What Footwear to Wear With Kurti: Style Tips for Every Look

October 03, 2025

A kurti is one of the most versatile pieces in an Indian wardrobe - graceful, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. From daily wear to festive occasions, it adapts beautifully to every setting. But just like any outfit, the right footwear completes the look. Choosing what footwear to wear with kurti is not only about comfort but also about enhancing the overall aesthetic. It also determines how the occasion that you’re wearing it for will go for you. The right footwear with the same kurti makes the difference between an office outfit and a sangeet look.  

Whether you lean toward traditional charm, modern flair, or everyday ease, the right shoes ensure your kurti always feels polished and occasion-ready. However, making that choice isn’t easy. How does one know which footwear is right for wearing with their kurti? Fret not, for we’ve created a guide to help you with just that. This blog will show you how to pick the right footwear to pair with your kurti for any occasion and outfit. So without further ado let’s get started. 

Casual Shoes That Go Well With Everyday Kurtis 

For daily wear, your focus is on comfort and practicality without compromising on style. Everyday kurtis - cotton, linen, or printed - often call for footwear that feels light and fuss-free. Get that match right, and you’re all set for a comfortable look that has lasted for many generations. Here are the best options for footwear for kurti when dressing casually: 

• Ballet Flats: Simple and graceful, they keep the outfit understated while remaining comfortable for long hours. Ballet flats work especially well with straight-cut or A-line kurtis. 

• Kolhapuris: Minimal leather designs that have stood the test of time. Paired with cotton kurtis, they create a relaxed, grounded look perfect for warm-weather days. 

• Mules: Easy to slip on and off, mules add a modern edge while staying versatile for different kurti lengths. Heeled mules also bring in a subtle touch of elegance. 

• Loafers: For a more structured touch, loafers lend a neat and composed look, especially with straight kurtis styled for work. 

• Sneakers: If you’re wondering about kurti with shoes in a contemporary sense, sneakers - especially white or pastel - bring a youthful, casual-chic energy. Pair them with short or asymmetrical kurtis for a refreshing spin. 

These everyday choices make your kurtis feel effortless yet polished, proving that casual doesn’t have to mean compromise. Getting this right can make your kurti styling feel elevated. 

Traditional Footwear Styles for a Classic Look 

When aiming for elegance rooted in tradition, the best footwear to wear with kurti is undoubtedly classic Indian shoe styles. This is appropriate for weddings, festivals and other cultural functions. They add cultural richness while complementing embroidered or festive kurtis. 

• Juttis: The ultimate footwear on kurti, juttis are timeless. Whether plain leather or heavily embroidered, they highlight intricate craftsmanship and suit both daily and festive kurtis. 

• Mojaris: Slightly more ornate than juttis, mojaris elevate silk or brocade kurtis beautifully for weddings and festive gatherings. 

• Kolhapuris with Embellishments: A festive spin on casual Kolhapuris, these come with metallic details or beadwork that pair well with bright festive kurtis. 

• Heeled Sandals: Elegant sandals for women with subtle embellishments or metallic tones pair wonderfully with floor-length kurtis, adding height and sophistication. 

• Ethnic Slippers: Lightweight and fuss-free, they match semi-formal kurtis and are ideal for home functions or family get-togethers. 

These options represent the best footwear for kurti when your goal is timeless charm that honours tradition while still feeling fashion-forward. Having one of these in your wardrobe is a fashion staple.  

Trendy Shoes to Wear With Modern or Indo-Western Kurtis 

Kurtis today often blur the line between traditional and contemporary, and the footwear you choose should reflect that. That’s why they’ve become a common sight in the wardrobe of office going men and women, especially if the dress code in the workplace isn’t strictly formal. For shoes with kurti in a modern context, think fusion-friendly: 

• Block Heels: A refined choice that balances comfort and poise, block heels modernise a kurti look without overpowering it. Perfect for semi-formal events. 

• Wedges: Ideal when you want stature with comfort. Wedges pair beautifully with longer kurtis or palazzo-style kurtis. 

• Pointed-Toe Flats: Sleek and minimalist, these lend Indo-Western kurtis a polished finish while keeping the look daytime-appropriate. 

• Boots: Short ankle boots create a bold pairing with asymmetric or layered kurtis. They work especially well in cooler weather, giving your kurti a contemporary edge. 

• Strappy Sandals: Slim, minimal straps add lightness to modern kurtis, keeping the silhouette chic and uncluttered. 

• Platform Heels: Perfect for parties or fashion-forward occasions where you want height and drama without losing comfort. 

Here, the kurti becomes a canvas for experimentation, and the shoes add just the right dose of personality. 

How to Choose the Right Footwear Based on Occasion and Kurti Type 

The real key isn’t just picking shoes for kurti - it’s knowing which footwear suits the kurti’s fabric, cut, and occasion. Without this, even if you have chosen a beautiful footwear that is well made and nicely crafted, the look will fall flat or feel out of place. On the other hand, getting the look right for the occasion shows that you paid attention to what the day calls for, giving you an edge over everyone else in terms of fashion. 

For Office Wear: 

• Cotton kurtis with straight cuts work best with flats, loafers, or understated sandals. They ensure ease of movement while staying professional. Neutral colours add polish without distracting. 

For Festive Celebrations: 

• Richly embroidered kurtis demand ornate juttis, mojaris, or embellished sandals. They highlight the grandeur of the outfit and tie together jewellery and other accessories. 

For Casual Outings: 

• Flowy, printed kurtis pair beautifully with sneakers, mules, or Kolhapuris. Comfort comes first, with just enough style to keep the look refined. 

For Weddings & Formal Gatherings: 

• Floor-length kurtis or anarkalis pair wonderfully with heels or wedges. They add height and glamour, ensuring your look matches the occasion’s celebratory mood. 

For Indo-Western Fusion: 

• Asymmetric or layered kurtis call for contemporary footwear like boots, platforms, or block heels. This creates a striking balance between tradition and modernity. 

Ultimately, footwear to wear on kurti should be chosen with the same care as jewellery or handbags - it completes the story of your outfit and reflects the event you’re stepping into. 

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Match for Your Kurti Style 

Choosing what footwear to wear with kurti is an art that balances comfort, tradition, and trend. From casual sneakers that add youthful energy to ornate juttis that reflect timeless grace, each option brings a unique voice to your outfit. 

Whether you’re pairing with everyday cottons or luxurious silks, the right choice of footwear for kurti ensures your ensemble feels complete. A kurti styled with shoes for women, paired with ethnic footwear for women for traditional events, or lifted with modern sandals for women, proves that footwear is more than an accessory - it is the finishing detail that defines your look. 

When chosen thoughtfully, your shoes don’t just complement the kurti - they enhance its elegance, helping you walk with confidence into every occasion.