13 Pieces To Make Getting Dressed For The Festivities More Interesting

I think the hardest part of Diwali dressing is deciding what counts as festive enough. There’s always the familiar lehenga, the silk kurta you’ve worn to three other occasions and that one outfit you’ve been saving for a special evening. But with so many celebrations packed into a few days, there’s also a case for doing things a little differently. Personally, I’d much rather find an interesting jacket, a great skirt or a saree in a colour I don’t usually wear than buy another outfit that will probably spend the rest of the year sitting in my wardrobe. This year’s Diwali edit is a mix of all of that. There are pieces for the traditionalists, options for those who like their Indian wear with a contemporary update, and a few outfits that make a good case for skipping the usual festive uniform altogether.

The jacket that does all the work: Anavila

The easiest way to make an outfit interesting? Start with a good jacket. Anavila’s Palakai Jacket is the sort of piece to build an entire look around, especially if you’re in the mood to wear something other than a conventional kurta set. Pair it with a simple black or ivory base and let the jacket take centre stage. The handwoven silk, colour-blocking and embroidery give it plenty to work with, without requiring an elaborate outfit underneath.

For light yet intricate Indian wear: EKA

There’s always that one Diwali plan where you want to look dressed up but a full traditional ensemble feels like too much. EKA’s Alessio Dress makes sense for exactly that occasion. Its relaxed silhouette and hand-block printed details give it an easy appeal, while the silk tissue fabric adds the festive touch. Wear this one for a lunch or a more casual get-together, with statement earrings and a pair of interesting flats.

A little embroidery goes a long way: Laromani

For men who want to dress up without going all the way into sherwani territory, Laromani’s navy blue embroidered open-front jacket set is a good alternative. I like the idea of keeping the rest of the look relatively simple and letting the jacket do the talking. The shawl-collar shirt and embroidered layer make it appropriate for an evening celebration, without looking like you’ve dressed for a wedding reception.

White and Gold always work: Saanjh Sitaara

Diwali is a good excuse to bring out the Gold and pair it with white. Saanjh Sitaara’s Mogra Martini saree caught my eye for its festive wardrobe possibilities. This is the sort of edit to look through when you’re bored of seeing the same predictable festive colours everywhere. There’s something to be said for finding a piece that feels a little different from what everyone else might be wearing to the same gathering.

Trading the kurta for a blazer: CORD

I’m always in favour of a good blazer, and CORD’s Marshel Blazer Set makes a convincing argument for wearing one to a Diwali gathering. The striped rose set has a relaxed, slightly unconventional quality that makes it interesting without trying too hard. Make it the usual formal styling with pleated pants and shoes, or experiment and pair it with a well-draped lungi. Men, also do not forget to accessorise it a little! 

The statement skirt: 431-88

A great skirt can take you through several occasions, which is why I like the idea of investing in one for the festive season. 431-88’s Shea Skirt is a piece inclined to be styled in multiple ways. Pair it with a fitted blouse for a more traditional evening look, or go in the opposite direction with a simple shirt or structured top. The embroidered finish gives it enough occasionwear appeal, while the separate format means you’re not committing to a complete outfit; you’ll have to figure out how to wear it again.

A print worth looking at: Siddhartha Bansal

The Siyah Regal Pintuck Kurta by Siddhartha Bansal is anything but your usual solid-coloured festive kurta. Set against a deep plum base, the multicoloured print brings together floral and ornamental motifs in shades of teal, rust, pink and purple. The pintuck neckline is highlighted with hand-bead detailing, while the sleeve cuffs feature machine embroidery and velvet cutwork lace. Finished with delicate tassels at the hem, the kurta comes paired with printed trousers in a matching design. It’s a good pick for anyone who enjoys a little colour and print in their festive wardrobe.

The saree you can wear all day: Nicobar

I’m always drawn to sarees that move away from the usual festive colour palette, and Nicobar’s Sunset Sari does exactly that. Set against a chartreuse base, the cotton-silk drape features scattered gold foil roses and a zari stripe along the border. There’s also a little white daisy charm at the end of its tassel, which makes for a rather lovely finishing detail. The accompanying pink checked blouse adds another colour to the mix, and I’d keep it just as the brand suggests, with the pallu left loose. It’s a lovely option for a Diwali lunch or an afternoon spent visiting family

A kurta with a little personality: Divyam Mehta

For men who like their festive wear to have a bit of character, Divyam Mehta’s Kavi Kurta Set is worth a look. The graphic stripe prints give the black raw silk kurta an interesting finish, while the detachable stole lets you change the look depending on where you’re headed. Wear it with the stole for a more dressed-up occasion and leave it out for a slightly more relaxed gathering.

The statement shirt: Vivek Karunakaran

Not every Diwali outfit needs to begin with a kurta. Vivek Karunakaran’s teal zari checkered overlay shirt is a good option for someone who prefers shirts to traditional Indian silhouettes but still wants a festive detail in the mix. The teal shade is a welcome change from the usual black-and-white menswear rotation, and I’d keep the rest of the outfit simple with tailored trousers and loafers.

When the occasion calls for a little drama: Studio22

There are Diwali parties where a simple kurta simply won’t cut it. Studio22’s Celestial Encore is for those evenings. The pink organza ensemble, with its embellished halter neckline and flared trousers, leans into occasionwear without taking the conventional lehenga route. Keep the jewellery fairly minimal here and let the outfit have its moment. 

The unexpected layer: Ridhi Mehra

I like pieces that give an existing wardrobe a second life, and Ridhi Mehra’s Maverick Gilet is one such addition. Instead of buying an entirely new festive outfit, wear this over a simple shirt-and-trouser combination or layer it over a fitted top and skirt. The embroidered organza gives it the occasionwear element, while the gilet silhouette keeps things interesting. It’s also a good option for anyone who likes putting together an outfit instead of buying a complete set.

The denim effect: Canali

Festive dressing and denim aren’t two things you would usually put together, which is exactly why Canali’s Denim-Effect Woollen Nawab Suit caught my attention. It takes the familiar Nawab suit silhouette and gives it a contemporary update through its denim-inspired finish. For someone who has already exhausted the usual options of embroidered kurtas and bandhgalas, this is an interesting change of direction. Save this one for an evening when the dress code calls for something a little more considered.

Diwali dressing doesn’t have to follow one particular formula. You can wear the saree, pick the embroidered jacket, experiment with a blazer or simply find a great skirt and build an outfit around it. I’d much rather see people have a little fun with what they’re wearing than feel like every festive occasion requires an entirely new traditional ensemble. After all, the best pieces are usually the ones you find yourself reaching for long after the festivities are over.

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