The next innovation to salwar kameez after churidar was the short kurta pant. With westernization the salwar kameez adapted to fashion changes in the West in terms of cut, length and hemlines. The kurta did sneak up quite a few inches above the knee. And instead of the salwar, pants were worn, making it ideal for office and formal wear.

The short kurtas came in different styles, some embroidered some plain. The pants came in parallel, capris and bell-bottom styles.

Short kurtas are also called as kurtis.

For the fashion conscious, there are trends to follow every season. from the net dupatta and simple shirt-like lines of the '50s, to the boat-necks and the tight, difficult-to-walk-in kurtas of the '60s. The kurta keeps changing its shape, length and the number of pleats according to the fancies of the fashion world. Though the style always remains the same; the colour and cut changes with every season!

For some time now, the salwar kameez and churidar kurta have co-existed with what can be typically called fusion wear. we have witnessed a resurgence of short kurtas worn with pants.

Heavy embellished embroideries have been replaced with laces, borders and patch work. More focus is being given to the cut, color combinations and silhouette.

Emphasis on femininity is strong and colours like rust, green and all shades of blue are predominant.

One also sees design details like fastenings, buttons, panelling, sequins, tube beads and hand embroidery. the necklines are interesting, the designers do not believe in layering because it just adds bulk to a person's frame.

Short kurta pants are designed keeping the accent always on comfort, wearability and affordability.

Variation of salwar kameez seems to offer limitless design possibilities.