Top 10 Traditional Indian Fashion Accessories

Author – Kriti Samidi

Being a confluence of diverse cultures, India has absorbed different styles of clothing and fashion from across the world. Indians have a unique advantage with regard to fashion accessories. We do not have to worry about whether our accessories go with our dress or keep up with the current trends in the fashion world. All we have to do is adapt our traditional accessories to go with our attire! And ta da! You will be standing out of the crowd.

Here are some traditional Indian fashion accessories that will make you look unique:

1. Bindis

A striking red dot on the forehead applied with kumkum, a bindi is an epitome of Indian beauty and tradition. Bindis are a quintessential part of Indian women’s wardrobe. They add beauty to a woman’s face. Traditionally worn by married women, bindis are believed to usher in prosperity and welfare. The bindi comes in all varieties, right from the smallest black dot, to the finest intricate gathering of Swarovski crystals, sparkles, matted shades in various hues. Today, a bindi is a fashion statement more than anything else, and it is amazing how the bindi has been adopted by many women in the West!

2. Jhumkas

Jhumkas or balis are earrings that make Indian women stand out of the crowd. They enhance the beauty of women in a way no other earrings can. Any woman can carry them with elegance and style. And the best part is, they can be a regular part of your attire. Pair them with a variety of outfits, like skirts, kurtas and palazzos, draw-string pants and tunic, tee and jeans! They absolutely go with anything!

3. Maang tikka

Maang tikka is worn on the central parting of the hair. Mostly made out of gold, semi-precious stones, pearls and diamonds, it is a long-standing Indian bridal tradition. It completes the traditional Indian look in a second. These days, maang tikkas also show up on runways and at other formal occasions.

4. Dupattas

Dupattas complete the traditional look of an Indian girl. Usually, it is worn around both the shoulders. But in modern days, dupattas are multi-purpose. They are used as scarves, draped around the head or even used to cover the face. They have become a fashion statement, worn like stoles with jeans and kurtis.

5. Bangles

Bangles are the ultimate Indian signature style. They add tradition to any modern look. They are also an essential part of any wedding costume. Made from a huge range of materials like glass, gold, silver, ivory, shell, wood, etc., they are the symbol of feminity. The sound of the bangles is unique and cannot be replaced by any other sound. You don’t have to wear traditional clothes to wear bangles; they can be worn with any attire!

6. Jholas

Traditional Rajasthani jholas are cloth bags that you can carry around with ease. While the whole world is now trying to reduce the usage of plastic bags by using cloth bags, Indians have used these jholas for ages. They come in different colours and will give you a perfect look accompanied by any traditional attire. They can also be worn with skirts and jeans which is an added advantage. These jholas add colour to your personality and they will make you stand out of the crowd!

7. Anklets

Worn by Indians for centuries, anklets are light-weight accessories which adorn your ankle. The sound they make when you walk will make you want to dance! They can be worn with sarees and kurtas. In recent times, they have become a style statement. They can be worn on one ankle for a modern look. Anklets go with any look and you can walk around gracefully knowing that these anklets will make your legs look beautiful.

8. Waist chains/ Kamar patta

Traditionally worn with sarees in India, kamar pattas add beauty to your waist. It is worn during festive occasions. It is also a quintessential part of an Indian bride’s wardrobe. No bride’s look is complete without a waist chain. In modern world, it can also be also worn with jeans and skirts.

9. Toe rings / Bichiya

Toe rings are the best accessories for your toes. In India, they are usually worn by married women as it is a symbol of marriage. But toe rings have become a fashion statement and can be worn by any women with perfect grace. They add style to your personality and adorn your toes like no other ornament!

10. Jootis

Ethnic hand-made shoes/chappals and hand-embroidered ballet flats are called jootis. They add colour to any attire. Worn with traditional clothes, these jootis have now become very common and worn by almost everyone. They are very comfortable and easy to walk around. If you are a shoe-lover, jootis need to go into your wardrobe to adorn your feet.

11. Nose-rings

Another jewellery worn by an Indian woman is a nose-ring. Apart from creating a traditional look, nose-rings add beauty and charm to a woman’s face. Nose- rings have become pretty common too. They can now go with any attire — jeans and kurtis, skirts and tops, jeans and tees!

Image sources –
Bindhi Jhumkas Maang Tikka Duppatta Bangles Jholas Anklets Waist chains Toe rings Jootis Nose Rings