A brief glance at the history of any wardrobe essential will reveal the long list of makeovers it has had over the years, and the kurta is no exception. For quite some time now, the country’s designers have worked hard towards ensuring that traditional wear staple is more suited to modern day needs. Today, in its latest avatar, the kurta forgoes heavy embroidery for playful prints, and embraces discreet yet impactful detailing such as subtle pleats and smocking. Additionally, the iterations that are gaining popularity cater to our growing appetite for multitasking separates. Upon closer examination, you’ll learn that many kurtas can easily be converted into cover-ups or breezy day dresses. Ahead, for those who need traditional wear that isn’t confined to weddings or festive occasions, we’ve scoured the collections of homegrown labels and rounded up 9 cool kurtas that can be worn for work, play and anything in between. Scroll and shop.