Tops Styling and Maintenance Tips for Kolhapuri Chappal for Women
Kolhapuri chappals are footwear for women and men that embody Indian tradition and culture. These have been around for ages and are still in fashion due to their easy adaptability. The designer Kolhapuri chappals are the best alternative to casual flat shoes and are a great choice to complement your ethnic outfit.
Due to its versatile nature, this kind of footwear can go well with all types of professional, ethnic, and informal outfits, including ethnic, formal, party wear, and casual. We will learn more about these elegant and trendy Kolhapuri chappals and discuss some styling tips to team up your Kolhapuri flats with various costumes.
What are Kolhapuri Chappals?
Kolhapuri chappals, also known as Kolhapuris, are exclusive Indian handcrafted and decorative leather slippers that are tanned locally using natural vegetable dyes. These chappals are braided in stylish and trendy patterns, making them perfect for festive wear. Kolhapuris are a unique style of T-strap, open-toed sandals that look similar to mules with an additional braided design. A Kolhapuri chappal for women may also come in braided leather designs that look elegant and premium.
The origin of Kolhapuris can be dated back to the 12th century, when King Bijjala, the famous southern Mahamandaleshwara of the Kalyani Chalukyas, along with his prime minister, Basavanna, encouraged the production of Kolhapuri chappal to support the local cobblers. And as per the historical record, the first known Kolhapuri chappals were worn as early as the 13th century. However, back then, this category of chappals had different names, such as Kapashi, Kachkadi, Paytaan, Bakkalnali, and Pukri, to represent the village they are made in.
Kolhapuri chappals or juttis are known for their comfortable fits and appealing aesthetics. Surprisingly, these traditional chappals are experiencing exponential growth and rebirth among today’s young generations. The traditional T-straps have now evolved into more stylish and attractive strappy shapes and styles that appeal to the modern generation.
4 Tips to Style Kolhapuri Chappals
Kolhapuri chappals have now become a fashion icon that goes well with all kinds of outfits, be it ethnic wear, western attire, or Indo-western dress. So, if you want the right get-up for that festive occasion or wedding party, here are some must-try fashion tips.
Create a Low-Key Look
While there are no rules for teaming it up with any particular outfit – you can either wear it for upgrading a regular attire or glam up your party or festive wear. Besides, Kolhapuris are also best for keeping a low-key appearance at a festive occasion or the Pooja. To balance your costume well with a good mix of warm or cooler tones, or to create a simplistic look, you can shop for the Kolhapuris of solid and neutral shades of brown, tan, white or beige, and black.
The Perfect Wedding Look
For weddings, women love to dress in elegant, gorgeous, yet sophisticated ethnic garments, including sarees, lehengas, one-piece ethnic dresses, or suits. Slip on a matching or contrasting Kolhapuri chappal for women, and accessorize with jewelry and handbags to complete your traditional look!
For wedding purposes, you can pick an eye-catching pair with stylish embellishments, such as stone embellishments or pompom designs attached to the top strap. It will add vibrancy and elegance to your look, perfect for attending the weddings of your loved ones.
Pair it with Formals
We understand the feeling of wearing tight-fit shoes all day at your workplace. Back home, you may experience pain and soreness. However, if you invest in 1-2 simplistic, neutral-colored Kolhapuri juttis, you can wear them with your formals, such as a light-colored front open shirt and a pair of brown or black trousers, to add sophistication to your look. Also, this will make your feet more breathable, allowing you to feel more relaxed wearing them all day!
Create a Funky Look
On days when you decide to dress in a funky style with vibrant colors and bold outfits, fancy kolhapuri chappal ladies can be the best choice. To add to the cool, groovy appearance, go with a printed top clubbed with denim jeans, and accessorize with boho rings and bracelets to create an Indo-western look. This funky look is great for casual dinner parties with friends.
And to fashion up in a more chic style, you can team up your Kolhapuri chappals with a solid t-shirt and a pair of denim jeans or casual pants. This comfortable yet stylish wear is perfect when you find it hard to choose the day’s fashion ensemble.
Some Usage Instructions to Increase the Longevity of Kolhapuri Chappals
Now that you are more confident with styling your Kolhapuris with your favorite outfits, here are some usage instructions and tips to maintain their vibrancy and functionality for a longer time.
- Avoid keeping your Kolhapuri chappals in an enclosed space for a long time. Moisture is the biggest enemy of most fashion items, including leather bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. Due to prolonged exposure to moisture in enclosed spaces (as the moisture is trapped and unable to escape), the fungus begins to develop on the leather.
Although you can brush it off and continue using your kolhapuri flats, you can avoid this by keeping them in open spaces and using them on a regular basis, rather than once in a while.
- Polish your ethnic chappals once or twice every week to enhance their shine and to maintain their new-like look. If your chappals feel stiff to touch or while wearing, apply oil using cotton to soften the material.
You can apply coconut oil by following this simple method:
1.Firstly, remove any surface dirt that may have accumulated on your juttis, using a soft-bristled brush or soft cotton cloth.
2.Next, take a bowl and pour 2 tbsp. of coconut oil and dip a cotton ball or cloth into the oil.
3.Then, rub it on your Kolhapuris in a gentle motion. Ensure that the sandals are covered in oil properly. Don’t miss out on the sole, as they may appear stiff while wearing, making you feel uncomfortable. The oil acts as a shield against the air’s moisture and maintains the leather’s softness and shine.
4.After coating oil thoroughly on your chappals, wrap them completely in an old newspaper. Keep the Kolhapuris facing opposite directions to each other.
5.Next, secure your chappals by fastening the newspaper with rubber bands. Keep the wrapped juttis inside a cotton bag and store them in a cool, dry place. It will make your beautiful Kolhapuri chappals last longer and maintain their shine for years.
- Kolhapuri chappals may feel tight in your initial days, but they will eventually grow on your foot and take their shape. On regular usage, these chappals tend to expand. However, if they feel too tight, try soaking the pair in tap water for 2–3 seconds and remove them. It will make the leather softer and allow the sandals to take the shape of your feet.
- The best time to use Kolhapuri chappals is during the summer and winter months. Avoid wearing them during the monsoon, as continuous exposure to water may damage the delicate handwork of your Kolhapuri flats.
Final Words
Handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals and juttis are exclusive pieces of art that can not only glam up your look but also enhance the value of your closet! Kolhapuri sandals for ladies and juttis generate a traditional Indian vibe and reflect the country’s rich culture. We have also seen how we can style Kolhapuri chappals intelligently by pairing them up with multiple attires other than ethnic dresses. Also, don’t forget to maintain your beautiful pair to increase its longevity. So, invest in a good pair of classy Kolhapuri chappal for women and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your stylish ensemble!
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