5 Mind-Altering Ideas to Turn Casual Outfits into Festive Wear

By Anushka Batra

The fashion world survives because no two people are alike. Some wear casual outfits that don’t require much effort even during the festive season; others like to overdo everything during festivals. With the Indian festive season around the corner, there’s no way we can let our fashion quotient slip — and over the years, the spectrum of ethnic festive fashion has become broad. Whenever laziness tries to grab our feet, we befriend it and stay a fashion-conscious bunch, always experimenting with casual clothes to make them festival-appropriate. If you don’t want to let go of your comfort during the extravagant festivals, here are a few outfit ideas to make you happy.

The ‘Turbanator’

Carrying a dupatta over a salwar suit is an age-old habit and a common sight in ethnic fashion. A dupatta provides comfort, but turning it into a creative festive element is a hard job — until the bold Turbanator trend made it easier. Add the dupatta to your outfit in an unconventional way by wrapping it as a turban around your head, for an uber-chic, bohemian look that’s perfect for the festive season. Our guide to dupatta draping styles has more ideas.

Bye bye blouse, hello bodysuits

The ethnic fashion industry has changed for the good — a traditional piece like a saree now gets worn with pants, jumpsuits, kurtas and more. When it comes to casual clothing, nothing defines it better than a bodysuit. For a festive look, pick a heavy-looking bodysuit instead of an ordinary blouse and pair it with your saree, carrying the pallu any way you like. Comfortable and festive-ready at once.

Rock and roll with biker jackets

Who thought something as casual as a biker jacket or denim shirt could look super ethnic when paired with a lehenga? Leather biker jackets are exciting on their own, but they get a whole new festive definition with a lehenga or long ethnic skirt. Replace the choli in your lehenga sets with a denim jacket, denim shirt or biker jacket — this indo-western idea balances an over-the-top lehenga with a sober edge.

Say no to over-used dhoti pants, yes to dhoti kurtis

Dhotis are undeniably the comfiest, most casual of clothes. Dhoti pants have been in trend for over a decade, but stylish dhoti-style kurtis remain unexplored territory. This kurti has remarkable drapes from the yoke or bodice with a designer cut and classy patterns, looks fantastic at any festive celebration, and best of all needs no bottoms — just add a belt and some bohemian jewellery.

Wear an ethnic long skirt as a dress

The most unconventional festive idea inspired by casual clothes is wearing an ethnic skirt as a one-piece dress. Choose a long skirt and wear a bandeau under it; if you feel conscious about your arms, add a cropped embroidered jacket over the top. This polished attire is ethnic, stylish and looks great with heels.

These five ideas are practical for every season since they take inspiration from casual clothes you already own. Once you’ve gathered the courage to experiment, the next step is a few simple tricks to up your fashion game.

Simple tricks to glam up casual outfits into festive wear

Try different bottoms

Don’t keep repeating the same leggings with every outfit. Choose from palazzo pants, cigarette pants, skirts, Aladdin salwars and more — just make sure your bottoms are in sync with your upper wear.

Add in tassels

Little elements like tassels can beautify an entire outfit. The most casual kurtis and dupattas get extra oomph with tassels in different colours and sizes, and even blouses look great with them.

Be dramatic with sleeves

Cape sleeves, bell sleeves or retro-dramatic sleeves are a perfect way to upgrade casual outfits in no time. Recycle, add or replace the sleeves on your ethnic wear — ruffled sleeves are especially popular right now.

Accessorise it right

Accessorising is the most important way to turn a casual outfit festive. The right juttis and a statement necklace add a stylish touch, and if jewellery isn’t your thing, a glamorous clutch or handbag works wonders.

Festive trends today are all about comfort, practicality and style. The best part of these ideas is that they draw on the casual clothes already in your wardrobe — so take the over-used pieces out and give them a fresh perspective for the festive season.