Fiesta fundas

Ditch the dated anarkali, edit the head-to-toe bling and keep it simple! Diwali maybe a festive and traditional do, but it doesn’t mean you have to look like a Christmas tree. The key is — ‘less is more’ and let one element of your ensemble, be the focus instead of making everything scream. A pair of brocade micro shorts shouldn’t be a faux pas and a structured jacket works well for a card party. Read on...

Be a fusionista 

The key is to clash the Western and Indian silhouettes with sass and chutzpah. Designer Surily Goel suggests, “I am all for fusion. Avoid the conventional route by going for pants and jackets. Ruffles and tassels are a chic bet, though make them Indianised. All in all, I’d suggest more style as opposed to heavy-duty embroidery. The mantra is — ‘less is more’. All you need is one statement piece like a maang tika or a necklace and make it the focal point.”

Fling with fringe

Azmina Rahimtoola, store owner, Atosa observes that the style-savvy on the Diwali card party circuit aren’t going for the traditional dupatta. “Make a statement with fringes or tassles or pick pieces which have only embroidery on pocket or shoulder or sleeves and not something too heavy. For instance, opt for asymmetrical zipper fringed piece with cowl on the back and team it with a pair of beige palazzo, uncut earrings and bracelets.”

Be Miss Metallica

Designer Aniket Satam observes that the festival of light is all about jewel tones and cheery colours. “Select one statement piece and elevate the entire ensemble. A dark toned silk kurta or a basic monotone sari and choose heavy oxidised silver neckpiece and earrings to bring out the Indian element. Team your basic casuals and a kundan neckpiece with a micro bindi and complete the look with a Kutch embroidered envelope clutch,” says he. 

Slay it with a jacket

Designer Payal Singhal suggests a pairing of a jacket or a waistcoat. “Club a pair of dhoti pants with a tank top and complete the look with a statement jacket, which could be in vibrant prints or rich Benarasi fabric. Add a pair of jhumkas for a cool finish. Alternatively, pick a long waistcoat with mirror work detailing or something with brocade embroidery and add a pair of palazzo pants. Cut short the anarkali with a pair of salwar  pants, ditch the dupatta and be hands-free,” says Singhal.  

She adds, “A sari with a crisp shirt works well so does a lehenga-shirt pairing. Teaming a denim shirt with your mom’s sari or a gold shirt or a white shirt with an old lehenga is a great way to reimagine your existing wardrobe. Don’t overdo the jewellery. Just accessorise with a big ring or bangles.”