Long Anarkali
1. Traditional
The long, voluminous, full-sleeved, ankle-length Anarkali is purely traditional. It is worn with fitted churidaars and an equally long dupatta.
2. Body types
Fashion designer Bhumika Shodhan says: "If you are tall and slim both the long and short Anarkalis will look good on you. For those on the heavier side, long Anarkalis in monotone color give a slimming effect. Pick an Anarkali that falls an inch below your knee."
3. Hemlines and embellishments
You might have noticed a lot of celebs wearing the long Anarkalis with a thick hemline in brocade or velvet. This seems to be quite a trend because it accentuates the entire look.
4. What's the occasion
You might want to skip a floor-sweeping Anarkali at work but would love to flaunt it at a wedding. The long Anarkali is perfect as traditional wear. Don't forget the dupatta.
Short Anarkali
1. Contemporary
The short Anarkali kurtas and tunics are a contemporary twist. You can opt to wear them with or without a dupatta and experiment with the neckline and sleeves.
2. Body types
Shodhan suggests: "If you are short, wear an Anarkali that is knee length. Don't go shorter than that, it'll break your height. To give an illusion of height you can also have kalis starting from the shoulder and without a yoke."
3. Hemlines and embellishments
The thick hem will not work for the short Anarkali because it will look disproportionate. A slim or a beaded hemline is more suited along with an embellished yoke.
4. What's the occasion
The shorter Anarkali is a safe bet for work or a wedding depending on the embellishments, cut, color and fabric. You can also experiment with dupattas and churidaars unlike the long Anarkalis.