Navratri style inspiration: Must-try festive fashion to dazzle this season

Marked by nine nights of celebration Navratri is a period of spiritual devotion and a vibrant showcase of Indian culture and fashion As luminous as this occasion is the excitement to don a beautiful traditional outfit is unparalleled among fashion enthusiasts who get ready to embrace the best of the ethnic side Fashion experts offer tips and inspiration to help you make a statement at NavratriKey fashion trends for NavratrildquoWhether you are planning to attend traditional gatherings dance and groove over traditional beats or hop in pandals Navratri is a perfect occasion to explore the finest fashion trendsrdquo says Aditi Gupta designer at Carma India She highlights key fashion trends that can be incorporated into your Navaratri wardrobeAsymmetric hemlinesThis Navratri opt for asymmetric or highlow hemlines that add a contemporary twist to the traditional backdrop The unique cuts give a unique playful trendy look while maintaining the essence of the festivities You can choose a lehenga with a contrasting border and a dupatta to add elegance and graceVibrant colour paletteStep into the season with traditional hues like yellow orange emerald green and royal blue These colours reflect the energetic spirit of the festivities You can never go wrong with a beautiful vneckline anarkali suit paired with a contrasting pink organza dupatta With a perfect flowy lightweight and elegant silhouette this ensemble will make you shine in the pandals Cape dupattasCape dupattas are a layer of elegance and easy movement for dancing all night These add a chic element to your traditional backdrop with cape dupattas It gives a fresh and new perspective to your look making you embrace something unique and distinct Itrsquos an alternative way to ditch your traditional draping style Steal the show with a red threepiece set that includes an embellished crop top flared palazzo pants and an intricately designed cape dupattaAlso Read Navratri 2024 From peas jowar handvo to chana masala follow these recipes to make delicious dishes during the festivalStatement sleevesNavratri 2024 will be even more special with you opting for dramatic and exaggerated sleeve style These include puff bell and flared designs that bring drama and style to your choli Sleeves give a visual depth to your ensemble and make everyone drawn towards it Itrsquos the best way to experiment with your classic choices Sustainability firstWhatever you opt to wear you must realise the need to focus on sustainability People are showing greater interest in supporting local artisans and ecofriendly ways of weaving techniques Fashion enthusiasts are also looking for options that include handprinting handloom weaving and block printing In the search for versatile and fashionforward options you must not forget your roots but rather create outfits that are not just trendy but in budgetIncorporating traditional elements into modern Navratri outfitsThe popularity of clothing mixing ethnic and modern elements has been steadily increasing This trend reflects a desire to connect with cultural heritage while embracing contemporary styles ldquoNavratri is the perfect occasion to play around with your wardrobe and showcase the best of traditional and modern fashionrdquo shares Gautam Gupta creative director and coowner of label Asha Gautam He offers advice on blending traditional elements into contemporary Navratri ensembles and enhancing your style with accessoriesEdgy blouses with Indian textiles and embroideriesExperiment with cholis or blouses crafted from Indian handloom textiles like Banarasi brocade Patola silk or Bandhani To add a contemporary twist opt for designs with trendy cuts or asymmetric hemlinesModern silhouettes with a traditional touchExperiment with a jumpsuit silhouette which can be a perfect choice not only for formal occasions but also for the festive season Choose a stylish neckline and pair it with a widelegged palazzostyle bottom Use fabrics like Banarasi silk for a formal festive look or Bandhani or Ikat for a more flowy relaxed feelSarees with a twistDrape your saree with a crop top blouse in vibrant shades or bold prints A ruffled saree paired with a corsetstyle blouse can add a glamorous touch while retaining traditional elementsMix and match with contemporary jacketsPair an embroidered peplum blazer or a fullsleeve openfront jacket with flared palazzo pants Choose jackets featuring intricate zardozi or mirror work to add a festive flair Style it with a sleek sling bag a collection of rings and a statement wristwatchFlowy kaftans and dressesIf you prefer a more bohemian look try a fulllength kaftan adorned with intricate hand embroidery Opt for fabrics like lustrous flowy Ikat or a darkdyed Chikankari fabric embellished with shiny embroidery details Pair the outfit with oxidized jewellery for an eclectic yet elegant appealAccessories to elevate your Navratri look1 Choose statement jewellery pieces like chunky necklaces oversized earrings or layered bangles Oxidized jewellery adds a traditional touch while shiny metallics lend a more modern vibe2 For footwear pick comfortable juttis or wedges if you plan to dance the night away If you want to add a touch of glamor go for embellished heels3 A sleek clutch or an embellished potli bag can instantly elevate your outfit adding an element of festivity4 Donrsquot forget to include a mix of rings and bracelets to complement your ensemble and a delicate yet chic watch can be the perfect finishing touch to your festive lookAlso Read Enjoy Navratri 2024 with these famous Garba celebrations in MumbaiStyling tips for men to turn heads this NavratrildquoAs you prepare for the celebrations take a moment to consider the power of your wardrobe Let it be an extension of your spiritmdashreflective of your journey your tastes and the heritage that shapes you Explore experiment and let your fashion choices echo the vibrancy of the festivitiesrdquo poses Prakhar Rao designer and founder of Zero Tolerance He sharesOversized blazersA standout look for this festive season is an oversized blazermdasheffortlessly chic and imbued with a modern edgemdashpaired with lightweight trousers and a crisp tailored shirt Choosing khadi pants not only provides unparalleled comfort but also pays homage to our rich textile heritage embodying a sense of cultural pride The texture of the khadi offers a beautiful contrast to the structured blazer creating a visual narrative that speaks to both traditional and contemporary stylesLinen paired with ZardoziWhile layering is a powerful tool for selfexpression we mustnrsquot overlook the beauty of simplicity Sometimes less truly is more For a refined yet edgy aesthetic consider linen shirts adorned with intricate handwork paired with striking black Zardozi pants This combination strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and sophisticated flairExperimental huesColour plays an essential role in how we convey our mood and style during the festivities I encourage you to experiment with shadesmdashmixing navy blue with black can create a sleek modern look that is perfect for evening celebrationsMix it upFor those willing to embrace bolder hues imagine stepping out in an emerald green shirt paired with relaxed cargo pants This striking look serves as a fantastic conversation starter while maintaining a sense of ease The versatility of this season allows for smooth transitions from lively danceoffs to more intimate gatherings ensuring you can maintain your unique flair no matter the settingBe a storytellerUltimately fashion is about storytelling Every layer every choice weaves a narrative that articulates who you are and what you value Embrace the craftsmanship inherent in handmade pieces and appreciate the artistry of skilled Indian artisans Let your style evolve as you dance your way through this enchanting season of Navaratri allowing each outfit to tell its own storyConfidence and personal styleRemember that the essence of mastering menswear lies not only in the garments we select but the confidence we exude Each piece should resonate with your style empowering you to engage with the joyous spirit that surrounds you Think about how your wardrobe can reflect your unique journey while honouring the traditions that connect us all