Indian Contemporary Festival Outfit Ideas for 2022

After Indian weddings, Indian festivals are arguably the most popular occasions for women to flaunt their most beautiful dresses. But just what qualifies as beautiful is largely a matter of opinion with no standard definition. Trends, after all, are fleeting and tastes keep changing with time. 

There was a time when a party dress without shimmer and shine wasn’t considered a party dress at all. While you’ll still find a sprinkling of embellishment here, or a bit of embroidery there on formal outfits considered worth their salt, gone is the previous obsession with bling and brilliance. 

If you think your festive-wear outfits dazzle more than they delight, it may be time for a wardrobe makeover. Well, here are five Indian contemporary festive outfit ideas to help inspire you towards a sartorial overhaul!

The Skirt-Top Combination 

The skirt-top combination represents a quirky spin on the overwhelmingly heavy lehenga choli. Go for flowing, billowy maxi skirts with a distinctly feminine appeal. Get creative in your choice of top – ditch the traditional choli-style top and instead, opt for contrast or matching crop tops and tube tops. A net dupatta could pretty much seal the look though you could also choose to forgo it altogether. 

Kurta-Pants with a Difference

The conventional salwar-kameez is in a constant state of flux, undergoing countless changes. Kurtas adorned with any kind of embellishment – sequins, mirror-work, embroidery, zari – on the yoke, hem, neckline, and sleeves are very chic in 2022. Both solid colour kurtas and those featuring all-over prints look attractive. Palazzos, straight pants, and cigarette pants are great choices in bottom-wear. The neatness of the matching kurta-trouser set is unparalleled; but go for contrast pants, if you can carry it off, by all means. 

The Sharara Set

With their swish and sway, Sharara pants evoke the sartorial dignity and grace of yore. These pleated trousers are modest in a demure sort of way, making them the perfect attire to sport at festive gatherings. Wear Sharara pants with a short kurti in a matching colour or pattern. Go for Sharara sets marked by minimalism – glasswork, embroidery, or lacework on the neckline, yoke, sleeves, and hem. The ensemble is adequately classic-looking; add a contemporary touch to it by ditching the dupatta altogether.

The One-Piece Dress

Notwithstanding its western roots, the contemporary one-piece dress – born of a union of western silhouettes and Indian prints – has a distinctly ethnic verve and vibe. One-piece dresses have become wildly popular of late, and there are very good reasons to wear these on special occasions – they are graceful, versatile, comfortable, and there’s plenty of room for accessorizing in varied ways. Both midi and maxi dresses are chic; go for a flared silhouette and embroidery, brocade, or applique on the yoke for added charm. 

The Jacketed Look

The overwhelming majority of festive celebrations in India take place in the autumn-winter months, making sure you can layer up in style. Ethnic jackets – with their classic western fit and vibrant colours and prints – can spruce up an outfit in no time. Long jackets and overlays featuring all-over brocade and embroidery are great for festive occasions. If this is too heavy for you, opt for ones featuring border embroidery, chintz prints, or scattered block prints. For a sharp, fitted silhouette, choose a belted jacket and wear it over a top and trouser or one-piece dress.Ensembles like the ones described above represent a seamless marriage of Indian heritage and global influences. If you love these, you should find yourself at Ancestry.

Infusing time-honoured traditions of ethnic prints and embroidery with a contemporary essence, Ancestry products are thoughtfully designed to usher in novel sartorial conventions. Every creation by the label is a fresh rendition of reimagined world traditions, allowing you to make an impression every time you wear one.