Many have argued for a long time that western wear is more crisp and clean. The construction and tailoring of the shirts and jackets give a more refined look. It is also relatively easier to source if you live in western society. While I don't disagree with that analysis and rather prefer dressing in western formals especially in wintertime but I also love incorporating my Indian clothes and accessories in my work wardrobe.
I don't know how but the perception is that is someone is dressed in Indian wear, the person is less professional. Am I right? Having lived here for over a decade and sharing my sartorial choices online for almost same amount of time, you can see that I haven’t given up on Indian clothes in America. Not even for my professional choices. I mean, you have to add some color and style to your work wardrobe, right?
I had once read an article about Indra Nooyi, the Indian-born ex-chief executive of PepsiCo, who once went on a job interview wearing a sari and sometimes attends company functions in one. ("Never hide what makes you," Nooyi has said.) So taking a cue from Nooyi I hope we all can accept ourselves or whoever we are personally and sartorially.
Kurtas (see: Friday) are your safest bet. You can wear them plain or printed, long or short, fitted or loose and they are bound to look good. It's quite easy to play with them. I usually like to keep it simple, and opt for simple straight cuts.
However, I feel wearing them with salwars (especially patialas) makes it looks a bit too casual for work so I pair them with palazzo pants or cigarette pants. Long kurtas go well with both (styled below: Tuesday)
You could wear the age old way to dressing 'kurta with jeans' (also read: how to style a kurti). You could also pair them with cotton narrow leg pants or linen pants for a smart casual look.
Work Wear Wardrobe - XV
MONDAY
Dress | Jacket | Rain Boots
TUESDAY
Tunic | Pants | Duster
WEDNESDAY
Dress | Shoes
THURSDAY
Top | Skirt | Rain Boots
FRIDAY
Top | Jeans | Shoes
How to you feel about dressing ethnically to work?