Your guide to Diwali dress-up

Diwali might still be a couple of weeks away, but the air has already started smelling like it. The shiuli flowers are blooming, the card party invites are rolling in faster than you can RSVP, and your everyday wardrobe just doesn’t seem festive enough. Consider this your sign to start planning your OOTNs. 

We’ve put together a festive edit featuring some of the best curations by Indian designers, with exquisite craftsmanship and just the right amount of shimmer to help you dress to the nines this Diwali.

ITRH Kesariya Jadaau Corset Saree Set

ITRH knows its corset game well, and if you like that kinda drama in your wardrobe, get this rust-orange rich silk tissue saree that comes with a sculpted jadaau corset in hard net, giving the traditional drape a contemporary, waist-defining twist. 

Buy here.

Abhinav Mishra Lilac Anarkali

Abhinav Mishra and mirror-work maximalism go together like Diwali and dressing up, but if you’re not in the mood for a full-blown lehenga moment, this lilac anarkali makes a rather convincing case for itself. Crafted in net and embellished with intricate mirror and lurex embroidery, it brings all the sparkle to your parties.

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Torani Bhadra Raani Lehenga Set

While you could literally pick anything from Torani and it’ll be a hit, this Bhadra Raani Lehenga Set featuring intricate embroidery and a dreamy organza odhni is made for festive soirées where subtlety can take the evening off. 

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Matsya The Royal Hydari Saree

Crafted in sheer tulle and intricately embellished with zardozi, pearls and crystals, this ethereal drape brings just the right amount of sparkle without trying too hard. Worn by Aditi Rao Hydari, it’s a modern-day heirloom for anyone who likes their festive dressing with a generous side of regal drama.

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House of Masaba Yellow Pixie Dust Drape Saree

If you’re, like me, in the drape-saree gang and don’t have the patience for a 20-minute pleating session, Masaba’s Yellow Pixie Dust might just be your festive-season soulmate. This sunshine-yellow pre-stitched georgette saree comes with a sheer printed palla, kinari gota detailing, a sequin-and-dori embroidered waistband and a matching scoop-neck blouse that does all the heavy lifting. 

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Ridhi Mehra Alaap Lehenga Set

You can’t do festive without a hue of red, and Ridhi Mehra makes a compelling case for going all out. This raw silk lehenga and blouse set features intricate placement embroidery, paired with a delicate net dupatta that needs little more than a pair of jhumkas and a very good Diwali party invite.

Buy here.

You may also read: The homegrown bags worth bringing to your Diwali parties