That Red Chikankari Kurta I Just Can’t Let Go Of!

 

I’m not exactly what you’d call a keeper. I love to declutter, upgrade, and experiment, especially with my wardrobe. Being a plus-size woman, people often find it perplexing that I’m bold enough to mix, match, and push fashion boundaries. But here’s the thing: if I’m comfortable and feel beautiful, why wouldn’t I? Fashion, to me, is a celebration, not a limitation. That said, there’s one exception to my constant wardrobe refresh—an old, red Indian Chikankari Anarkali kurta and dupatta.

Let me take you back to the day I first saw it. It was for a close friend’s wedding, and shopping for the perfect outfit had become an adventure of its own. My brother and his friend had accompanied me to Camp, Pune’s Clover Center to be precise, and after hours of hopping from one shop to another, exhaustion had hit Bhaiya hard. But just when we were ready to call it a day, I walked into this charming, slightly chaotic shop.

I spotted the kurta first, hanging amidst a sea of vibrant options. It came in black—classic, safe, and beautiful. But my brother’s sharp eye landed on the red one. Not your typical loud red, mind you, but a rich, deep maroonish hue that seemed to whisper sophistication. “let's buy this one” he said. Trusting his instinct, I bought it in size ‘L,’ paired it with box heels and golden jewelry, and voila! The wedding day magic happened. Compliments poured in, and I felt like a regal beauty

Since then, that kurta has been my go-to for countless occasions. It’s been 5-6 years now, and while I’ve moved from ‘L’ to ‘XL’ over time, it still fits like a glove. That’s not to say it’s in pristine condition—it bears the scars of scented candle burns, its dupatta has faded into a softer shade, and it even got a tear at the bottom after getting caught in a chair during a function. Yet, I’ve restitched and reimagined it, and every time I wear it, I’m met with compliments. My friends have practically begged me to let it go, but there’s something about this kurta I just can’t part with.

Why am I so attached to this one piece of clothing? Is it because Bhaiya’s choice turned out to be spot-on? Or is it the comfort of knowing it still fits me, a subtle reassurance amidst all the changes my body has undergone over the years? Maybe it’s the compliments, the way people’s eyes light up when I walk into a room wearing it. Perhaps it’s all of these reasons intertwined, creating a bond that goes beyond fabric and thread.

Whatever it is, this kurta makes me feel radiant—like a version of myself I never want to lose. So, until it’s truly unwearable, I’ll keep draping myself in its crimson charm, celebrating every compliment it earns, and cherishing the memories it carries.

And you know what? Sometimes, it’s okay to hold on to a little piece of the past, especially when it’s stitched with so much joy. After all, isn’t fashion just another way to tell your story?

So, what’s your version of the red kurta? That one item you just can’t let go of? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it!