Festive dressing: A focus on comfort and versatility this Diwali

With the festival of lights right around the corner, six fashion mavens share how a focus on comfort and versatility has altered their approach to festive dressing

Mix and match 

We’ve found that buyers are becoming much more mindful of their purchases, with many favouring classic pieces that can be re-worn multiple times rather than for one-off occasions. Personally, we also advocate shopping within your own closet to create new looks with pieces you already own. For this look, we’ve styled two sarees into a lehenga-like ensemble. Bright pops of colour and some subtle shine reflect the celebratory mood. 

Taniya Biswas, co-founder, Suta 

Best of both worlds 

There’s a marked move away from strictly traditional pieces towards Indian fabrics that incorporate Western silhouettes, in menswear. So, we see a lot of cropped jackets and bundees that feature zippers. Calf-length kurtas are firmly on their way out, with shorter lengths preferred by fashion-lovers. While prints have been in for nearly two years now, this year, it’s all about combining and contrasting prints intelligently, to create a look that stands out. 

Sanjana Bubber, fashion designer

Versatile style 

This year we’ve focused a lot on tone-on-tone pieces, which can be reused and multi-purposed to create a variety of looks. We’re also using a lot of micro motifs, because pieces featuring these are easily repeatable. What’s interesting is that people have started looking for pieces that look better up close and personal, for more intimate functions. 

Kunal Rawal, fashion designer 

Reinventing classics 

We’ve been exploring how to reinvent traditional weaves, to revive interest in Indian handlooms. With a marked focus on lighter, breathable pieces, we’re exploring weaving without weft. It is a difficult technique and is usually done on real zari weaves. What makes these sarees stand out is that the weaving itself on the body forms the structure of the saree. 

Amrit Shah, Shanti Banaras 

Comfort first 

Tulip pants, which are quite similar to dhoti pants but with less volume, are great for the festive season. They can be paired with any style of tunic, short, mid-length or asymmetrical, and are very flattering on nearly all body types. They look glamorous and sexy without compromising on comfort, are fuss-free (no drawstrings or zippers) and my go-to for card parties and Diwali dinners. 

Dollie Solanki, fashion blogger, The Bombay Brunette 

Statement accessories 

With the ability to spend more time in-person with their loved ones, people are veering towards more dramatic festive trends. In terms of accessories, there is a heightened interest in glitter and detailed embroidery. This piece, for instance, is inspired by the Kashmiri tilla work, and uses velvet in rich and deep hues to add drama. 

Aprajita Toor, luxury footwear designer  

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