Navratri is synonymous with vibrant colours, swirling chaniya cholis, statement jewellery and energetic Garba nights. But festive dressing is evolving beyond traditional silhouettes, with contemporary cuts, versatile separates and personalised accessories bringing a fresh perspective to ethnic wear. This season, the focus is on combining traditional craftsmanship with modern styling while keeping comfort and individuality at the centre of every look.
From mirrorwork lehengas and pre-draped sarees to Indo-Western ensembles and statement jackets, fashion is embracing outfits that transition effortlessly from daytime festivities to evening celebrations. Whether you are dressing for Garba and Dandiya or looking to make a statement at a festive gathering, Indian fashion experts say there are evolving trends but say there are styling tips to keep in mind.
Traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary silhouettes
Mirror work, intricate thread embroidery, bandhani-inspired prints and artisanal detailing continue to define festive fashion, but their application is becoming more contemporary. Lighter lehengas, structured kurta sets, pre-draped sarees and Indo-Western separates offer alternatives to heavily layered traditional outfits.
Raghav Aggarwal, founder of Twamev, says, “Festive fashion is moving beyond the predictable this season, with people looking for pieces that let them bring more of their personality into occasion dressing.” He has been observing embroidered bomber jackets, statement jackets, Indo-Western sets and kurta-jacket combinations take centre-stage beyond conventional festive wear.
Comfort is key for Garba and Dandiya
While festive fashion is about making a statement, comfort is essential when celebrations involve hours of dancing. Lightweight fabrics, secure drapes and manageable dupattas allow greater freedom of movement without compromising on style.
Raghav recommends dressing according to the energy of the occasion. “For a daytime puja, keep things lighter with breathable fabrics and softer colours; for an evening Garba night, bring in colour, movement and a little more drama,” he says.
Pre-draped or ready-to-wear sarees are a practical option for those who want the elegance of a saree without repeatedly adjusting the pleats is a good option, he says. Sharara sets and anarkalis also offer movement-friendly alternatives for long celebrations. When choosing Garba outfit tips, prioritise breathable fabrics, well-fitted blouses and dupattas that stay securely in place while dancing. Comfortable juttis, mojaris, embellished flats or low block heels are preferable to footwear that restricts movement. Breaking in new footwear before the event can also help prevent discomfort during extended celebrations.
Make occasionwear more versatile
Even as you are deciding what to wear, brothers Saurabh, Shishir and Nishit Gupta, who are the founders of Mumbai-based fashion label KALKI highlight how traditional craftsmanship is being reimagined across contemporary festive silhouettes, and if you are a fashionista you should definitely experiment with your outfit to be trendy. “This festive season is seeing a beautiful interplay of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes,” says Saurabh, pointing to mirror work, intricate thread embroidery, bandhani-inspired details and artisanal surface techniques across lighter lehengas, pre-draped sarees and modern Indo-Western separates.
Shishir adds, “For Navratri, the focus is on movement-friendly silhouettes that create impact on the dance floor. For Durga Puja, timeless sarees, elegant anarkalis and refined kurta sets in red, ivory and gold continue to take centre stage.”
Let personal style lead the way
He says, “Festive dressing should balance visual impact with comfort. For Garba and Dandiya nights, lightweight fabrics, secure drapes and manageable dupattas allow ease of movement without compromising on style. Traditional outfits can be refreshed with a contemporary blouse, corset-style top or statement jacket.”
On the other hand, an ivory or neutral ensemble can be elevated with red accents through the blouse, dupatta, jewellery or makeup is perfect for Durga Puja. “Fluid silhouettes and softer colours work well during the day, while jewel tones, metallic details and defined silhouettes transition beautifully into evening celebrations,” he adds.
How jewellery can take centre stage
Accessories can transform an outfit, and this season’s jewellery trends are leaning towards individuality, versatility and pieces that can be worn beyond the festive calendar.
Nishit highlights that oxidised silver jewellery, layered chokers, jhumkas and statement cuffs complement colourful Navratri ensembles particularly well. “For Durga Puja, traditional gold-toned jewellery, temple-inspired designs, pearls and bold earrings pair beautifully with sarees and classic occasionwear,’ he says, continuing, “Balance is essential. A statement necklace can be paired with smaller earrings, while an intricately detailed neckline may only need bold earrings or a sculptural cuff.”
Raghav adding to Nishit says that you can mix jewellery pieces for a more contemporary, fashion forward look. “Try adding a statement choker to a clean kurta-pant look or wearing a structured jacket over a festive outfit. For men, a brooch on a jacket or an Indo-Western set can be an easy way to move away from the predictable kurta while still feeling occasion-ready,” he adds.
While Nishit and Raghav highlights the changing times, Sheetal Srivastava, design manager at Shaya, the Indian contemporary silver jewellery brand by CaratLane, keeping it simple reminds that the easiest way to update a traditional festive look is to change the jewellery. She says, “Try pairing a classic saree with contemporary silver earrings, ear cuffs, or add stacked rings and bracelets to a simpler kurta or lehenga. For Durga Puja, traditional sarees work particularly well with sculptural or oxidised silver, while colourful Navratri outfits can be balanced with clean silver pieces that let the outfit do the talking.”
This festive season, the design manager says they are seeing jewellery become more individual and versatile. “Statement earrings, oxidised silver, layered necklaces and stackable rings are strong trends, especially for younger consumers looking to give traditional festive wear a more contemporary feel,” she highlights, while adding that there is a growing preference for jewellery that can be re-worn beyond the festive season.
If you are wondering how to go about it, Sheetal says let the neckline guide your choices: statement earrings work well with detailed necklines, while simpler necklines offer room for layered necklaces. “Mixing silver with gold-plated pieces can introduce a contemporary touch to traditional styling. If your outfit features heavy embroidery, choose one statement accessory rather than layering too many pieces. With a minimal ensemble, bold earrings or a sculptural cuff can provide the finishing touch,” she shares.
Ultimately, festive fashion does not have to follow a fixed formula. Whether you choose a colourful chaniya choli, an Indo-Western ensemble, a classic saree or a kurta paired with a statement jacket, the aim is to wear something that reflects your personality and suits the occasion.
This Navratri, let colour, craftsmanship and creativity guide your choices, but make sure your outfit allows you to enjoy every Garba step and Dandiya spin with confidence.
Navratri 2026: Your complete style guide to give festive fashion a modern twist
