The grand festivities of Navratri and Durga puja offer the perfect occasion to dress in traditional attire in vibrant shades and flaunt matching embellishments.

Ethnic wear options are no longer limited to traditional saris and anarkalis. Experiment with your looks and express your personal statement with a variety of options while staying true to tradition.

You can opt for trendy lehengas, shararas, palazzo suits etc and also try out fusion wear by pairing kurtas with dhoti pants and ankle-length pants. Elevate your glamour quotient further with fashionable festive hairstyles and adorn them with chic hair accessories and floral gajras.

Give your traditional sari a new twist with dramatic drapes. Take your pick from quirky and modern sari drapes like neck wrap drape, dhoti style sari drape, knot sari drape and wavy sari drape. You can also ditch the quintessential blouse you usually wear with your sari and opt for something totally out of the box, like wearing a crop top or shirt.

Says Namita Dalmia, owner of Sidhh boutique in Kankurgachhi: “This year the festive trends have brought back pastel shades in vogue. Other popular shades are mustard, ebony and florals. Most of my customers want chic clothes, a tad different from the everyday wear you get to see on the streets.”

Agrees Neha Kathpal, a resident of CA Block in Salt Lake: “My friends and I really like the oriental gowns that are so much in vogue these days. Also tunics with A-line cuts. They look really pretty.”

Another way to add a contemporary twist to your look is to swap your underskirts for pants or leggings. This Indo-western look will definitely amp up your style quotient. Dress up this festive season in these unique and modern styles and make heads turn wherever you go.

A traditional black and red mekhla chador, teamed with Assamese jewelry (Sanchita’s)

A mustard lehenga with intricate green and white zardosi lehenga (Sidhh)

An oriental daywear, with a skirt, crop top and a long sleeveless shiffon jacket (Sidhh)

From contemporary styling to ethnic dressing, try flaunting ankle length pants with this straight kurta. The intricate zari embroidery, mandarin style collar and plackets radiate blissful style and uniqueness. Pair such outfits with statement earrings and block heel sandals.

Also in vogue is the mekhla chador which can be teamed with traditional Assamese junk jewellery. Sanchita Gupta, owner of Sanchita’s boutique in City Centre, says: “I have been selling mekhla chador and traditional junk jewellery from Assam for a long time. During the Pujas, one day can be kept for the mekhla. Mekhlas come in vibrant colours and if complemented with the right kind of accessories, can turn you into a showstopper at any puja pandal. Second look guaranteed!”

Another great option, especially for dandiya nights, are trendy and youthful lehengas. Try a statement angrakha style blouse with flared sleeves and gota patti detailing that takes the style quotient to a new level. Add oomph to your look with a simple chic hairdo.

Hena Jalan, a resident of FD Block, said: “You could keep the skirt simple and use a heavy blouse with a heavy dupatta. That makes you stand out in the crowd. Later you can use the same outfit for other family occasions. And heels are a must with this look.”

For those who prefer to go the minimalist way, try wearing an elegant black kurti and sharara set with an embellished neckline, yoke and cuffs. Complement this minimalist yet sophisticated look with Kolhapuri chappals to give your feet an aesthetic touch. For a sparkly finish to the outfit, opt for a pair of statement dangler earrings and a cuff bracelet.

Location courtesy: Calcutta 64

Costume courtesy: Sidhh, Kankurgachhi and Sanchita’s, City Centre

Model: Sneha Chakraborty