Wondering what to wear this Diwali? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some of these celeb-approved ‘Diwali Looks’ to sparkle this season
If your Diwali outfits look too repetitive and boring, then maybe it’s time for a new mood board. Let’s ditch the red lehenga, gold dupatta, rinse and repeat, and move on to something much more unique and eye-catching. Bollywood’s glam squad has officially raised the bar this season — bringing everything from nostalgia-drenched saris to cut-out couture into the spotlight.
Hues of Nostalgia
In one of the most heartfelt fashion moments of the season, Janhvi Kapoor paid tribute to her mother, Sridevi, by wearing her iconic blue sari. The drape was simple yet soul-stirring — proof that emotional heirlooms will forever outshine even the most designer lehengas. Want to recreate the look? Dig into your mom’s sari trunk. Pair a vintage silk with modern accessories — think statement earrings and a sleek bun — for that old-school-meets-new vibe. It's a look that can never go out of style, no matter how many times you style it over and over again.
The Cut-Out Chic
Jacqueline Fernandez brought modern glamour to the festivities in a body-hugging lehenga paired with a cut-out blouse and a minimal dupatta. The sleek silhouette and strategic sparkle made her look both sexy and sophisticated. If you’re attending a card party or cocktail-style Diwali soiree, this is your blueprint — skip the heavy dupatta, and let that confident neckline do the talking. “Bridal-inspired bling is out — subtle luxury is in. Think delicate embroidery, fluid fabrics, and statement jewellery. Even when you go traditional, add a modern touch with a structured blouse, off-shoulder cut, or draped dupatta. It’s all about controlled drama this year,” says Tanya Ghagaroo, fashion stylist.
The Silver Siren Moment
Shanaya Kapoor might have just set the festive style bar sky-high with her futuristic silver lehenga. Her outfit featured an off-shoulder bralette and a straight-fit skirt with side-cut detailing — a look that screamed “modern maharani.” For those who love to blend glam and edge, swap your traditional golds for metallic tones this year. Silver is having its moment, and Diwali is the perfect excuse to dazzle like disco royalty.
The Golden Glow-Up
If there were an award for the most glammed-up Diwali look, Ananya Panday would win it hands down. Her golden lehenga with a rhinestone-studded bralette and a high-waisted fish-cut skirt shimmered like the inside of a gift box. For those who love drama (and a good twirl), gold remains the go-to festive hue; however, a colour that has been brutally overused.
The Saffron Elegance
Sara Ali Khan struck the perfect note between tradition and trend in an orange silk lehenga with intricate golden embroidery and an airy organza dupatta. The look was vibrant yet regal — ideal for those who like their Diwali outfits loud, but not too loud. Add jhumkas and kohl-rimmed eyes, and you’re basically starring in your own festive film. “This Diwali, invest in versatile pieces you can restyle — a statement dupatta, a metallic blouse, or a neutral jacket. The idea is to make fashion functional, not fleeting. Re-wearing is no longer a fashion faux pas; it’s smart styling,” says Aastha Sharma, Stylist.
The White Wonder
While everyone else went big on shimmer, Priyanka Chopra Jonas sets inspo for us with her chic blue lengha skirt set featuring a bralette, dupatta, and flared skirt. The result? Effortlessly elegant and refreshingly unconventional. If you’re tired of carrying heavy outfits all night, go the PC way — minimal fuss, maximum impact.
When in doubt, trust Kareena Kapoor Khan to ace understated elegance. The actress chose a pristine white anarkali for Diwali — flowing, regal, and refreshingly minimal. Paired with statement earrings and soft waves, her look was proof that simplicity can be just as striking as sequins. For those who love classic silhouettes, this one’s your perfect festive muse.
The Banarasi Brilliance
No one does statement dressing like Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and although this look was a piece for Karva Chauth, it could also be an impressive take for Diwali. She turned up in a multi-coloured Banarasi saree that blended heritage with high fashion. The unconventional drape and rich zari detailing proved that you don’t need sequins to shine. Recreate the look with a bright silk saree, a structured blouse, and bold jewelry — think traditional, but make it editorial. “Accessories are doing the heavy lifting this season. Layered necklaces, metallic belts, embellished juttis — they instantly make any simple outfit Diwali-ready. You don’t need a new outfit every year; you just need smarter styling,” says Neel Shah, Fashion designer.
The Power Pair
Sonakshi Sinha went royal in a deep blue ensemble that radiated understated luxury, while Kriti Sanon opted for a beige crop-top set adorned with red and green gemstones — a subtle nod to festive lights. Both proved that you don’t need to drown in shimmer to make a statement; sometimes, texture and tone are enough.
The Bling Boys
The men of Bollywood didn’t play it safe either this Diwali — proving that festive fashion isn’t just for the ladies.
The Regal Reboot
Take cues from The Royals star and channel royal energy in an anarkali-style kurta teamed with a churidar and draped dupatta. Elegant yet experimental — the kind of outfit that makes heads turn for all the right reasons.
The Maroon Mood
Ibrahim Ali Khan brought old-world charm back with a rich maroon short kurta paired with sleek black trousers and a matching embellished jacket. The look says ‘prince of the party’ without trying too hard.
The Metallic Power Move
Want to add an edge to your ethnic wear? Follow Tiger Shroff’s lead and go for a metallic grey sherwani paired with tailored black pants. Sharp, masculine, and just the right amount of drama for the festive night. “For men, we’re seeing a shift toward tonal layering — like an embroidered jacket over monochrome separates. It’s stylish, comfortable, and still festive. Swap your heavy sherwani for lighter, tailored fabrics and let the detailing do the talking,” says Esha Amiin, Fashion Stylist based in Mira Road.
The Modern Maharaja
Taha Shah Badussha gave the traditional kurta a suave update — a crisp white shirt and high-waist trousers layered with a long, intricately embroidered jacket. It’s the perfect mix of modern minimalism and festive flair.
