If you’ve only ever worn juttis with Indian wear, then a swift “how to wear juttis” Google check should nudge your inspiration. As someone who once flew to Amritsar with an empty suitcase and returned with 30-odd pairs of juttis, I can confidently say this: nothing catches the eye in an outfit quite like the unexpected pairing of hand-embroidered footwear.
Juttis are quietly versatile, genuinely comfortable and an easy way to make any look feel unmistakably yours. Consider this your “how to wear juttis” guide with pretty much everything, from a blazer to that oversized shirt you stole from a boyfriend. Skip them on days when the rain gods are in full performance mode. Even leather has its limits.
Tailored blazer
This unusual combination was discovered when I ditched heels for a pair of juttis; I have never looked back. It adds an element of your style and works just as well with wide-leg linen as it does with a fitted pair of tailored pants. Stick to the classic brown leather or tone-on-tone pairs for a cleaner line, or try embroidered juttis with an otherwise neutral look.
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Option 2:
Oversized shirt
Oversized shirts are a wardrobe constant, whether they are borrowed, thrifted or just intentionally loose. Think of the ones you wear for your errands whilst holding an overpriced coffee. Wear them tucked in, half-out, or buttoned just enough with cigarette pants, flared trousers or slim jeans, and let the jutti add a desi spin.
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Option 2
Full-circle skirt
Whether it’s in silk, brocade or handloom cotton, it carries volume, movement and flair. Pairing it with a plain tee keeps things grounded. To add a layer of interest, something that doesn’t compete but complements, why not bring in a pair of embellished juttis? They catch the light as you move and hold their own beneath all that fabric. Elegant, but never overdone.
Mini dress
Light and a little rebellious—the kind of dress that feels like summer, even in September. Worn with juttis, it takes on maximalist weight. Opt for deeper tones, or something with mirror-work and unapologetically bright.
Maxi dress
Maxi dresses tend to fall into two camps—romantic or relaxed. Either way, juttis can hold their own. Volume needs anchoring, particularly when the dress is all fabric and movement. A block-printed cotton number, or something pleated and near-monastic, can be the way to go. Let the footwear be the unexpected detail. If the hem swings just above the ankle, choose juttis with texture. Leather, brocade, something hand-dyed.
OG kurta
This is where the jutti began, the cheesy but evergreen Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi combination, but that doesn’t mean the pairing needs to feel obvious. Be it a co-ord set or a traditional kurta-pyjama, there is a pair that works for our beloved Indian silhouette. Work with fun contemporary accessories and sculptured jewellery to reimagine the classic.