Three weeks into social distancing and we have established that if we are working from home, and not going out, we are bound to live in our PJs. Comfort over everything is of utmost importance. But from what I’ve noticed, the downside of being in PJs all day is that your brain takes that as a signal of bedtime, and you find yourself, longing for a nap at 2 PM. When working from home, you need all the motivation possible to keep you going. Other than multiple cups of coffee through the day, getting out of your PJs and getting dressed can instantly change the mood.

Now while the idea of getting dressed is exciting, comfort must not be compromised at any cost- enter summer kurtas. One thing I love about desi kurtas is ease and comfort. The long hem of the top means you can lay and laze around, without always having to tuck and pull the top down constantly. The bottoms are often either roomy salwars, dhotis, or stretchy yoga pants like leggings aka churidars, and airy palazzo pants. So, a comfy summer kurta can make for an excellent replacement for your oversized t-shirts and torn old PJs.

Actresses like Janhavi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt and Sonakshi Sinha, are often spotted wearing breezy, cotton kurtas for their off-duty looks. A summer kurta no matter how plain and casual can instantly make you look elegant and put-together.

So here are some summer kurta-looks to inspire your quarantine style.

#1 Chikan kurta + palazzo pants

The classic hand embroidery technique Chikankari is intricate and light-weight. Summer-friendly and sheer fabrics such as cotton and chiffon are used for Chikankari embroidery. Pick a pastel hue like in this look, and style it with a pair of comfy palazzo pants, to lounge in all day.

#2 Matching summer kurta and pants set

A matching set like this one is sure to brighten up any dull day. The floral, hand block print and the pastels hues on this kurta scream summer! You can also pair your floral printed cotton kurta with ripped jeans, or wear it by itself, like a summer dress!

#3 Go monotone with your summer kurta

Add a splash of sunshine to yourself, with a yellow chanderi kurta. Monotone kurta sets are always a no-fail option. To complete the look, add a pair of chaand baalis and Kolhapuri chappals if you want to go the full way.

#4 Back to the basics

There is nothing more comfortable than slipping into fabrics such as khadi and linen on a hot summer day. Try a short navy linen kurta like this one, which is chic yet comfortable and style it with cotton pants. You can get maximum utility out of these separates by styling them in various ways.

#5 Colour-block your look

Moving away from monotones, if you are feeling festive pick bright hues and clash them together in a colour block look. Similar to this hot pink kurta paired with a pair of green palazzos. You can skip the dupatta when at home, of course.

#6 The white summer kurta

Nothing beats the elegance and simplicity of a white kurta. It looks pristine and fresh and is so versatile. Even our favourite Bollywood actresses, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sara Ali Khan and more love lounging in their white cotton kurtas. A statement dupatta or chunky accessories can help dress up the everyday white kurta.

What style of kurtas do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow @missmalinifashion for all the style updates!