8 Styles to Rock for your Deepavali #OOTD

With visiting restrictions in place this year, you might be thinking “Why bother dressing up for Deepavali?” In fact, this is the best chance to show off your fashion flair, because everyone’s going to be flocking online to connect instead.

We’ve curated 8 modern style inspirations so you can rock that Deepavali #OOTD in sunny Singapore — pulled from the lookbooks of (who else) the lovely divas of Bollywood. So get ready to hit the shops, and get your fashion game on!

1. Bust out the Cropped Blouse

Image credit: Instagram @kiaraaliaadvani, @vanibhojan_, @janhvikapoor

Cropped blouses are everywhere, and a great way to add a modern touch to your festive ethnic look. Work your cold/off shoulder tops like Kiara Advani, boat neck cuts like Vani Bhojan, or even long-sleeve crops like Janhvi Kapoor. Draw attention to your embellished top by keeping your choice of bottoms plain, or vice versa!

Extremely versatile, cropped blouses can be paired with flowy lehengas, sarees, and even with pants. Accessorise with a dupatta or jacket for when more modest attire is required. The best part? Crop tops aren’t limited to festive or traditional ethnic wear; you can wear them again anytime!

2. Go Dramatic with Sleeves

Image credit: Instagram @theshilpashetty, @sonamkapoor, @mahirahkhan

Long or short, billowy or bell-shaped, sleeves can make a statement all on their own. As Shilpa Shetty shows, a little drama on the sleeves can instantly jazz up an otherwise plain saree. For an unexpected yet softer texture, try fringe detailing a la Sonam Kapoor. Or borrow from Mahira Khan and go for ruffled layers – a great look to add volume if you have narrow or sloping shoulders!

Whichever style you choose to flaunt, keep the rest of your outfit toned down so that your sleeves can shine. After all, there’s only room for one drama queen.

3. Peek-A-Boo Backs

Image credit: Instagram @kritisanon, @deepikapadukone, @jacquelinef143

You know those home workouts that you started during Circuit Breaker? Don’t let them go to waste — this is the perfect look to show off those newly-toned shoulders and back.

Spice up the traditional saree like Kriti Sanon with a strapless blouse complete with on-trend knotted bow back. Alternatively, channel Deepika Padukone with a lovely embroidered blouse that features a deep V back, or go for a halter back a la Jacqueline Fernandez. Racerbacks, strappy backs, and even netted back blouses are also great options if you prefer more coverage. With a myriad of styles available, there’s definitely something for everyone.

4. Pairing Sarees with Pants

Image credit: Instagram @shilpareddy.official, @saraalikhan95, @amrutakhanvilkar

A popular Indo-Western take on the traditional saree, pairing sarees with pants has given rise to a whole host of chic looks.

Use a full wraparound drape over embellished cigarette pants like Shilpa Reddy for a classic style. If you’re game for a more trendy look, why not try dhoti pants with neat pleats tucked into one side like Amruta Khanvilkar? Super versatile and flattering to all body types, feel free to experiment matching your sarees with leggings, palazzos, and even denim.

Just make sure you practice your draping skills because this one is all about the pleats and the drapes… or go to the other extreme and rock those clean modern lines like Sara Ali Khan’s minimalist ensemble. Use patterns and accessories to add a pop of colour and you’re good to go!

5. Belt (and Bling) It Up

Image credit: Instagram @shilpareddy.official, @saraalikhan95, @amrutakhanvilkar

Belting up over all kinds of ethnic wear became such a big trend that top design house Sabyasachi’s belts even stole the limelight from their famous sarees.

For those who love all things shiny (because what’s Deepavali without some sparkle, right?), this is the perfect opportunity to bling it up like Shilpa Shetty, or go big as Tamannaah Bhatia did with a corset belt over her tiered ruffle bandhani jacket. If bling isn’t your thing, channel Shilpa Reddy’s elegance with an understated belt in a complementary colour. A well-matched belt elevates your outfit, showing off that shapely waist!

6. Be a Peplum Princess

Image credit: Instagram @ananyapanday, @deepikapadukone, @harnaazsandhu_03

Peplums are every girl’s best friend! They are flattering and forgiving, helping us shape the waistline while covering love handles, baby bumps, and full tummies from all that festive indulgence.

Wear them in a more relaxed cut over shararas like Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan, or with a more fitted silhouette over a flowy lehenga like Miss India Punjab 2019, Harnaaz Sandhu. Peplum tops range from mini frills at the waistline to longer mid-thigh styles, and even asymmetrical cuts that add a dramatic flair to the flare. Peplums create lovely folds, so don’t be afraid to play up the hem detailing!

7. Strut the Shararas

Image credit: Instagram @shraddhakapoor, @imouniroy, @sonamkapoor

Shararas are the ultimate definition of flowy, feminine, and comfortable. Whether you choose to wear them in a slimmer cut like Shilpa Shetty, a wider one like Deepika Padukone, or go boho inspired like Sara Ali Khan, shararas will flatter you regardless of body type.

Go ahead and pair them with cropped tops to flaunt those toned abs, or with peplum tops and short kurtis for a more relaxed fit — the best way to hide that food baby from all the feasting!

8. Bring on Bold Quirky Prints

Image credit: Instagram @theshilpashetty, @deepikapadukone, @saraalikhan95

Not for the fainthearted, this last look is about pushing boundaries. Go loud and proud with bold patterns like Mouni Roy, or make a statement like Sonam Kapoor’s tastefully done typographic (yes, words!) interpretation. For a fresh, feminine take, draw inspiration from Shraddha Kapoor’s cute embroidered floral lehenga and matching blouse.

Prints can be tricky and you don’t want to look like a patchwork quilt, so we suggest starting with just one bold pattern or print in a traditional silhouette. Glam it up for the ‘gram and rack up those style points!

There’s no better place to snag your Deepavali outfits than Little India, so make sure to swing by the shops and catch our festive promos and discounts.

If you’re planning to make a trip down, do remember to observe the appropriate social distancing and safety measures for a safe and enjoyable experience!