Scrolling through hundreds of Anarkalis can feel like a lot, right? They all look gorgeous on screen, but the real question is which one will look gorgeous on you. I’ve been there, and honestly, the trick is to stop choosing based on colours alone. Your face shape, your body shape, and the occasion matter just as much, and once you know how they work together, shopping gets so much easier. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each one step by step, with specific styles to look at along the way. Whether you’re dressing for a family wedding in Leicester or a Diwali party in London, you’ll know exactly what to put in your basket. Let’s find your perfect Anarkali dress.
TL;DR
- Choose your neckline by your face shape
- Choose your cut and fabric by your body shape
- Choose your embroidery and fabric by the occasion
- Check the size guide and fabric guide before you order
- Ready-to-wear and fast-ship options help when time is tight
Which Anarkali Suits Your Face Shape?
Your neckline frames your face, so start there. Not sure of your face shape? Pull your hair back and check the mirror: is your face longer than it is wide, or about equal? Plenty of gorgeous Indian dresses come with different necklines, so you’ve got lots of choice.
Round Face
V-necks and deeper necklines add length and balance your face.
- Go for V or sweetheart necklines
- Keep dupatta drapes long and vertical
- Try: black chinon silk hand-embroidered Anarkali
Oval Face
Lucky you, almost everything works. You can play with colour and embroidery.
- Boat, round, or square necklines all suit you
- Experiment with bold embroidery
- Try: peach pink georgette embroidered Anarkali
Square Face
Soft, rounded shapes balance a strong jawline beautifully.
- Pick round or scoop necklines
- Skip sharp, boxy necks
- Try: pastel green chanderi silk Anarkali
Heart-Shaped Face
You want to add a little width at the neck to balance a narrower chin.
- Boat and square necklines work well
- Choose light, flowy sleeves
- Try: amber georgette embroidered Anarkali
Which Anarkali Suits Your Body Shape?
Think about where you’d like the eye to land. If you love Indian dresses with a flare, a few small tweaks to the cut make a big difference.
Pear Shape
Detail on the top half draws the eye upward and balances your hips.
- Look for embroidered yokes and fitted bodices
- Choose a smooth flare rather than heavy layers
- Try: navy blue zari embroidered velvet Anarkali suit
Apple Shape
Flowing fabrics skim the midsection and keep you comfortable all night.
- Choose empire-style cuts with light georgette
- Pick vertical embroidery or prints
- Try: Lavender georgette embroidered Anarkali with bottom
Hourglass Shape
You can show off your waist with a fitted top and a full flare.
- Pick fitted bodices with panelled skirts
- Front slits add movement
- Try: Magenta silk embroidered front slit Anarkali with palazzo
Petite Frame
Shorter lengths stop the outfit from overwhelming you.
- Choose knee, or calf-length Anarkalis
- Pair with fitted pants for a longer line
- Try: Emerald green silk embroidered short Anarkali with pants
Which Anarkali Suits Your Occasion?
Occasion decides the fabric and the amount of sparkle. Stylists who dress guests for big events follow the same logic: the grander the event, the richer the fabric.
Weddings and Sangeets
Go rich and regal with heavy embroidery and zari.
- Silk, velvet, and net look luxurious
- Heavier dupattas add drama
- Try: Dusty pink net hand embroidered Anarkali sets
Parties and Evenings
This is where partywear anarkalis shine, with front slits, fusion cuts and statement colours.
- Georgette and chinon silk keep you light on your feet
- Indo-western cuts feel fresh
- Try: Orange georgette embroidered Indo-Western Anarkali
Festive and Daytime Events
Lighter prints suit pujas and lunches where you’ll be on your feet.
- Printed viscose silk and georgette are comfy
- Brighter colours feel festive
- Try: Fuchsia pink viscose silk printed Anarkali
| Occasion | Best Fabrics | Style Tip |
| Wedding or sangeet | Silk, velvet, net | Heavy embroidery and zari |
| Party night | Georgette, chinon silk | Front slits or fusion cuts |
| Festive daytime | Viscose silk, georgette | Printed and bright |
How Do You Shop for Anarkalis Online in the UK?
Buying indian dresses online is easy once you know what to check. Here’s my checklist:
- Use the size guide and the measuring guide before ordering
- Read the fabric guide to know what suits the weather
- Look for ready-to-wear and fast-ship options if you’re short on time
- Explore the plus-size range if you’d like a tailored fit
I’d order at least a week before a big event, so there’s time to sort out any tweaks.
Which Anarkali Will You Pick?
Honestly, the best Anarkali is the one that makes you feel confident. Start with your face shape for the neckline, use your body shape for the cut, and let the occasion pick the fabric. Keep this guide handy next time you’re hunting for the perfect Anarkali dress, and you won’t go far wrong. Happy shopping!
FAQs
Which Anarkali is best for a wedding?
A silk, velvet, or net style with heavy embroidery, and zari looks the part. Pair it with a rich dupatta for extra drama.
Can plus-size women wear Anarkalis?
Absolutely. Anarkalis are not just for one body shape, and there is a dedicated plus-size range with tailored fits.
How do I pick the right size when ordering online?
When buying indian dresses online, measure your bust, waist, and hips, and compare them with the size guide. If you’re between sizes, it’s safer to go up.
What is the difference between an Anarkali and a gown?
An Anarkali is a kurta-style top with a flared skirt worn with a fitted bottom and dupatta, while a gown is one single piece.
Which fabric works best for party styles?
Georgette and chinon silk are popular for partywear anarkalis because they’re light and move beautifully.
