Chappals, Kurtas and Confidence: Redefining Casual Fashion in Nepal

Entertainment
The Buzz Nepal
April 20 , 2025

A quiet fashion revolution is underway in the winding alleys of Patan and the buzzing streets of Thamel. one that is rooted in tradition and stitched with pride. Forget fast fashion and the pressure to keep up with Instagram influencers. In Nepal, casual fashion is being redefined by something far more authentic: chappals, kurtas, and a solid dose of confidence.

The Rise of the Everyday Kurta

The kurta which was once reserved for festivals, weddings or visits to the temple has stepped out of its ceremonial box into the everyday wardrobe. Nepali youth, creatives, and professionals alike are increasingly pairing kurtas with jeans, joggers or even shorts creating a look that’s as stylish as it is rooted in culture.
It is no longer unusual to see someone walking into a coffee shop in Lazimpat or a gallery opening in Jhamsikhel in a breezy cotton kurta looking effortlessly chic. Whether plain white, hand-embroidered, or tie-dyed in bold hues, kurtas are speaking a new language.

Chappals: More Than Footwear

Comfortable, easygoing, and practical for everything from dodging puddles in the monsoon to standing in line at the momo stall, chappals carry a cultural weight. They’re the ultimate symbol of laid-back confidence. Slide into a pair of chappals and you’ll understand why they’re the unsung heroes of Nepali fashion.
Chappals are having their moment with different designs from the classic leather pair to modern designs influenced by streetwear aesthetics. Whether paired with a kurta or a simple T-shirt and jeans, they create a look that’s unfussy but unmistakably intentional.

Confidence Is the New Drip

What truly ties the kurta-chappal combo together isn’t fabric or design, it’s attitude. There’s something undeniably powerful about choosing comfort without compromising self-expression. It says, “I know who I am.” That confidence is what makes the look so magnetic.
Choosing to wear a kurta and chappals isn’t just a fashion decision in a world obsessed with trends, it’s a cultural statement. It is about owning your roots, showing pride in local identity and walking tall in something that’s entirely yours.

Fashion That’s Sustainable and Local

There’s a bonus to this style evolution, it’s eco-conscious. Many kurtas are made locally, often from natural fabrics. Chappals, too, are frequently produced by small Nepali brands or traditional cobblers. Supporting this wave of fashion means supporting artisans, small businesses and a sustainable approach to clothing.

So the next time you’re thinking about what to wear, consider the kurta and chappal combo. Whether you’re heading to a friend’s place, a rooftop party or just running errands around town, this simple pairing might just be the most radical fashion choice you can make.
Because in Nepal right now casual doesn’t mean careless, it means confident.