Whether Durga Puja is spent at home this year or amidst a limited gathering, there can be no pause to dressing up fabulously. From going back to the roots with traditional attire to experimenting with fusionwear, actress Richa Sharma shows us how to amp up the style quotient on the five days of Durga Puja, with a play of soothing and bright hues, keeping comfort in mind.

Sashthi

For those who don’t find the six yards to be their comfort zone yet feel like dressing up in one during Durga Puja, try draping it differently. This striking white-and-gold handwoven Pinki Sinha Chanderi sari with subtle golden motif all over, has been worn in an Indo-western style, perfect for Sashthi morning. Accessorised with heavy earrings and a bangle, the belt complements the drape and the sleeves add drama.

“The sari has been draped dhoti style for comfort. The base is done with illuminator and Studio Fix. The eyes have been completed with nude eyeshadow and mascara. We have highlighted the lips with a dark shade to complement the look. The hair is worn in a fish plait with side parting,” said Kaushik and Rajat, who did the make-up and styling.

“It is extremely comfortable to carry the sari in this style. Teaming up with a belt and elaborate-sleeve blouse makes it very trendy,” said Richa.

Saptami Pictures: Pabitra Das; Jewellery: Avama Jewellers; Styling, hair & make-up: Rajat & Kaushik; Location courtesy: Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Saptami

This off-white net lehnga with a touch of silver from Eshaani Jayaswal is for a dewy fresh look. “The net is topped with fine tulle. The scalloped blouse adds a contemporary touch, with the French knot and mukaish detailing jazzing up the ensemble for a festive feel. It channels a happy vibe. The skirt is designed with our signature applique and embroidered with organza fabric, mukaish and French knot. Floral designs on the skirt with geometric design on the blouse create a contrast look,” said Eshaani.

“We have accessorised the look simply with a statement neckpiece and dangling earrings. In sync with the fresh look, we have used pearl and brown for the eyes. A pearl highlighter makes the look apt for both day and night. A dash of colour is added to the look with coral and dewy pink shades for the lips and cheek. Hair has been worn open with soft curls,” said Kaushik and Rajat.

“This outfit has a soothing effect and looks gorgeous. The colour and detailing make it apt for both day and night. We have skipped the dupatta and kept the look comfortable ,” said Richa.

Ashtami Pictures: Pabitra Das; Jewellery: Avama Jewellers; Styling, hair & make-up: Rajat & Kaushik; Location courtesy: Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Ashtami

Take the glam quotient a notch higher on Ashtami with this jade pink mulberry sari from Osaa by Adarsh with brocade applique and zardozi detailing, paired with a kurti and belt. “Ashtami should be celebrated with rich Indian colours and silhouettes. What can be better than a sari paired with a kurti blouse that connects you to your traditions as well as makes it modern?” said Adarsh Makharia.

“The fusion look with the kurti and belt adds a modern touch. We opted for a dewy-finish make-up with matte mauvish-pink lipstick and highlighted the cheeks with a coral blush pink. The eye make-up is bright, defined with brown, a dash of white on the lower eyelid and hyper-volume mascara. Accessorised with bangles and a heavy neckpiece, the hair is styled into a classic bun,” said Kaushik and Rajat.
“This style is perfect for an elegant, statement look. The bright colour sets the mood for an Ashtami get-together with friends,” said Richa.

Navami Pictures: Pabitra Das; Jewellery: Avama Jewellers; Styling, hair & make-up: Rajat & Kaushik; Location courtesy: Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Navami

Opt for a smart cool look on Navami for optimum comfort in this ash-black long jacket designed with colourful threadwork and paired with printed panelled pants from Osaa by Adarsh. Minimally accessorised, the high boots add a Navami night party vibe to the look.

“We have styled an Indo-western look with an easy-breezy outfit and high boots for the Navami night party. To complement the black outfit we have opted for nude eyes defined with brown. The base is simple with primer, illuminator and compact. Transparent lip gel and a brownish-copper-hued blush along with shimmer and highlighter completes the look. The hair is tied high to keep the shoulders free,” said Kaushik and Rajat

“This is a perfect evening look for Navami. High boots add the statement factor to the look. It is easy to move around and indulge in the festive spirit with friends and family,” said Richa.

Dashami Pictures: Pabitra Das; Jewellery: Avama Jewellers; Styling, hair & make-up: Rajat & Kaushik; Location courtesy: Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Dashami

Traditional to the T, style your Dashami look with typical Puja colours in Pinki Sinha’s red Chanderi sari with a golden border and floral motifs paired with a puffed, full-sleeve golden tissue blouse and mustard Benarasi silk dupatta. “The happy festive red complements the exquisite mustard for a perfect Dashami look,” said Pinki Sinha. The look is heavily accessorised with jewellery.

“For the traditional Bengali look, we did a middle parting of the hair and added the quintessential flower. Since the design was only in the pallu of the sari we added the mustard dupatta for a double pallu look. The sari is worn in a pleated atpoure style. Instead of red lips, we used mauve-plum on the lips. A glossy make-up look with dewy finish. We have smudged black and brown shades for the eyes and added hyper-curl mascara,” said Kaushik and Rajat.

“The dupatta is adding a royal touch to the bright red look. It is accessorised with sankha pola too to give a completely Bengali vibe,” said Richa.

Designer speak

“People should start dressing comfortably. It could be something elaborate or differently styled, accessorise the outfit comfortably and do up the hair. Nowadays we can play around a lot with separates. Like teaming up a T-shirt or Benarasi dupatta with a sari. No matter what you experiment with, it should be a reflection and extension of your personality” — Eshaani Jayaswal

“I think festivals have a different meaning for all of us this year. It is a time for celebration for sure but in a more simpler and meaningful way. It is a time to reconnect with our roots and traditions with what we wear, to appreciate the stories behind the artisanal techniques of the past and the weaves of our country. Let’s support and value our artisans this year” — Adarsh Makharia

“It’s that time of the year when ethnics take over and one can choose from silhouettes that they are most comfortable in — be it a sari, Anarkali, sharara or lehnga. I am personally high on happy, bright colours for the festive season to uplift all our energies. Go luxurious and classy with rich textiles in Benarasi, brocade, Chanderi and Paithani with generous dose of zari. Go experimental in pairing your outfits interestingly to make a statement” — Pinki Sinha

Festive tips from Kaushik and Rajat

• With masks on, the make-up this time is based on matte and moisture matte lipstick instead of gloss for long stay.
  
• No more glitter. Matte eyeliner in pop shades like green and pink are in.
  
• Experiment with dual-colour matte for the eyes. Go for colours like pink, peach and sea green. Colour the outer and inner corner of the eyes with different shades. Only mascara and no kajal. Add a little white to glam it up.
  
• Pop colour mascara is in. Apply with nude eyeshadow and black liner if necessary.