Your quick, handy guide to the “dos and don’ts” of festive fashion for this year’s Diwali card parties.
The best time of the year is here! Diwali season is upon us, and celebrations have already begun in full swing — while the days are meant to be spent performing puja rituals and indulging in festivities, nights are meant for numerous card parties. This leg of the season also brings along the time to stack up your sartorial calendar with festive shopping sprees!
Speaking of festive fashion might take our minds instantly to lustrous heritage silk sarees, elegant anarkalis, and twirl-worthy lehengas. But if you are gearing up for pre-Diwali celebrations, remember that the norms of ethnic fashion have changed. From adding modern silhouettes in traditional designs, to switching dupattas with capes and veils, the new era of festive wear is here to jazz up your Diwali card nights. Here are a few styling tips that will help you nail the look!
Traditional with a twist
Add a bit of a festive flair to your staple ethnic wear this time. Wearing a chic lehenga? Loose the dupatta to give it an unexpected twist on your classic look. Add a long, open-sleeved cape to it, or fix up your cropped choli with a long, flowing veil. Going for a saree? Style it with a statement belt and cropped jacket to complete the look. In fact, statement jackets were a runway hit at FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week 2022 – October, thanks to the designers like Paras & Shalini, Somya Goyal, and Aseem Kapoor. Or you can skip playing safe and opt for unconventional twists like an uber cool peplum sharara, backless angarakha, an embellished corset top with dhoti pants. If you are still hooked on a classic anarkali, replace extended sleeves with spaghetti straps to have the perfect breezy silhouette.
Play with frills and prints
Ruffles and frills add just the right amount of oomph to your latest fashion ensemble. While a floral saree with ruffled ends is a no-brainer, you can stand apart with a high-neck frilled blouse or a off-shoulder blouse with frills. It is also a good time to pick an organza saree with embellished borders. Playful prints like big, bold florals and monochromatic stripes on sarees and lehengas are back in the game too.
Comfort is key
Alternatively, you can pick a comfortable, fuss-free option and still embrace the festive vibe. Get yourself into a cozy kaftan dress with bold, funky prints. A pre-stitched saree makes sure you whirl around freely minus any care in the world. Want to play the boss lady? Get dolled up in a jumpsuit with front cut-out! A zardozi-embroidered skirt with front-knotted satin shirt is guaranteed to turn heads without you having to invent too much time and effort.
Bling on!
Jewellery can make or break your sartorial charm at the card parties! Don’t be afraid to play with statement pieces this time. Modern heirlooms like a fun pastel polki neckpiece or a timeless set solid in gold made of temple jewellery are the perfect way to complete your traditional look this year. Pearls are back in vogue, and so are floral motifs, and chunky chokers. If you wish to give neckpiece a skip, pick chaand balis, throw in a matching mangtika and a textured or embellished cuff, and you’re ready to bedazzle.
Tailored silhouettes and marble prints for men
At Lakme Fashion Week 2022 – October, Rajesh Pratap Singh — the paragon of intelligent, evolving fashion specifically for Indian men — presented his collection for the grand finale. Ranging from a monochromatic palette to pastels, the collection made an unforgettable statement with its impeccable tailoring and structured silhouettes, and that’s the takeaway for Diwali card-night fashion for men this year! Marble print on shirt jackets, coordinated sets, shirts with quirky graphics, cropped jackets, and fitted trousers are great options if you wish to ditch the desi look.
But then, nothing can beat pulling off a sharp, clean ethnic ensemble during Indian festivals. Ace designer Tarun Tahiliani‘s latest festive collection, Painterly Dreams, is all about his signature hand-embroidered bandgalas and sherwanis done in chikankari, zari, or velvet. You can create the perfect party look by pairing either with a silk kurta and fitted trousers.
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Fellow mad shoppers, take note! Here are the best local markets for your Diwali shopping