Short Kurtas for Women: The Edit

A short kurta ends around the upper thigh, which makes it the easiest kind of kurta to wear with straight pants or jeans. The eight here are all from Ramola Bachchan's latest shoot. Most are cotton satin with the embroidery placed at the neck and cuffs, so the detail sits where people actually look. They are grouped below by how they are decorated.

Herringbone yoke, in three colours

These three share one design: a herringbone embroidered yoke at a notched round neck, the same embroidery repeated on bell cuffs, and cotton satin with a soft sheen. Only the colour changes, and the colour decides where you wear it.

Magenta is the richest of the three and the one to choose for a celebration or a dinner. Beige pants keep it balanced.

On black, the beige embroidery stands out most sharply. It is smart enough for work and dressy enough for an evening, and the embroidered cuffs mean you can leave out bracelets.

Teal blue sits between the two: calm for an office day, bright enough for a lunch. Silver or oxidised jewellery suits its cooler shade better than gold.

Hand embroidered

These two are also cotton satin, but the embroidery is done by hand and is more pictorial.

The green kurta has white floral appliqué on the front, a V-neck edged in contrast piping, and three-quarter sleeves. White pants and pearl or white earrings echo the flowers.

The cream kurta has a dark vine embroidered along a notched band collar and the flared cuffs. It is the most understated piece here. Wear it with black or dark pants to pick up the thread colour.

Mirrorwork, for the evening

The navy Noor kurta is polyester crepe with a gold embroidered V-neck, mirrorwork at the centre, and bell sleeves finished with a mirror trim. It looks festive without being heavy, so it works for parties and dinners with plain beige or cream pants.

Printed, with crystals

The last two are a lighter fabric, viscose rayon. They are printed rather than embroidered, with Ikat-inspired leaf motifs, a band collar and borders in a contrast colour, and small crystals for sparkle.

Cream with green borders is the freshest of the set, for daytime and summer lunches.

Pink with red borders is the softer one. White pants and flat sandals keep it easy.

All eight are made to order in sizes XS to 8XL, or to your own measurements. For which kurta suits which occasion, from workwear to festive, see our guide to kurtas for every occasion.