Hi! I'm MDG.
I am an American woman in love with an Indian man. I am moving to India July 25th, 2010, and will be sharing my experiences with you!
Please don't hesitate to comment or contact me directly. I love both! 
i live in bombay n we pay around 1000$ for much worse...
Indian Cultural Night – What to Wear!?
Tonight the Indian International Student Association at our college is holding an Indian Cultural Night. There’s going to be dancing, music, performances, authentic Indian food, and an apprehensive white girl in a salwar kameez. I imagined myself wearing a simple kurta and jeans. It wouldn’t be too out of my comfort zone. But to my dismay, MIM had something else in mind. “Wear the salwar kameez!”
Oh God.
Wearing the salwar kameez for a quick photo is one thing. But actually going to an event in it, well, I’m already feeling the nerves. Ok so, it IS an Indian event and it’s not like I’ll be the only person wearing one, but still, this will be the first time I show up in public in something completely foreign to me – and a little itchy! And the sash around my shoulders? I’ve already had nightmares of continually putting it back in place or else stepping all over it, or maybe losing it all together. And the M.C. Hammer pants will take some getting used to.
First things first, the entire outfit still has suitcase creases in it. So taking the advice of a reader, I’m turning it inside out to iron it and praying I don’t ruin the entire thing – or maybe that’s exactly what I should do? No!…it’s beautiful and MIM’s mom picked it out herself. And just as MIM told me, “Why’d I buy it if you weren’t going to wear it out?” Hmm…I don’t know. I just thought it would brighten up my closet…
Here’s to new experiences!
P.S. It’s cold where I’m from these days, but I can’t think of anything that would go better with the salwar kameez than open toed sandals. Any suggestions?
take a hot steamy shower and hang it in there, the steam should get those wrinkles right out!
I wonder how many Indians would show up in complete head to toe Indian outfits. I say if you aren’t comfortable wearing it, then don’t! How will you have good time if you keep thinking about your clothes? Also, I usually leave my duppatta (sash) alone while dancing. Have fun!
Thanks girls!
Jubeee, I’m about to get in the shower and give your suggestion a go!
Sandhya, I’m expecting since it is Indian Cultural night and since there’s going to be performances that there may be quite a few Indians dressed head to toe. I would definitely rather wear the kurta and jeans, but I see how excited MIM is about the salwar that I don’t want to disappoint him. Thanks for the duppatta suggestion, I will definitely take your advice and leave it when I go to dance!
Hey the Salwar is no different than lose drawstring pants. Relax. Wear them. You’d look gorgeous. And no one cares what you wear on your feet. People don’t keep looking at each other’s feet. You just have first timers apprehensions.
Also try ironing the kameez with another sheet on it. The iron would work through the sheet.
If it’s cold, wear a warmer underneath it.
Relax yourself, and have fun. In the end, what people think of your dress does NOT matter. It’s the emotional quotient of the gifter that matters. And no one except you and your guy knows how much emotional value it has.
Relax and have fun!
And just so you know, women in India DO wear warm socks or close footwear in winters. Be comfortable. And have fun.
I hope that you had fun Once you wear the outfit you will love it they are so comfy and besides who cares what other people think as long as you like it besides different is good. Hope you had gret time
Thanks for all your advice Ramit! It went off without a hitch!
And you’re right, no one really notices one another’s shoes…but boy do we all act like we do!
So what DID you finally wear for footwear?
Came here from ‘The Gori Wife Life’.
And you could have a look at: http://indiashoes.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/shoes-for-salwar-kameez-shalwar-kameez/
a post I wrote for shoes that can go with a Salwar Kameez
I wore brownish sandals with a small heel. Thanks for the website and helpful info!