comfortable for you to walk in.
Watch
Nothing completes a western formal look for women better than a stylish watch. Some of the best branded watches for women offer a design style that adds a classy touch to any western formal outfit.
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