Styling Kashmiri Clothes in the City: Old Soul, New Streets
There’s a special kind of joy in pulling a Kashmiri piece out of your wardrobe and wearing it somewhere unexpected. A pheran at a dinner in Bandra. A hand-embroidered shawl thrown over a dress at a Delhi winter wedding. A kurta worn with chunky sneakers and headphones on the Metro.
For most of us, these clothes began as something to wear on “special occasions” or “back home.” But now, they’re slowly, quietly becoming part of our city life- because they’re beautiful, yes- but also because they carry something the city doesn’t always give us: stillness, memory, softness.
Here are a few ways we’ve been styling Kashmiri pieces in the city without losing their essence:
1. The Oversized Pheran as Outerwear: The pheran isn’t just for snow anymore. In cooler months, it makes the perfect jacket. Layer it over a turtleneck and wide-legged trousers, or wear it like a dress with boots. Add hoops or a bold lip, and you’re ready for anything from a winter market stroll to a gallery opening.
2. Shawls That Do the Heavy Lifting: A well-made Kashmiri shawl can transform an otherwise simple outfit. Draped over a black dress, wrapped around a denim jacket, or thrown on with a linen shirt and jeans- it’s the kind of piece that makes people stop and ask, “Where is that from?”
3. Mixing Textures and Time: One of the nicest things about Kashmiri pieces is how old they feel- in the best way. That antique vibe pairs beautifully with modern textures: soft wool with leather, delicate embroidery with denim, muted tones with a pop of neon. It’s all about balance.
4. Earrings, Sneakers, and the Small Details: Don’t be afraid to play. Pair traditional kurtas with white sneakers. Add oxidised jhumkas or your grandma’s chain to a very minimal pheran. Even a Kashmiri stole can become a turban or a wrap-top if you’re feeling adventurous.
5. Dressing Down the Formality: A lot of people hold back from wearing Kashmiri clothes because they feel “too dressed up.” The trick is to break the formality- half-tuck a kurta into your jeans, throw on a pheran over joggers, or belt a long piece to give it shape. Suddenly, it’s wearable, casual, and completely yours.
The Best Part? The Story, What you wear becomes a way of telling your story. When someone compliments your shawl, you don’t just say thank you- you get to talk about your grandmother, about the bazaar in Srinagar where you found it, about the man who stitched your name into the hem. That’s style. Not just fashion- but memory, identity, and intention.