Women's Wear

Sari

Pieces: (1) Short Blouse, (2) Petticoat/ underskirt, (3) Sari Fabric
Alternate names: Sari, Saree
Background: The most traditional Indian dress for women.

You will see this outfit worn by married women and the mature crowd. It is also a favorite for more traditional/ religious settings. The petticoat is never seen, the blouse is also mostly covered by the sari fabric. The blouse is always short and baring the midriff, however it is possible to cover up the midriff by a few clever draping techniques. It is essential that the blouse piece be custom fitted. In this outfit it is the sari itself that is the most visible and it is draped around the lower and the upper body. The sari fabric is 'one size fits all' so it is easy to share and to re-wear. There are 1-2 styles that saris are most often draped.

If you have not worn one before, it can be a little less comfortable than the other options, however if it is well draped you will be fine. Nowadays you can have saris that have the pleats sewn in which make draping easier. There are also many different styles, colors, patterns, and ways to drape it on the body.

For a quick version of how to drape a sari, take a look at this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftq9_kEHDmo
*and like most 'how to' videos, it looks easier in the video than it is to do in real life, experienced hands are a critical part of making this outfit look good

Lengha

Pieces: (1) Blouse, (2) Skirt, (3) Scarf
Alternate names: Lengha, Lehenga, Ghagra, Choli, Chaniya Choli, Sharara, (and various spellings)

You will see this outfit worn by younger women. It is easier to dance in and doesn't require as much skill to put on. There are different styles that allow for the blouse to be short (baring the midriff) or long (to the waist or longer). Skirts can be a variety of cuts, A line, mermaid, circular. The scarf can be draped in a variety of ways, although you will see the majority draped in the same way.

Salwar Suit

Pieces: (1) Top, (2) Pants, (3) Scarf
Alternate names: Salwar Kameez, Salwar Suit, Anarkali Dress, Punjabi Dress, Kurthi, Kurtha (and various spellings)

This is often for less formal events and is worn by women of all ages. It is easy to wear, looks good, and is still traditional. The top can be short (mid thigh) to long (ankle length) with a variety of cuts. Some are straight (as seen here), they can also be anarkali which means they flare out from the natural waist. Pants also have a variety of styles, from legging type, to cotton, to Patiyala/  'MC Hammer' pants. The scarf is often worn on one shoulder or around the neck (like reins on a horse).

Men's Wear

Sherwani

Pieces: (1) Top, (2) Pants, (3) Scarf
Alternative names: Sherwani, Sharvani (and various spellings)
Background: Most formal traditional dress for men

The top is almost like a jacket with buttons down the entire front. It will be a thicker, heavier, and often embroidered material. It will have matching pants. Pants can be a variety of styles, from the tight style shown here (churidar) to dhoti style (fabric wrap style), and many others.

And often for the groom or other VIPs you will opt for matching custom shoes and turban. It is often also paired with a matching scarf to add a more regal feel.

Kurtha Pyjama

Pieces: (1) Top, (2) Pants
Alternative names: Kurta, Kurtha, Pajama, Pyjama, Jabo Lango, Jhabo Lango (and various spellings)

This is traditional Indian dress for men. Often with buttons at the chest only. It can be worn with generic or matching pants. Adding a scarf is optional and would give this a more formal look.

Additions to this look can be vests, jackets, (think Nehru, and Modi), various types of pants.