The Festival of Lights is here and that means it’s also time to shop for the season’s latest collections to look your festive best this Diwali. And if you’re looking for inspiration or direction, all you’ve got to do is listen to the advice offered by the fashion fraternity.
According to Sanhita Dasgupta, fashion stylist at Myntra, “This Diwali, Indian wear options are aplenty for both men and women. Women can try anarkalis with cape dupattas, a style that’s having a major fashion moment right now. Flared kurtas earn the second place for their instant drama. Don’t forget ethnic maxi skirts, which can be teamed with edgy crop-tops. As for accessories, statement nose pins and oversized chandbalis are what you should look for.”
Diwali is the perfect excuse to indulge in the most vibrant hues, traditional motifs, and luxurious fabrics. “Lotus motifs, paisley prints, and bright colours including fuchsia, orange, and turquoise blue are great options,” suggests Kamakshi Kaul, Vice President-Design, Max Fashion.
Fusion fashion is big especially when Indian festivals make an appearance. “Women can team ethnic kurtas with chic culottes or palazzos, instead of patiyalas. Maxi dresses with Indie prints are totally in this season. One can notch it up with brogues and a statement necklace,” Sanhita says.
Kamakshi adds, “Indo-Western dresses are in vogue this year. Fusion wear effectively combines the comfort of Western wear with the traditional familiarity of Indian wear, making it suitable for everybody.”
Jump to it
She explains, “The jumpsuit is such a versatile piece of clothing and wearing it as a suit could be one of the most innovative ways to style it. Find a matching dupatta, and add some jewellery to work that look. For a sun downer, you could wear something shimmery that works well for the night. Go for a metallic top with a statement pleated skirt/cropped pants/ midi skirt/mini skirt. Kurta dresses are trendy, be it a simple, long kurta worn as a maxi dress or just an elaborate, embellished anarkali-style kurta that looks fab sans the churidaar,” she says.
“Alternatively, short western gowns embellished with Indian motifs, embroidered patterns, etc. can be worn for more of a western look. A new trend that is catching up is wearing the cold shoulder style for an ethnic vibe. Crop top blouses can be worn with lehengas and palazzos. Capes are big in Indian wear this season.”
Festivals and jewellery pretty much go hand in hand. And Venkatesh S, lead designer, BlueStone.com observes that “minimalism is the key trend this Diwali. Keep it modern with simple accessories or just one statement piece.”
“Younger women prefer straight linear jewellery with geometric angles and simple lines. Keeping this is mind, accessories should be basic and are meant to complement the outfit without becoming the centre of attention,” he says.
Coming to festive fashion for men, Sanhita finds, “Dhotis are a rage right now. Men can pair it with anything from short kurtas, to long, embellished sherwanis. Solid silk kurtas with slim-fit pyjamas can be another option. Add a Nehru jacket, and you are good to go. For a slick and sophisticated fusion look, men can always add a Nehru jacket over a linen shirt. Jeans and long kurtas are always a hit and, you can always trust mojaris to add that Indie touch.”