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

- By Christalle Fernandes

Light 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 put together lookbooks for the season, and tell us what's cool, what's defining the 2025 festive fashion mood.

Vibrant colours are in, soft 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.

Men are choosing bold colours too, says Piyush Mohnani, founder of Asuka Couture. "The more colours in their outfit now, the better. They want to stand out."

Look closer. Motifs and embroidery are having a moment

We still heart a butterfly and floral motif, but now we're interested in bees, lizards and insects too, says Rao. Keep them small. Focus on fine details and intricate, subtle designs. Silver zari embroidery, marodi embroidery, kantha work, dabka threadwork, and kardana are on trend for the moment.'

"People really want the embroidery to be shown and to share the stories behind it, because there’s this perception that if it’s embroidered, it must be expensive,” says Mohnani. They also want more of a royal, “rajgharana” feel, he says - designs with peacocks, parrots, elephants, tigers.