Drop The Bling And Flaunt A Funky Wardrobe This Diwali

Desi yet groovy is the fashion mantra this festive season.

Diwali is around the corner with all the promise of light, joy - and a chance to show off your best wardrobe. But hang on just a second. Do you really want to wear those blingy lehengas and saris just because Diwali is a traditional affair?

Guess what, some of the country’s most popular young fashion designers are dead against it.

I don’t see how people don’t get bored of the same old silhouettes and treatments. I try and steer clear of overly embellished heavy and cluttered clothing, and instead keep it simple and sensible.

Payal Khandwala, Fashion Designer

The designers are all for dropping the bling and giving a contemporary edge to traditional attire. Think out-of-the-box and make your own style statement, they say.

Mix and match to make an individual fashion statement. And remember, less is more.

Surily Goel, Fashion Designer

What can you do to make a funky fashion statement this Diwali? Find out!

Play With The Nine Yards

It’s high time you ditched those sequined chiffons and brocades - they only look good in Karan Johar movies. Check out how young fashion designers are turning the sari on its head. Desi yet groovy - we would surely go for these New Age saris this Diwali. What about you?

I believe in keeping it luxurious but minimal. Experiment with separates. I think this gives you more options for your wardrobe. If you wear a ‘set’ with matching blouses, dupattas, kurtas and bottoms, it can become a bit dated and predictable. Try a shirt or jacket with saris, skirts, lehengas or palazzos. Team a pleated kimono or poncho with a brocade skirt or a brocade shirt dress.

Payal Khandwala

Say It With A Skirt

Ditch those Bolly-inspired lehenga-cholis. Seriously. You don’t want to look double your age while trawling around one of those super heavy ensembles. There’re funkier ways to make a cool fashion statement. The designers recommend, go for lehengas that don’t go overboard with embellishments or simply style a skirt. Trust us, you will be a showstopper.

I don’t think people want to wear heavy and bling stuff anymore. It’s all about easy style now. But saying that, don’t go overboard with experimentation. Know what will suit you.

Shehla Khan, Fashion Designer

Flaunt Those Pants

Now who said you can’t wear pants to a traditional do? You can, and guess what? You can turn heads doing it. Be it narrow trousers or flared pants - take a cue from Anita Dongre and Zoraya on how to make them funky and yet perfect for a conventional Indian festival like Diwali.

Take something traditional and amp it up. I like giving a regal twist to easier-to-wear clothing like jackets, dhoti pants and crop tops, which attract youngsters a lot in the festive season.

Dipti Sawardekar, Creative Director, Zoraya

Oh, and Happy Diwali!