10 Vogue-approved workwear kurtas to level up your desi corpcore style

Once dismissed as an office uniform, the workwear kurta is stepping into a smarter, sharper space. With designers refining cuts, prints, and fabrics, it’s no longer a Monday-to-Friday default—it’s a year-round wardrobe anchor. Here’s how to choose the right one.

Solid colours

A solid silk or linen kurta is the most versatile base you can own. Look for clean, uninterrupted lines. Think concealed plackets and side slits cut for movement. In summer, it holds its own with tailored trousers and flat sandals. In cooler months, it layers easily under a blazer or sleeveless jacket. The restraint here is intentional; it is about letting the cut and fabric do the work.

Prints & Patterns

Small-scale geometrics, block prints, micro florals. In grounded tones can shift your look without overwhelming it. Keep the pairing minimal with neutral trousers, a single piece of jewellery, so the kurta remains the focal point. It’s the kind of print you can wear to a client pitch and also a long weekend getaway with the girls.

Knee lengths

A knee-length kurta is the easiest piece to reframe with layers. For over-airconditioned offices, throw on a sharp blazer or a longline jacket; it instantly changes the proportion and adds structure. When winter sets in, switch to fine-knit cardigans or a handloom wool stole. The key is to add warmth without bulk, keeping the lines clean and the movement easy.

Pockets, please

Function doesn’t have to kill form. Choose a workwear kurta with pockets deep enough for your phone or card case because nobody wants to carry a bag to the pantry. Go for lengths that balance well with flats or heels. These details mean you’ll reach for it as instinctively on Monday as you do on Friday.

Detailed sleeves

Sleeves are where you can signal personality without breaking dress codes. Cuffed with light embroidery or a voluminous sleeve for a little bit of movement. Just keep the volume in check; the goal is to suggest intention, not to sweep your sleeve through your 4 p.m. chai.