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

Does it come stitched?

No. The set comes as unstitched fabric in three pieces: a top, or kurta, piece of 2.5 to 3.0 metres, a bottom piece of 2.4 to 2.5 metres and a dupatta of 2.4 to 2.5 metres. That lets your tailor cut it to your measurements, with the neckline, sleeve and length you prefer.

Will yellow suit my skin tone?

Yellow suits a wide range of Indian skin tones, and the sheen of lichi silk helps it glow on wheatish and dusky skin. If you're very fair and worry it may wash you out, bring a deeper lip colour and darker jewellery near the face. Gold and kundan are the classic match; green or maroon accents in a potli or juttis add a traditional touch.

How do I balance a quiet kurta with such an ornate dupatta?

Let the dupatta do the talking. Keep the kurta's neckline simple, a round or V neck with thin gold piping, and skip a heavy necklace. Drape the dupatta so the pallu falls over one shoulder or across the front; that shows the pink and green floral end panel instead of hiding it at the back.

Is the pattern woven in or printed?

Woven in. Brocade weaving builds the decorative pattern into the cloth on the loom, often with metallic threads, so the motifs are part of the fabric rather than printed on top. Brocade creates raised motifs, and here the wide pale-gold zari border on the dupatta shows the weave clearly.

Is the bottom fabric enough for palazzos?

The bottom piece is 2.4 to 2.5 metres. That usually covers straight pants or a slim palazzo for most sizes, but a very wide, flowing palazzo can need more. Check with your tailor against your measurements before settling on a very full style.