All that glitters

Your head-to-toe guide to what’s trending, what to skip, and how to remix your wardrobe so you look lit at every Diwali event

- Christalle Fernandes [e-mail]

ight those mithai candles. Look up Diwali outfit ideas. Google Best Sangeet Outfits For Men. Add styling inspo to your Pinterest boards. “Festive occasions have become a reason to go all-out,” says Bhawna Rao, founder of her namesake fashion label. They're social gatherings where you showcase your fashion sense.

So, what to wear to make heads turn? Experts tell us what's cool, what's dated, and what's defining the 2025 festive mood.

Invest in: Dramatic, long dupattas, says Girotra. They're the centrepiece of an outfit. ‘Wear it like a half-and-half sari, use it to amp up a plain ensemble” For men, a bomber jacket with traditional embroidery work can be layered over a kurta or shirt fora low-effort, but instantly festive look.

The muse: “Janhvi Kapoor, if you wantan edgy interpretation of festive wear. She's also bringing back heirloom textiles and cuts from her mother Sridevi's wardrobe, but making it her own,” says Rao. "Fora more classic look, Deepika Padukone. See how she uses heavy chokers and jewellery as the focus of her outfit” Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra have been pairing vibrant kurtas with stoles, left open just the right amount to show off their layered jewellery.

The classics: ‘A white chikankari kurta. It can be dressed up or down; says Lilaowala, Or just choose a weave from the region you're from. It'sanice connection to your heritage”

Vibrant colours are in, pastels are out

“We've worn pastels for a decade. It has become boring and predictable,” says Rao. Vibrant colours and jewel tones are making a comeback. Even brides are going back to vivid reds and golds. Rao’s picks are sea blue, lush forest green and peppy yellows, if you like lighter hues. Burgundy, aubergine, maroon and emerald green if you prefer a richer, darker palette.