After months of hot, sticky summer days, people welcome monsoon showers and then autumn with open arms. On a personal level, the rains and the cool weather make everything better and lift our spirits instantly. What also gets us going is the fact that a string of festivals that gets everybody excited and sends us on a shopping spree! And India, being the land of many festivals – from Raksha Bandhan to Diwali to Christmas demand that our festive fashion game is on point.

Keeping this in mind, we have shortlisted our favorite pieces that will make you look your best on any festive occasion.

Kurtas or kurta sets

Every woman has a cosmic connection with the humble kurta. They are universally loved by all because they can endure the wear and tear of daily life and still look chic at the same time. With many stylish silhouettes available like anarkalis, A-line, asymmetrical and straight cut, one is spoilt for choices. Kurtas aim at providing comfort and luxury suited for festivities and parties. Whether you opt for a comfortable kurta pyjama or uber-stylish kurta dhoti, you cannot go wrong with it.

This festive season, incorporate silhouettes, embellishments, and colours to provide formal and semi-formal options. They can be matched with sequined juttis for a dapper look. Traditional jewellery would also go very well with kurtas.

Palazzo set

The festive season is fast approaching and this is a great time to experiment with different ensembles. A modern woman wants something fuss-free, and graceful but also something traditional. And nothing comes to our minds than a palazzo. These wide-legged pants are so comfy and let your skin breathe that we can practically live in them. They can be teamed up with a kurta, jackets, shirts, and ethnic crop tops. Try out different combinations and identify what works for you and make a statement!

Palazzos can easily be teamed up with almost anything. Pick a set in royal silk to ring in the festivities. Let your loose hair do all the talking and team it up with some golden accessories and gold flats. You can also choose to wear an embroidered palazzo and mix it up with a crop top.

Sharara set

Shararas come next in line as the trendiest yet most comfortable and sought-after festive wear of all time. These lehenga-like flared pants are ultra-feminine and are tremendously liked by women today. Top it up with beautiful embroidery and sequin and lace embellishment, you will look like a true vision. Shararas are available in several patterns, styles, and colours which give you plenty of options to pick from and add to your shopping list.  

There are many ways to style a sharara without getting too repetitive with your looks. You can wear them with or without a dupatta or drape a dupatta differently letting it fall on your arms on one side. A stack of bangles and a maang tika will make you look swoon-worthy for sure. You can also pin your hair up and decorate it with hair accessories.

Gowns

Say hello to the newest addition in the ethnic wear category – gowns. They specifically represent a western trend but when combined with an eastern concept – sequins, zardozi, or gota patti, the results are beautiful. Gowns are one-piece and easy to wear and are appropriate for your monsoon or winter festivities like Diwali or Navratri. Do not hesitate to experiment with gowns, which would make you stand out in the crowd.

Pick an outfit in lightweight festive silks as they are easy to manage during long hours. You can adorn a dupatta and jhumkas along with comfy heels to balance your outfit!

Kaftans

From lounge to festive, here’s proof that kaftans are the ultimate outfit of choice this season. It’s hard to think of another garment more suitable for this festive season than a kaftan. They have been a universal favourite as they were first introduced as leisure wear that could be worn at home or as beach coverups. Its rising popularity and demand paved the way for designers everywhere to present them as formal attire that could be worn to parties, formal receptions, pujas, and even weddings. This one-piece-fits-all silhouette is set to come in handy for almost any occasion on your calendar.

Pick pieces in colours from the darker end of the spectrum with jewel-toned embroidery that evokes glamour. Look for lightweight fabrics that can be worn even after the festive affair.

India and festivals are synonymous with each other. They allow us to celebrate our culture and customs and at the same time, our beautiful Indian textiles and attire.