Shine “Brighter Than Ever” with H&M

With the addition of masks and fewer than usual Diwali parties dotting social calendars, are you also of the thought that dressing up for the festive season is moot this year? Well, you couldn't be more wrong. Because after all, what is Diwali without the shimmer of your ensemble and the clacking of your heels. So, to bring the spotlight back on you and to help you shine "Brighter Than Ever", H&M is back with its festive edit. 

The year that's gone by hasn’t been a traditionally normal one, so why should your clothes be? Swap your ethnic shararas with flared sequinned trousers and your OTT chandbalis with rhinestone danglers, from H&M’s latest collection. Ditch the juttis and over-complicated nine-yard drapes for glittery mules and shimmery dresses. This Diwali, let’s be unconventional; let’s make crop tops and jumpsuits the new festive normal. 

To help you choose the best piece to replace or even add on to your traditional wardrobe, the editors of Vogue share their favourite picks from the Brighter Than Ever collection. Here's how to wear it, style it, and shine bright in it.

Naheed Driver, fashion stylist

“I would definitely choose a pair of crystal shoulder dusters from the new H&M festive collection. Because nothing screams festive time more than a little bling. This pair beauties do the job just right.” 

Rishna Shah, watch editor

“Even though temperatures are dropping for Diwali in New York, everyone still prefers to entertain outdoors due to covid. I would layer up my sparkles with glittery separates - I’m eyeing the wide leg pants with a matching crop top, so it’s easy on the eyes, and easy to run behind my two high energy kids. As for New York’s fall weather - I’ll add a cozy overcoat on top.” 

Archana Thani, managing editorial associate

“I like to keep things really simple so these pants are great, they're simple yet can be dressed up or down. I'd probably pair this with a plain top and play around with my accessories like these earrings to lift the look up.”

Priyanka Kapadia, fashion director

“I love the ivory co-ord set. I would load up the jewels for a night out. To add that festive touch, I would throw in some polki and gold jewels from Anu Merton and Ritika Sachdev. Statement earrings and a wrist stack is all you need. Add embellished heels or if you rather be comfy, swap them with velvet mules.”

Akanksha Kamath, senior fashion features editor 

“I'm a traditionalist in many ways, so I would love to stick with a sari for Diwali. However, I would bring a modern edge to the look with this beige top as my blouse with a gold and white sari. To finish off, I would swap a traditional potli for this super cute bucket bag that's ornate enough for Diwali.”

Also read:

The Sabyasachi X H&M collection is all set to reach stores—here’s what to expect

Exclusive: Sabyasachi Mukherjee x H&M is the designer collaboration you need to watch out for this year

Diwali 2021: The best printed lehengas, saris and shararas to add to your festive wardrobe