Noor-e-Banaras Brocade Lichi Silk Royal Blue Suit (T+B+D)

Is it ready to wear, or will I need a tailor?

You'll need a tailor. The set is sold as unstitched fabric: a top piece, a bottom piece and a dupatta. Unstitched means you choose the fit and style, a straight kurta for a festive day or something with more flare for an evening, rather than adjusting a ready-made size that may not suit you.

What footwear and bag go with royal blue?

Royal blue pairs well with metallics. Silver or gold juttis, nude block heels or embellished kolhapuris all work. For a bag, a silver potli for the evening or a small embellished clutch for festive days keeps things balanced. Avoid matching blue accessories, which make the outfit look flat; a contrast in tone shows off the brocade better.

Do the kurta and dupatta borders match?

They're related rather than identical. The kurta fabric has cream flower clusters above a paisley-arch band at the hem, while the dupatta carries a wide cream scale-pattern border. Both are woven with zari on the same royal blue, so they sit together without looking repetitive.

How does lichi silk fall once stitched?

Lichi silk is smooth and lustrous and drapes beautifully, so it suits straight and A-line kurtas alike. Keep the cut simple enough to show off the cream flower clusters and the hem band. For a softer, more fluid fall, ask your tailor for a lightweight crepe lining.

Can I hand-wash it at home?

You can, gently, though dry cleaning is preferred to keep the sheen. Use a mild detergent, wash it on its own, rinse without wringing, roll it in a towel to remove water and dry it in the shade. Direct sunlight can dull silk, so avoid drying it outdoors in the sun.