A sharara is one of the smartest choices for a cousin's wedding: it gives you the swing and fullness of a lehenga, but because it is a pair of wide-legged trousers, you can sit on the floor, climb stairs, run errands and dance without managing a skirt. At House of Daisy, on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, it is the outfit cousins most often thank us for after a long wedding week.
Sharara or lehenga: what is the real difference?
A lehenga is a full skirt. A sharara is a pair of trousers that flare dramatically from the knee or thigh, so each leg looks like a skirt when you stand still. In photos the two can look surprisingly alike; in practice the sharara is much easier to move in. It is usually worn with a short or mid-length kurta and a dupatta, though a crop top or a peplum works too.
Which functions suit a sharara best?
- Haldi: you can sit on a low stool or the floor and not worry about a skirt in the paste.
- Mehndi: a short-sleeve kurta keeps your henna clear while you wait for it to dry.
- Sangeet: the flare swings beautifully in choreography.
- Roka or engagement: a richer fabric with a worked kurta looks festive but not over the top.
For the wedding day itself, some cousins still prefer a lehenga, but a heavily worked sharara with a rich dupatta is a lovely alternative where the family is relaxed about it. Our guide to outfits for every function helps you place it in the week.
How long should the kurta be?
- Short kurta (hip length): shows off the full flare; young and playful.
- Mid-thigh kurta: the classic balance, flattering on most figures.
- Peplum or crop top: a modern take for the sangeet or cocktail.
Necklines are a matter of taste: a sweetheart or square neck feels contemporary, a round neck with a keyhole or a V with a worked yoke feels traditional.
Which fabrics and embroidery work?
Georgette and chiffon give the softest swing; organza and silk hold a crisper shape. For day functions, gota patti and mirror work are bright and festive; for evenings, zardozi, sequins or dabka on a deeper colour. Keep the work concentrated on the kurta and the hem of the sharara, so the trousers still move freely.
How do I style the dupatta?
Drape it across one shoulder and pin it at the waist if you will be busy, or hold it open behind your arms for photos. For dancing, pin it in a few places or leave it off. On request we add hidden loops so a dupatta can be pinned without damaging the fabric.
Ready or made to order?
Our sharara and gharara collection has ready sets you can try at the showroom. If you want your own colour, kurta length or embroidery, shararas are made to order too. You choose the fabric, colour, neckline, sleeves and work. Pieces we make to order are made to your measurements and hand-embroidered in our atelier. For a single festive outfit, order three to four weeks ahead. If your cousins want matching shararas in a shared colour story, see our group orders page.
Walk in and try a few lengths at Shop 226A, 2nd Floor, DT Mega Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram. We are open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Common questions
Is a sharara formal enough for a wedding?
Yes. A richly worked sharara with a good dupatta is festive enough for most functions, including the sangeet and reception.
Is a sharara good for plus sizes?
Yes. A mid-thigh kurta and a well-cut flare suit every size, and any size is made to measure.
Can I dance in a sharara?
It is one of the easiest outfits to dance in. Secure the dupatta and you are set.
What is the difference between a sharara and a gharara?
A sharara flares from the hip or thigh; a gharara is fitted to the knee, gathered there, and flares below it.
Cousin ki shaadi mein sharara pehen sakte hain?
Bilkul. Haldi, mehndi aur sangeet ke liye sharara bahut aaram deta hai aur photos mein lehenga jaisa hi dikhta hai.
Written by the House of Daisy studio · Ask us anything on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)