To wear an anarkali suit with a sharara, keep the anarkali short, usually around the knee or just above it, so the sharara's flare has room to show below. At House of Daisy on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, this pairing is a favourite for festive evenings because it gives you two layers of movement: the anarkali swings from the waist and the sharara flows from the knee.
How long should the anarkali be?
Short enough to let the sharara be seen. A floor-length anarkali hides the sharara completely, which defeats the point. Here is a simple guide:
- Hip to mid-thigh: a peplum-like top that shows most of the sharara. Modern and playful.
- Just above the knee: the most balanced length, with both flares visible.
- Just below the knee: a more traditional look, best with a sharara that flares wide.
If you are petite, the shorter end of this range usually keeps your proportions easy.
How do you balance two flares?
Two full flares in heavy fabric can look bulky. Let one be fuller than the other. A fuller anarkali sits well over a softer sharara, and a sharara with a wide, dramatic flare looks best with a lighter, less voluminous anarkali on top. Soft fabrics like georgette and chiffon layer easily because they fall close to the body rather than standing away from it.
Should the anarkali and sharara match?
Matching colours give a long, unbroken line and look elegant at family functions. Contrast is more playful: a pastel anarkali over a deeper sharara, or a solid top over a printed or bordered sharara. Another quiet trick is tone on tone, the same colour family in two shades, which adds depth without busyness.
Where should the embroidery sit?
Choose a focus. A worked yoke and sleeves on the anarkali pair well with a sharara that carries only a border at the hem. A plainer anarkali can sit over a sharara with gota or zari bands across the flare. If both layers are heavily embroidered all over, the outfit loses its shape and can feel warm by evening.
What about the dupatta?
A light, sheer dupatta suits this layered look best, draped over one shoulder or both arms. A heavy dupatta adds a third layer and can hide the very flares you chose. For a dance night, you can skip it if the anarkali's neckline looks finished.
When does this pairing work best?
It suits festive evenings, Eid and Diwali gatherings, sangeets, and family functions where you want something a little more youthful than a classic suit. For the day, choose cotton or a soft silk; for the night, georgette, organza or velvet with shine.
Can I get the set ready or made to order?
Look at our anarkali collection and our sharara and gharara collection for ready pieces. On most ready-made suits, the neckline or sleeves can be changed, usually within about a week. If you want the two pieces designed together, our designers can make the set. The first design consultation is free, and the designer shares a sketch for your approval before anything is made. Pieces we make to order are made to your measurements and hand-embroidered in our atelier. For a festive or party outfit, order 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
Visit us at Shop 226A, 2nd Floor, DT Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram, open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM. Read more about visiting House of Daisy.
Common questions
Can I wear a long anarkali with a sharara?
You can, but the sharara will barely show. A short anarkali gives the pairing its look.
Does this look suit a petite frame?
Yes, with a shorter anarkali and a soft fabric that falls close to the body.
Which fabric layers most easily?
Georgette and chiffon, because they fall softly and do not add bulk.
Can I order the anarkali and sharara as one set?
Yes. Our designers can make them together, and for a festive outfit you should order 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
Anarkali ke neeche sharara kaise pehnein?
Anarkali ghutne tak ya thodi chhoti rakhiye, taaki sharara ka flare dikhe. Ek layer bhaari ho, doosri halki.
Dupatta kaunsa lun?
Halka, sheer dupatta. Bhaari dupatta dono flare chhupa deta hai.
Written by the House of Daisy studio · Ask us anything on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)