Apart from the religious significance, the nine days of Navratri are filled with delicious vrat (fast) food, irresistible dance moves, festive fashion, and unending fun. It is an opportunity to be at your stylish best in a traditional way, as you make your way to the dandiya nights or puja pandal. But to do that, you need to upgrade your wardrobe with some party essentials that are high-on-the-trend meter this season. Here are some tips and tricks for you to style yourself gracefully in this festive season-
Take a Break From Usual Colors
Just because it is a traditional dandiya night, does not mean that you have to be in a predictable chaniya-choli. It is always nice to go a little further and put your own personal style into making your outfit slightly edgy. Experiment with a dhoti saree that is ready-to-wear, and will stay neat all through the night. It is a good idea to adorn bright colours during the festive season. But, take a break from the usual green or red, and embrace neon pink and fluorescent orange like Bollywood actresses to look different.
Add Sparkle
It is usually colourful beads, mirror work, embroidery or shells that decorate the traditional lehenga and choli. While mirror work is really popular these days, what is also a great option is gota patti work in silver or gold. Pearls, Swarovski, and coloured stones also look really pretty. Various dyeing effects like bandhani, lahariya, and tie-dye look very chic when used in a dupatta, skirt, or choli.
Right Combination
Combining the right accessories with your outfit is sure to bring you under the spotlight. Find a companion in long earrings, stack of colourful bangles, and a contrasting potli bag, to keep your essentials. Even maang-tikkas, kamarband and payal can be worn to add an unconventional twist. If your outfit is really plain and simple, you can wear a long chunky necklace to quickly glam up your look in one go.
Make-Up
Use waterproof makeup and keep the base light because you might sweat a lot while dancing. Play up your eyes with a smokey makeup, but keep the lips simple in a pale pink or peach colour. A good hairstyle plays an important role here, so make sure you do not leave your hair open. Go in for a fishtail braid, vintage curls, or a bun with a pouf. If you are feeling really experimental, then you can even change your hair colour to red or have an ombre effect to be fun and different.
For Men
Men’s fashion is not simple or predictable anymore either. A traditional kediyu (traditional Gujarati outfit), or a simple kurta pyjama is not enough. First, pick the latest colours from the international palette like deep blues, purples or reds. Invest in a good ethnic jacket to be worn over a kurta pyjama to make it look classy and formal. Wear a dhoti, pathani salwar, or Jodhpuri pants with a coat keeping the traditional flavour intact. A matching or contrasting scarf or safa is a must. If you are going with your beloved, you can coordinate your look in terms of colour, or choose a similar element of embroidery for both your outfits. But, do not go overboard and make sure it is not too matchy-matchy.