The vibrant festival of Navratri is being celebrated across the country with varying ceremonies and rituals. While some of us are fasting, others are heading to pandal hop in their most shimmery outfits.
If you wish to move away from the traditional mirror work fits but find yourself overwhelmed with planning for this year’s festivities, fret not. We’ve got designers Maheka Mirpuri and Aisha Rao who will help add a contemporary twist and curate Indo-western looks that will blend classic Indian silhouettes with modern Western elements. This Navratri, dress up chic and turn heads with your OOTD.
Five essentials for Navratri
The secret to a versatile wardrobe isn`t having a lot of clothes but having a few key pieces that can be styled in many different ways. Designer Maheka Mirpuri suggests a starter kit of five essential pieces to mix and match:
The jewel-toned kurti
A jewel-toned kurti is the true chameleon of any festive or fusion wardrobe. Shades like crimson, emerald, sapphire, and amethyst bring instant vibrancy once paired with, like with wide-legged brocade trousers, it creates a look of stately grace. Switch to a flowing farshi salwar, and the silhouette takes on effortless movement. While pairing it with denim transforms it into a rebellious Indo-Western twist. This is a piece that easily adapts to mood, occasion, and styling intent.
The mirror-work statement kurta
Every wardrobe needs a piece that feels inherently festive, and a mirror-work kurta fills that role. Embellished with reflective detailing, it radiates joy and light, perfect for celebratory occasions and modern festive dressing.
The neutral lehenga skirt
A lehenga skirt in muted tones like antique gold, ivory, or champagne is endlessly adaptable, ready to anchor a spectrum of styles. Paired with a crisp white shirt, the look feels edgy and unexpected, with a crop top it leans youthful and playful. Layer it with a richly embellished blouse, and it transforms into regal couture. Its simplicity is its strength, providing the foundation for infinite reinvention.
The dramatic jacket or cape
Nothing adds theatre to an outfit like a statement jacket or cape. Whether crafted in embroidered brocade, sheer sequins, or structured silk, such a piece elevates even the simplest base layers. Thrown over a kurti, it becomes formal; layered on denim, it exudes effortless cool. It’s the kind of garment that turns heads without trying too hard. For those who enjoy experimenting, this is a non-negotiable element in the starter kit.
The signature brooch or belt
Accessories are often treated as afterthoughts, but a brooch or belt has the power to completely redefine a silhouette. A jewel-studded brooch can secure a dupatta, accentuate a jacket, or even adorn a handbag. Similarly, a belt-be it metallic, embroidered, or mirror-worked, sculpts the waist and punctuates the outfit with a touch of drama. These small but potent pieces act as the punctuation marks of style, completing the look with regal authority.
Styling one outfit, nine ways
You don`t need a new outfit for every night of Navratri. “Navratri gives you nine nights to experiment with style, and one lehenga can truly go the distance if you get a little inventive,” poses designer Aisha Rao. She shares three simple yet creative ways to style a single lehenga to create fresh looks.
Switch the blouse: Swap out the traditional blouse for a cropped jacket, a crisp shirt, or a sleek tank top to give your lehenga a new feel.
Add a belt: Cinch a kurti or lehenga with a stylish belt to create a new silhouette and highlight your waist.
Repurpose accessories: Use a dupatta draped over a dress to change its look completely.
The best fabrics for dancing all night
“Festive dressing is as much about movement as it is about majesty. The fabrics you choose must not only look radiant under lights but also allow you to dance, mingle, and celebrate without restriction,” explains Mirpuri. Below, she recommends fabrics that are both traditional and breathable:
Cotton-silk and Chanderi
These fabrics strike the perfect balance between breathability and shine. Cotton-Silk and Chanderi carry a subtle festive glow, making them ideal for nights of garba or dandiya where hours of movement demand comfort.
Lightweight brocade
While brocade is often associated with heavy, ceremonial clothing, lighter weaves ensure the richness of texture and pattern is preserved without weighing you down. If you are seeking comfortable grandeur without the burden, opt for lightweight brocade this season.
Organza
Organza has long captured the imagination of cinemagoers with its graceful drapes. The fabric–whether in dupattas, overlays, or capes adds an ethereal layer to any outfit. The guiding principle is the right textile will let you glow all evening without compromising comfort.
Linen-silk hybrids
Offering polish with ease, these blends bring together the breezy comfort of linen with the lustrous appeal of silk, creating fabrics that are perfect for long nights of dancing and celebration.
Innovative accessorising
Accessories are no longer supporting players; they are central to the narrative and can reshape any outfit adding personality. “Traditional jewellery is timeless, but accessorising today is about exploring new directions – bold, sculptural, and sometimes unexpected,” says Mirpuri. She shares
Bejewelled brooches: Elegant brooches are versatile accents that work across outfits. Pin one on a dupatta to redefine its drape, attach it to a jacket for a regal finish, or fasten it onto a handbag for an elevated detail.
Hair jewels and headpieces: Move sparkle to eye level with crystal-studded cuffs woven into braids to jewel-encrusted headbands. These pieces feel regal yet modern, perfect for festive nights.
Sculptural cuffs and gloves: Replace predictable bangles with something bolder. Cuffs in metal, resin, or stone bring architectural drama, while embellished gloves add futuristic flair to classic ensembles.
Indo-western wardrobe essentials for men
While women can style a lehenga multiple ways, men can also accentuate their shiny kurta and Nehru jackets with some creativity. “For men, I’d always suggest investing in timeless, versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways throughout the festive season,” says Rao. She shares her recommendations for a festive men`s wardrobe:
The tailored Bandhgala jacket: This is a true wardrobe hero! The tailored Bandhgala looks refined over a kurta for a traditional appearance, and equally sophisticated when layered with a shirt and trousers for an Indo-Western edge
Pastel kurta: A pastel kurta brings softness and freshness to the palette, making it ideal for daytime celebrations while also pairing beautifully with darker jackets in the evening.
The Nehru jacket: A sharply cut Nehru jacket adds instant polish to even the simplest kurta and can also be worn as a sleek layer over a shirt and chinos.
Well-fitted trousers: The impact of well-fitted clothing cannot be overstated. Pairing the different aforementioned jackets and kurtas with well-fitted trousers can create a clean, contemporary silhouette that feels both festive and modern.
Pro tip: Festivals are the perfect time to experiment with bolder choices. Rao advises using different fabrics and colors to make a men`s outfit stand out. “Experimenting with vibrant hues such as jewel tones, ombré prints, and textured fabrics like organza, raw silk, and dupion silk add instant character. A solid kurta can be elevated by layering it with an embroidered jacket or adding tonal detailing,” she adds.
Men`s accessories: The final touch
Accessories are a powerful and essential way for men to express their individuality and elevate any outfit. “They serve as the final touch, transforming a simple ensemble into a cohesive and personal statement,” suggests Rao. She lists four styling tips to help accessorise this festive season:
Make a statement with a single piece
A carefully chosen brooch pinned to a jacket can add an instant touch of elegance and a regal feel. For a more casual yet impactful flair, a colourful pocket square brings a vibrant pop of personality to a simple kurta or shirt, drawing the eye and showing attention to detail.
Layer with personality
An embroidered stole draped over the shoulder not only adds a layer of warmth but also a layer of sophisticated texture and colour. For those seeking a modern, more bohemian look, a set of layered beaded necklaces can offer a deeply personal and artistic touch.
Refine your look with polished details
Nothing communicates sophistication and confidence quite like a statement watch or distinctive cufflinks. These subtle yet powerful details show a keen attention to craft and finish the look with a sense of quiet luxury.
Step up your style
The right footwear can tie an entire outfit together. Don`t overlook the power of shoes—embroidered juttis or any traditional footwear can completely transform an ensemble, making it feel fresh, unique, and intentional.
