Festive season in India brings an air of excitement, joy, and a chance to embrace traditional fashion.
Whether it's a grand wedding, a cultural celebration, or a festive gathering, nothing captures the soul of these events better than ethnic wear.
In this ultimate guide blog will get into two main styles of women’s festive wear wardrobes: the timeless saree and the versatile kurta set.
Here’s how you can shine at your next festive occasion by choosing the perfect piece.
1) Sarees: A Timeless Tradition
Sarees have long been the soul of elegance in Indian fashion. They bring together grace, heritage, and modern aesthetics, making them an ideal choice for festivals.
Trending Saree Styles for Festive Wear
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Banarasi Sarees: Known for their detailed designs and luxurious silk fabric, Banarasi sarees are perfect for grand festivals like Diwali and Durga Puja. Their rich zari work and vibrant colours make them a favourite among women looking for richness.
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Kanjivaram Sarees: Ideal for festive occasions, Kanjivaram sarees are traditional South Indian drapes made of heavy silk with gold or silver thread work. Their grand appeal makes them a go-to choice for weddings and religious celebrations.
- Chiffon and Georgette Sarees: If you’re looking for lightweight comfort without sacrificing style, chiffon and georgette sarees offer flowy drapes that are easy to manage. These are great for day events or more casual festive gatherings.
Saree Draping Styles to Elevate Your Look
- The Classic Nivi Drape: The most common drape style that works with almost any saree. This is ideal for formal events or religious functions.
- The Bengali Drape: Perfect for Durga Puja, this style adds a cultural touch to your outfit and is lovely during traditional festivities.
- The Lehenga Style Drape: If you’re attending a wedding or want a dramatic look, this draping style gives the appearance of a lehenga while keeping the elegance of a saree.
2) Kurta Sets: Versatility Meets Style
Kurta sets have grown in popularity as a versatile and comfortable option for festive wear. From elegant Anarkali sets to straight kurtas paired with palazzos, there are endless options to choose from.
Best Kurta Sets for Festive Occasions
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Anarkali Kurta Sets: These long, flowy kurtas are great for festivals like Eid, Diwali, or wedding functions. The upper fitted body and flared bottom add an elegant touch, making them a great alternative to sarees.
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Sharara and Gharara Sets: A festive favourite, sharara sets with wide-legged pants and short kurtas offer a blend of Mughal-inspired fashion and modern-day glam. These sets are ideal for Sangeet or Mehendi functions.
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Straight Kurta with Palazzo & Pants: If you’re looking for something minimal yet stylish, a straight kurta paired with palazzo & pants is the way to go. Add a heavy dupatta for a more festive vibe.
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Angrakha Kurta Sets: Known for their wrap-style, Angrakha kurtas are timeless and versatile. Paired with churidars, palazzos or pants they bring elegance and comfort for festive events.
- Chikankari Kurta Sets: Famous for their detailed hand embroidery, Chikankari kurtas offer a minimal yet sophisticated look. Perfect for day events or relaxed celebrations.
Accessorising Your Kurta Set
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Dupattas: A dupatta can transform even a simple kurta set into a festive outfit. Go for Banarasi, bandhani, or embellished dupattas for added glamour.
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Jewellery: Depending on your outfit, choose statement earrings or a bold necklace. Jhumkas, chandbalis, or layered necklaces pair beautifully with kurta sets.
- Footwear: For a truly festive look, pair your kurta set with traditional footwear like mojaris or kolhapuris.
3) How to Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric plays a major role in influencing the comfort and aesthetics of your outfit. Here are some top fabric choices for festive wear:
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Silk: Silk sarees and kurta sets are a top choice for grand celebrations. Their natural sheen and luxurious texture make them perfect for night events.
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Cotton Silk: A blend of cotton and silk offers the richness of silk with the breathability of cotton, making it great for daytime festivities.
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Chanderi: Chanderi silk and cotton sarees are lightweight and easy to wear, with fine shine and detailed patterns. Ideal for more casual yet elegant functions.
- Velvet: If you want a royal look, velvet is your go-to fabric. Perfect for kurta sets worn during weddings or winter festivals.
4) Festive Colour Palettes to Look For
Colours play an important role in festive wear. Here are some popular shades to try:
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Vibrant Reds & Pinks: Perfect for occasions like Karva Chauth or weddings, these colours represent love and celebration.
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Royal Blues & Purples: Great for grand events, these shades show luxury and glamour.
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Golds & Silvers: Metallic shades are ideal for evening events, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit.
- Pastels: Softer colours like blush pink, mint green, and powder blue are perfect for daytime festivals or familiar celebrations.
5) Accessorising for the Complete Look
No festive outfit is complete without the right accessories. Here’s a checklist for both sarees and kurta sets:
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Jewellery: Statement pieces like heavy jhumkas, choker necklaces, or maang tikka can raise your look. For a saree, a traditional waist belt (kamarband) can add extra flair.
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Bags: Choose a potli or a small clutch that compliments your outfit. Embroidered or embellished bags are great for festive occasions.
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Footwear: Mojaris, kolhapuris, or embellished sandals work beautifully with both sarees and kurta sets.
- Bindi & Bangles: Small details like a bindi or matching bangles can make all the difference in completing your festive look.
Conclusion
Festivals are a time for joy, family, and dressing up in your beautiful choice. Whether you choose the timeless elegance of a saree or the versatility of a kurta set, festive wear offers endless possibilities to express your style while holding tradition.
By selecting the right fabric, colour palette, and accessorising thoughtfully, you can create a look that’s not only beautiful but also comfortable for the occasion.
Festivals are a time to shine, and with the right outfit, you can celebrate in fashion while honouring the cultural richness of each event.
So, the next time you're dressing up for a celebration, let your outfit be a reflection of your personal flair, raised by the timeless charm of ethnic wear.
