Diwali: Tradition, Colors to Ebb Out Western Outfits

Mumbai: Western outfits rule the roost in ordinary times, but the festival of lights - Diwali - would see a switch to traditional clothes in bright colors. Fashion designers feel that traditional wear is back in fashion during this Diwali.

"Diwali is that time of the year when you have to dig out traditional fineries out of the closet. One can opt for a sexy cocktail sari or anarkali or colorful tunics with leggings. One can play with a warm palette of firework colors from deep intense haldi to soft peaches to rich yellows and orange," renowned designer Archana Kochhar told PTI.

"There is a blend of modern and traditional wear, with western fits and cuts mixed with traditional ethnic colors and designs," she said.

Celebrations are not complete without getting the right outfit and Diwali clothes tend to be extremely gorgeous and vibrant. "A variety of new traditional wear are seen in the market. The main trend is bright colors, mirrored fabrics, and chunky jewelry," Designer Sonya Vajifdar said.

"Youngsters can opt for brightly colored sequenced dresses or corsets teamed with long skirts...One can wear a sari with booties or sequence borders and ghagras and kalis.

Also, designers feel, that Anarkali suits are quite traditional in appeal and it makes them perfect for Diwali.

"A major trend is a warm palette of firework colors: From deep intense haldi to soft peaches to rich yellows to orange.

For women in their late 30s, saffron and peach work great, while for younger ones, vibrant fanta orange and sorbet pineapple are best for a fresher look," Kochhar said.

Designers advise adding jewelry to jazz up the look. "Jewelry should be carefully paired...in case of plain outfit chunky jewelry and minimal for a heavy outfit," Vajifdar said.

Kochhar says, "One must keep the jewels minimal and sparkle the festive season by investing in semi-precious stones in jewel tones like deep ruby, green emerald, and deep blue."