This Navratri 2025, here’s your guide to Indo-western fusion fashion

The vibrant festival of Navratri is being celebrated across the country with varying ceremonies and rituals While some of us are fasting others are heading to pandal hop in their most shimmery outfitsIf you wish to move away from the traditional mirror work fits but find yourself overwhelmed with planning for this yearrsquos festivities fret not Wersquove got designers Maheka Mirpuri and Aisha Rao who will help add a contemporary twist and curate Indowestern looks that will blend classic Indian silhouettes with modern Western elements This Navratri dress up chic and turn heads with your OOTDFive essentials for NavratriThe secret to a versatile wardrobe isnt having a lot of clothes but having a few key pieces that can be styled in many different ways Designer Maheka Mirpuri suggests a starter kit of five essential pieces to mix and matchThe jeweltoned kurtiA jeweltoned kurti is the true chameleon of any festive or fusion wardrobe Shades like crimson emerald sapphire and amethyst bring instant vibrancy once paired with like with widelegged brocade trousers it creates a look of stately grace Switch to a flowing farshi salwar and the silhouette takes on effortless movement While pairing it with denim transforms it into a rebellious IndoWestern twist This is a piece that easily adapts to mood occasion and styling intentThe mirrorwork statement kurtaEvery wardrobe needs a piece that feels inherently festive and a mirrorwork kurta fills that role Embellished with reflective detailing it radiates joy and light perfect for celebratory occasions and modern festive dressingThe neutral lehenga skirtA lehenga skirt in muted tones like antique gold ivory or champagne is endlessly adaptable ready to anchor a spectrum of styles Paired with a crisp white shirt the look feels edgy and unexpected with a crop top it leans youthful and playful Layer it with a richly embellished blouse and it transforms into regal couture Its simplicity is its strength providing the foundation for infinite reinventionThe dramatic jacket or capeNothing adds theatre to an outfit like a statement jacket or cape Whether crafted in embroidered brocade sheer sequins or structured silk such a piece elevates even the simplest base layers Thrown over a kurti it becomes formal layered on denim it exudes effortless cool Itrsquos the kind of garment that turns heads without trying too hard For those who enjoy experimenting this is a nonnegotiable element in the starter kitThe signature brooch or beltAccessories are often treated as afterthoughts but a brooch or belt has the power to completely redefine a silhouette A jewelstudded brooch can secure a dupatta accentuate a jacket or even adorn a handbag Similarly a beltbe it metallic embroidered or mirrorworked sculpts the waist and punctuates the outfit with a touch of drama These small but potent pieces act as the punctuation marks of style completing the look with regal authorityStyling one outfit nine waysYou dont need a new outfit for every night of Navratri ldquoNavratri gives you nine nights to experiment with style and one lehenga can truly go the distance if you get a little inventiverdquo poses designer Aisha Rao She shares three simple yet creative ways to style a single lehenga to create fresh looksSwitch the blouse Swap out the traditional blouse for a cropped jacket a crisp shirt or a sleek tank top to give your lehenga a new feelAdd a belt Cinch a kurti or lehenga with a stylish belt to create a new silhouette and highlight your waistRepurpose accessories Use a dupatta draped over a dress to change its look completelyThe best fabrics for dancing all nightldquoFestive dressing is as much about movement as it is about majesty The fabrics you choose must not only look radiant under lights but also allow you to dance mingle and celebrate without restrictionrdquo explains Mirpuri Below she recommends fabrics that are both traditional and breathableCottonsilk and ChanderiThese fabrics strike the perfect balance between breathability and shine CottonSilk and Chanderi carry a subtle festive glow making them ideal for nights of garba or dandiya where hours of movement demand comfortLightweight brocadeWhile brocade is often associated with heavy ceremonial clothing lighter weaves ensure the richness of texture and pattern is preserved without weighing you down If you are seeking comfortable grandeur without the burden opt for lightweight brocade this seasonOrganzaOrganza has long captured the imagination of cinemagoers with its graceful drapes The fabricwhether in dupattas overlays or capes adds an ethereal layer to any outfit The guiding principle is the right textile will let you glow all evening without compromising comfortLinensilk hybridsOffering polish with ease these blends bring together the breezy comfort of linen with the lustrous appeal of silk creating fabrics that are perfect for long nights of dancing and celebrationInnovative accessorisingAccessories are no longer supporting players they are central to the narrative and can reshape any outfit adding personality ldquoTraditional jewellery is timeless but accessorising today is about exploring new directions bold sculptural and sometimes unexpectedrdquo says Mirpuri She sharesBejewelled brooches Elegant brooches are versatile accents that work across outfits Pin one on a dupatta to redefine its drape attach it to a jacket for a regal finish or fasten it onto a handbag for an elevated detailHair jewels and headpieces Move sparkle to eye level with crystalstudded cuffs woven into braids to jewelencrusted headbands These pieces feel regal yet modern perfect for festive nightsSculptural cuffs and gloves Replace predictable bangles with something bolder Cuffs in metal resin or stone bring architectural drama while embellished gloves add futuristic flair to classic ensemblesIndowestern wardrobe essentials for menWhile women can style a lehenga multiple ways men can also accentuate their shiny kurta and Nehru jackets with some creativity ldquoFor men Irsquod always suggest investing in timeless versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways throughout the festive seasonrdquo says Rao She shares her recommendations for a festive mens wardrobeThe tailored Bandhgala jacket This is a true wardrobe hero The tailored Bandhgala looks refined over a kurta for a traditional appearance and equally sophisticated when layered with a shirt and trousers for an IndoWestern edgePastel kurta A pastel kurta brings softness and freshness to the palette making it ideal for daytime celebrations while also pairing beautifully with darker jackets in the eveningThe Nehru jacket A sharply cut Nehru jacket adds instant polish to even the simplest kurta and can also be worn as a sleek layer over a shirt and chinosWellfitted trousers The impact of wellfitted clothing cannot be overstated Pairing the different aforementioned jackets and kurtas with wellfitted trousers can create a clean contemporary silhouette that feels both festive and modernPro tip Festivals are the perfect time to experiment with bolder choices Rao advises using different fabrics and colors to make a mens outfit stand out ldquoExperimenting with vibrant hues such as jewel tones ombreacute prints and textured fabrics like organza raw silk and dupion silk add instant character A solid kurta can be elevated by layering it with an embroidered jacket or adding tonal detailingrdquo she addsMens accessories The final touchAccessories are a powerful and essential way for men to express their individuality and elevate any outfit ldquoThey serve as the final touch transforming a simple ensemble into a cohesive and personal statementrdquo suggests Rao She lists four styling tips to help accessorise this festive seasonMake a statement with a single pieceA carefully chosen brooch pinned to a jacket can add an instant touch of elegance and a regal feel For a more casual yet impactful flair a colourful pocket square brings a vibrant pop of personality to a simple kurta or shirt drawing the eye and showing attention to detailLayer with personalityAn embroidered stole draped over the shoulder not only adds a layer of warmth but also a layer of sophisticated texture and colour For those seeking a modern more bohemian look a set of layered beaded necklaces can offer a deeply personal and artistic touchRefine your look with polished detailsNothing communicates sophistication and confidence quite like a statement watch or distinctive cufflinks These subtle yet powerful details show a keen attention to craft and finish the look with a sense of quiet luxuryStep up your styleThe right footwear can tie an entire outfit together Dont overlook the power of shoesmdashembroidered juttis or any traditional footwear can completely transform an ensemble making it feel fresh unique and intentional