The pandemic may have dulled the festive season’s sparkle but certainly not our spirit. As we prep again for a pared-down festive season, a classic salwar kameez suit seems like the perfect choice of outfit in ethnic wear. Fuss-free and stylish, this silhouette is best suited for smaller, at-home gatherings. And of course, there’s no arguing about the versatility of the suit—from salwars to churidaar to palazzos, there’s something for every preference, personality, and body type.
Clearly, 2020 was the year of loungewear—a trend that’s not going anywhere soon. And suits too, seemed to have, well, followed suit. Pallavi Saxena Jain of Saksh Life points to the anti-fit suits that are a hot trend right now. “Relaxed fit kurtas paired with pants or palazzos are in vogue this season with clients looking for comfortable silhouettes. In terms of fabrics, handloom fabrics—mainly mulmul and Chanderi—have made a strong comeback and will be the focus this festive season.”
So, we decided to scour through some of our favourite celebrities’ Instagram feeds to bring you ethnic wear sets that are perfect for festivities at home.
1. Anushka Sharma makes a case for white
The charm of a white ensemble is unparalleled—and no one quite does it better than Bollywoood’sown poster girl for minimalism—Anushka Sharma. For Diwali 2020, the then mommy-to-be was seen celebrating at home wearing a classic white ensemble by Anita Dongre. The elegant Anarkali suit featured delicate embroidery and was accentuated with light embellishments. The only accompaniments were a pair of matching juttis and heavy chaandbali earrings—ideal for a celebration at home.
2. Shine on like Disha Patani
White doesn’t always equal minimalism, as is evident by this outfit that was donned by Disha Patani, pre-lockdown. The actor was seen in an ornate white and gold sharara set. While the strappy short kurti and sharara, both featured rich embroidery, the dupatta was further accentuated with embroidery, sequins, and a border. The only jewellery was a pair of delicate earrings and a chunky ring, which perfectly balanced the outfit that would work for a slightly bigger function at home.
3. Jewel tones like Pooja Hegde
What’s an Indian festival without colour? Bright hues in ethnic wear add more colour to the joy of the festive season. Clearly, Pooja Hegde’s stunning Anita Dongre outfit is proof. The rich purple, silk anarkali featured rich metallic thread work and buttis all over. A pair of structured pants and the styling sans a dupatta gave this traditional outfit a modern spin. Wear it like Hegde or make it more traditional by draping a dupatta and adding statement jewellery.
4. Mira Rajput Kapoor’s contemporary chic vibes
This festive season, take a leaf out of Mira Rajput Kapoor’s style files. Always one to cut a stylish figure, the young star wife’s wardrobe features some eclectic ethnic wear pieces. She was recently spotted in a fusion ensemble by Tilla by Aratrik Dev Varman. The organza jacket featured traditional Afghani embroidery, appliqued with glass beadwork. If you’re not the sort to go for very traditional pieces, an outfit like this is a great investment. While Rajput Kapoor was seen pairing it with silk trousers, you could also pair a silhouette like this with your favourite jeans for that hipster look.
5. Kriti Sanon channels boho chic vibes
If you’re someone who loves prints, a good ol’ tie-dye print never disappoints. Take inspiration from Kriti Sanon’s recent outfit. The actor was seen in a tie-dye sharara set by Akanksha Gajria. The vibrant yellow outfit was tie-dyed orange and was further highlighted with gota work. While the print itself reminded us of the 70s, Sanon went a step ahead and added a chunky knotted hairband to the look, giving us serious retro vibes.
6. Sara Ali Khan says it with a dupatta
Sometimes, all an outfit needs is a vibrant dupatta and Sara Ali Khan shows us how. The actor who clearly has a soft spot for ethnic wear is often seen wearing her casual suits off-duty. The actor loves her handlooms—from chikankari to block prints. Her signature ethnic style also includes draping a vibrant dupatta over a monochromatic suit—just like this look. Khan was seen in a timeless chikankari salwar kurta set with a bright leheriya dupatta draped loosely over it. For your festivities at home, finish the look with oxidized silver jewellery and a bindi.
7. Opt for rich fabrics like Vidya Balan
Often, nothing quite makes a statement like a suit in a rich fabric, like this one seen on Vidya Balan. The actor was spotted in a rich Label Varsha silk kurta and palazzo set with a contrast dupatta. While the kurta featured embroidery on the yoke, it stood out owing to the richness of the fabric—both in terms of texture and colour. Balan accessorised the look with a pair of danglers and a cocktail ring. So, even if you’re going with minimal embellishments and embroidery, go with a rich fabric to make a strong sartorial statement.
8. Pick a pastel like Malavika Mohanan
Bookmark this look for times when all you need is a simple cotton suit like Malavika Mohanan. The no-fuss ensemble by Label Varsha—a pastel cotton kurta with palazzo pants—features light embroidery and is elegant in its simplicity. Pair this style with juttis and jhumkis for equal parts style and comfort.