Sharara Style: The Ultimate Blend of Tradition, Elegance, and Contemporary Fashion
The sharara is one of the most iconic and timeless garments in South Asian fashion, especially in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Traditionally associated with royal elegance, grandeur, and cultural heritage, the sharara continues to be a favored choice for many occasions, from weddings to festive celebrations. This versatile garment has evolved from its roots in Mughal and Mughal-influenced Indian fashion to become a symbol of femininity, grace, and modern style.
This article will explore the sharara style in-depth, from its rich history to its modern-day evolution. Whether you are looking for wedding shararas, party wear shararas, or casual sharara outfits, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this elegant and intricate garment.
The Origins of Sharara
The sharara traces its roots to the Mughal era, a period of immense cultural and artistic influence in South Asia. The Mughal dynasty, known for its patronage of art, architecture, and fashion, introduced many iconic clothing styles that have survived to this day. The sharara was initially worn as part of a regal outfit by royalty and nobility, characterized by its loose, flowing silhouette and high-waisted fit.
Originally, the sharara was designed with wide, flared trousers that started at the waist and cascaded down to the feet in a dramatic, bell-shaped structure. The look was both extravagant and graceful, making it an ideal garment for festive occasions, especially weddings and royal gatherings. The sharara was paired with long tunics (kurtis), often adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, and luxurious fabrics, such as silk, velvet, and chiffon.
Over time, the sharara became synonymous with traditional wedding wear in India and Pakistan, evolving to suit the changing fashion trends. The rich heritage of the sharara continues to be a symbol of feminine beauty and cultural pride, while modern-day designers have reinterpreted it in new and innovative ways.
Modern Evolution of the Sharara
Today, the sharara has undergone various transformations, evolving from its traditional roots to become a contemporary fashion statement. Modern shararas blend traditional designs with modern elements, making them suitable for a range of occasions, from casual outings to extravagant weddings.
Designer Sharara Styles: Many of today’s popular sharara styles feature intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and contemporary silhouettes that appeal to women of all ages. While the classic sharara with flared, wide-legged trousers still remains a staple, many designers now offer variations that include straight-cut, layered, or asymmetrical designs. The use of modern fabrics, such as georgette, satin, and organza, paired with traditional embellishments like zardozi, mukaish, thread work, and mirror work, has made the sharara more versatile and accessible to a wider audience.
In recent years, sharara-style lehengas, where the flared trousers are paired with a crop top or choli, have become increasingly popular for wedding celebrations. This fusion of sharara trousers and contemporary tops offers a unique yet traditional look, perfect for brides or guests at weddings.
Sharara Sets with Dupattas: One of the defining features of the sharara is the elegant pairing of the trousers with a long tunic or kurti, and often, a matching dupatta. Dupattas add a touch of grace and sophistication to the overall outfit. Modern sharara sets include heavy, embellished dupattas made from luxurious fabrics like chiffon, silk, or organza, which enhance the overall appeal of the garment. The dupatta serves as a symbol of modesty, while also elevating the look of the entire ensemble.
Sharara Styles for Weddings
Weddings are undoubtedly the most popular occasion for wearing a sharara. In South Asian culture, the sharara is considered an exquisite choice for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests alike. Over the years, wedding shararas have evolved in terms of design, fabric, and embellishments, ensuring that each bride or guest can find a piece that reflects her personal style.
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Bridal Sharara: Bridal shararas are grand, luxurious, and intricate. Made with sumptuous fabrics like velvet, satin, and silk, bridal shararas are often adorned with heavy embroidery, including golden zari work, sequins, and stones. These bridal shararas are traditionally worn with long kurtis, blouses, or crop tops, often designed with deep necklines, sheer details, and intricate thread work. These sets are completed with matching dupattas, which may be draped elegantly across the shoulders or over the head.
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Wedding Guest Sharara: For wedding guests, the sharara is equally as popular but is typically less elaborate than bridal designs. Wedding guest shararas are available in a range of colors, from traditional reds, golds, and greens, to more contemporary pastel shades. The less ornate designs feature light embroidery, thread work, and delicate embellishments, making them perfect for celebrations like Mehndi and Valima ceremonies. Paired with light chiffon dupattas, these outfits are elegant, comfortable, and fashionable.
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Sharara with Jacket: One of the latest trends in wedding wear is the incorporation of jackets or long coats with sharara sets. Designers are using jackets made from brocade, satin, or organza to add an element of sophistication and drama to the outfit. The jacket may be heavily embroidered or feature a simple, minimalistic design for a more modern look. This style is becoming increasingly popular for brides who wish to stand out with something unique, yet traditional.
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Sharara Lehengas: The sharara lehenga is a hybrid of the traditional sharara and the lehenga choli. The sharara lehenga consists of voluminous, flared trousers paired with a crop top or blouse and a long dupatta. This style is ideal for brides who prefer the fluidity and charm of the sharara, but with the elegance of a lehenga. The sharara lehenga can be found in a range of fabrics, from silk to georgette, and features ornate embellishments, such as stonework, mirror work, and pearls.
Different Types of Sharara Styles for Occasions
While weddings are the most obvious occasion for wearing a sharara, there are many other ways to style this garment for different events. From formal gatherings to casual get-togethers, the sharara can be dressed up or down to suit various occasions.
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Casual Sharara: For casual wear, the sharara can be made from more lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen, and styled with a simple kurti or tunic. The casual sharara is an ideal choice for a day out or a family gathering, offering comfort, style, and elegance. A pair of floral prints or minimalist embroidery can give the outfit a modern edge, while keeping it traditional.
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Festive Sharara: For festive occasions such as Eid or Diwali, the sharara can be worn in more vibrant colors, such as bright reds, emerald greens, deep blues, or metallic golds. The festive sharara is often adorned with light embroidery and sequins, offering a subtle yet festive look that is perfect for a lively celebration.
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Formal Sharara: For formal events, the sharara is often made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or organza, with intricate embellishments. A formal sharara paired with a chic blouse, formal dupatta, and heavier embroidery can create a statement look for events like business parties, dinner galas, or cocktail receptions.
Styling Tips for Sharara Outfits
The sharara style is all about elegance and grace, and how you accessorize and style it can make all the difference. Here are some styling tips to help you perfect your sharara look:
- Footwear: Pair your sharara with elegant heels or juttis. Depending on the formality of the event, you can choose from block heels, stilettos, or traditional chappals.
- Jewelry: Opt for statement jewelry, such as a choker necklace, dangly earrings, or a headpiece for weddings and festive events. For more casual occasions, you can choose delicate gold or silver jewelry.
- Dupatta Draping: The dupatta is an essential part of any sharara set. You can experiment with different draping styles, such as draping it over your shoulder or wrapping it around your head for a more traditional look.
- Makeup and Hair: Complement your sharara outfit with bold, festive makeup for weddings or subtle, natural makeup for casual wear. Loose curls, updos, and braided hairstyles work best with the sharara, adding to the elegance and sophistication of the overall look.
Conclusion
The sharara is one of South Asia’s most iconic and beloved garments, offering a perfect blend of tradition, elegance, and modern style. Whether you're a bride, wedding guest, or simply looking for an outfit for a festive occasion, the sharara remains a timeless choice for any event. With its rich history, evolving styles, and endless possibilities for customization, the sharara is sure to remain a classic in South Asian fashion for many years to come. Embrace the beauty, grace, and sophistication of the sharara, and elevate your fashion game today.
