50 Gorgeous Diwali Dress Ideas That’ll Make You Look Like A *Pataakha*!

Diwali is around the corner, and just like last year, and the year before that, every woman is scrounging every online shopping website for the perfect Diwali dress. When do we want to shop? Now! How much do we want to pay? Less! Finding the perfect Diwali clothes can be all the more challenging because we want them on discounts, and we’re not being able to find any at the stores. But you don’t have to worry about ‘What to wear this Diwali?’. All you need is this article because we have got your covered from head to toe.  

50 Best Diwali Dress Ideas

There are SO MANY ethnic wear options in India to choose from. And the style is so sophisticated, elegant, and ageless that whatever you wear, your mother or your daughter can wear it too without looking OTT or underdressed. Sarees, lehenga-cholis, the hundred different kinds of traditional suits and kurtas, and pretty much the entire Diwali dress code comes in a thousand different colours, embroideries, embellishments, and what not. So, to make it easier for you, here are the 50 best Diwali dress ideas according to current fashion trends and styles that will be perfect for a lit festive season this year. We have divided them into five categories of Indian Diwali outfits so you can pick ‘The Outfit’ effortlessly.

10 Best Sarees For Diwali In 2018

10 Best Kurtas For Diwali In 2018

10 Best Lehengas For Diwali In 2018

10 Best Suits For Diwali In 2018

10 Best Indo-Western Outfits For Diwali In 2018

10 Best Sarees For Diwali In 2018

Sarees, in my opinion, are the most expressive form of femininity and fashion. It makes me proud to be a part of the rich Indian culture where the nine yards of fine clothing originated. Here are 10 best saree designs for the perfect Diwali dress code:

1. Welcome To Brown Town

Brown is the new black as is evident from the recent looks of our beloved Bollywood celebrities. And when mixed with gold, the combination is to die for. This brown art silk saree has a woven design on the border and the pallu. It comes with a matching blouse piece that you can get stitched in a design of your choice. You can even belt it like the model in the picture for a trendy look.

POPxo Recommends: Saree with Woven-Design Border & Pallu (Rs 1,663) by Chhabra 555 available at flat 50% off

2. Simple Goes A Long Way

 Don’t underestimate the power of a simple saree. This indigo blue saree with a contrasting woven border, which Kanchi sarees are known for, will work great for the ghar ki Diwali puja. You can also wear it to office thanks to its 100% cotton composition, which will keep you comfy all day long. Make sure to hand-wash it separately to ensure a longer life of the beautiful saree.

POPxo Recommends: Kanchi Varada Cotton Saree with Woven Border (Rs 2,249) by Indie Picks available at 25% off

3. Brace For Lace

Bold jacquard, pretty lace, and an elegant floral pattern, this saree has all the latest trends in one. But the highlight of the saree design is the contrast border with embroidered and embellished motifs. Now there’s a saree that you can wear in the day, and take it into the night stylishly. And could the pink and green colour combination look any prettier?

POPxo Recommends: Jacquard Saree with Contrast Border (Rs 2,489) by Viva N Diva available at 30% off

4. Brocade Is The New Normal

Have an office Diwali party to attend? This beige saree will fit right into your Diwali dress code. It is a cotton-blend Banarasi saree with statement-making florals motifs and a zari border. Banarasi sarees are characterised by brocade borders and pallus, and they often have woven buta or jaal work on the body. For a sophisticated and stylish night, this saree would be perfection.

POPxo Recommends: Banarasi Cotton Meena Buta Brocade Saree (Rs 4,899) by Rudrakaashe-MSU available at 30% off

5. Art Silk For The Soul

The best silk sarees come from the South, and it’s their authenticity, saturated colours, variegated weaves, and unique textures that make them so defined and divine. This bright pink and muted green saree comes with a gorgeous buta pattu work on the border. A nudge of neon is all it needed to make our Diwali brighter than ever.

POPxo Recommends: Tulsi South Silk Buta Pattu Saree (Rs 4,979) by Pretty Woman

Also read 70 Diwali Messages To Share With Your Beloved One

6. Think Pink

Pink is my favourite colour, and no list of mine can go without a pink recommendation from me. The colour is so feminine and fruity that it makes any occasion look fancy whether it’s a festival or a Friday. This one is a cotton-silk blend and comes with a brocade border and jaal work on the body and pallu. The best part about this saree is that is it not heavy, making it equally ideal for a casual day as well.

POPxo Recommends: Banarasi Cotton Resham Jaal Saree (Rs 6,049) by Banarasi Style

7. Handloom Comes In Handy

This 100% silk and genuine handloom saree comes straight from Nuapatna town in Odisha. An Ikat technique, which involves tying and dyeing of yarn prior to weaving, results in its characteristic pattern. With a stunning magenta pink with a contrast border in shades of yellow and gold, this saree has ‘Diwali’ written all over it.

POPxo Recommends: Handloom Buti Khandua Silk Ikat Saree (Rs 6,999) by Priyadarshini Handloom available at 30% off

8. Pure Silk, Pure Gold

Tussar is a wild silk grown in India and is known for its unique texture, feel, and sheen. Save your black sarees for wedding season and glam up this Diwali in this wonderful combination of black, brown, and taupe. I can already imagine a smokey-eye and nude lipstick would be an amazing Diwali makeup look. And the old-school saree drape is all you need to channel your inner Goddess.

POPxo Recommends: Pure Tussar Silk Printed Saree (Rs 10,799) by Rudrakaashe-MSU available at 40% off

9. Embroidery Ecstacy

If you are all about intricate embroideries, then this blue saree is sheer brilliance. The hand-embroidered sky blue saree with zari work speaks for itself. Wear it to a friend’s house party this festive season and you can be sure that everyone will be talking about you.

POPxo Recommends: Blue Embroidered Silk Saree with Zari (Rs 15,999) by Via East

10. Care For Kanjivaram?

I have grown up watching Rekha, not so much in her movies, but in her signature style wearing Kanjivaram sarees, and I’ve always been a fan of the style. This lustrous pink and gold colour blocked saree is an investment that involves no risks. What better than a classic to bring in the festive season?

POPxo Recommends: Handloom Kanjivaram Pure Silk Saree with Woven Border (Rs 22,499) by Indie Picks available at 25% off Don’t know how to drape a saree? Don’t worry. Here’s how to wear a saree the right way. Even if you are a saree virgin, this failsafe technique will make you look like a pro. And while you are at it, try one of these 35 Bollywood-approved hairstyles for saree this Diwali.

10 Best Kurtas For Diwali In 2018

Kurtas have a high-fashion appeal, and they can make even the simplest of salwars look anything but basic. Plus, there are so many types of kurtas with different silhouettes that can help you get there stylishly. If you don’t want to spend too much this Diwali, these 10 gorgeous kurtas and kurtis are perfect to pair with your leggings, salwars, palazzos, dhotis, and pretty much all your bottoms:

1. Peach, Please?

The best part about the colour peach is that it flatters every skin tone. That mixed with gold is a match made in fashion heaven. This straight kurta has statement-making slits on the front as well as on the sides and would look great with gold-colored wide-legged pants. Here’s how Bollywood styles its wide-legged pants so you can too.

POPxo Recommends: Peach-Coloured & Golden Printed Straight Kurta (Rs 899) by W available at flat 55% off

2. Trust Rust

Is it just me or does everyone get obsessed with Indian wear around Diwali? This stunning kurta from Deepika Padukone’s collection All About You will help you maintain an elegant look at work. We are loving the rust colour with a contrast print, and the flared hemline on this A-line kurta is just too cute. Pair it with white or beige cropped trousers and block heels for a stylish 9 to 5 look.

POPxo Recommends: Red Printed A-Line Kurta (Rs 1,099) by All About You available at flat 50% off

3. Orange Is The New Black

I don‘t understand why orange is so underrated when the colour is symbolic of joy, warmth, enthusiasm, creativity, and success – everything that Diwali stands for. So, this year, make sure this flared orange kurti with a princess seam makes it to your Diwali wardrobe. Pair it with a Patiala salwar for the ultimate festive feels.

POPxo Recommends: Flared Kurti with Embellished Collar (Rs 1,259) by Ajio available at 30% off

4. White Is Always Right

Is there a more versatile colour than white? We think not. You can style it with anything, in any way, and still be the most glamorous person in the room. This kurta has a minimalist checked texture, is a polyester and chanderi blend – perfect for the November weather and has golden sequin work on the trunk of the body that adds to the kurta’s charm beautifully.

POPxo Recommends: Checked Sequinned Kurta with Mandarin Collar (Rs 1,799) by Ajio available at 40% off

5. Must-have Mustard

How fabulous is this mustard and gold kurta? With cut-sleeves and slits going as high as your thigh revealing the muted gold underneath, this floor-length layered kurta will look great when paired with palazzos or shararas. With a natural sheen of the silk and subtle orange hues, this is just what a millennial woman needs for a stylish Diwali.

POPxo Recommends: Double Layer Silk Maxi Tunic – Mustard Foil (Rs 2,040) by Faballey Indya available at 40% off

6. Olive You Too

There is a reason why this angrakha kurta keeps going out of stock. One, the lovely olive colour. Two, the bright embroidery on it, especially around the neck. And three, the quirky tassel tie-up. This silk-blended kurta, when paired with a matching palazzo by the brand, will be great for a Diwali party with friends.

POPxo Recommends: Embroidered Pure Silk Viscose Anarkali Kurta (Rs 2,799) by Indie Picks available at 30% off

7. Rager In Red

Don’t limit red to Karvachauth this festive season. This red kurta will beat your last year’s Diwali dress code at the party by so many points. Made in georgette, it comes with a front slit, a sheer embellished profile, and a thick glossy border in gold. Pair it with beige or gold trousers and juttis for the ultimate desi look. And don’t hold back on the bangles, ladies.

POPxo Recommends: Pink Foil High Slit Georgette Maxi Tunic (Rs 2,950) by Faballey Indya

8. It Was All Gold

Chanderi is produced by weaving silk and zari work in a traditional cotton yarn that gives it the shimmering texture. This asymmetrical chanderi kurta is described as ‘Leheriya Romance’ by the brand, and rightly so. A printed beige kurta a sheer gold overlay is all the glam you need this Diwali.

POPxo Recommends: Beige Printed Chanderi Kurta (Rs 3,990) by Daman Choli

9. Pink Paradise

Hot from Jaypore’s new drop, this pink flared kurta comes in a set of two. You can either layer them both or wear them as separates, let your mood take the call with this one. The cotton kurta comes in a dusty pink tone while the mul-mul kurta comes in a fuchsia pink. Get the best of two outfits in one in a trendy way this Diwali. And if you love pink as much as I do, this is an investment you should make.

POPxo Recommends: Pink Flared Cotton Kurta with Mul Slip and Gota (Set of 2) (Rs 4,490) by Jaypore 10. Pretty In Purple

Doesn’t this purple silk kurta remind you of Cadbury’s Dairymilk Silk? Look as delicious as chocolate in this pure Tussar silk A-line kurta. The best part about A-line kurtas is that that they flatter all body types. This one, in particular, has a slightly flared hemline making it perfect Diwali-party attire. Pair it with simple white leggings to make sure the kurta steals the spotlight.

POPxo Recommends: Silk Tussar A-Line Embroidered Long Kurta (Rs 5,990) by Fabindia

10 Best Lehengas For Diwali In 2018

I would recommend lehengas if, one, Diwali is your Christmas and you wait for your favourite festival all year long, and two, if you have weddings to attend this season. Why? Because lehengas cost more, are high maintenance, and can’t be worn to casual events. And, if you are spending thousands of rupees on one lehenga set, might as well make the most of it. So, here are 10 lovely and light-weight lehengas that will light up your Diwali stylishly. There are stitched and semi-stitched lehenga-choli sets so you can modify them as you please. Wear them during the day or at night, these lehengas are showstoppers regardless.

1. One With Nifty Shades Of Grey

POPxo Recommends: Grey Made to Measure Lehenga & Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 1,467) by Rajesh Silk Mills available at a flat 60% off

2. One To Make Them Go Green With Envy

POPxo Recommends: Green & Gold-Toned Printed Ready to Wear Lehenga & Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 2,799) by Anayna available at flat 65% off

3. One With A Fabulous Floral Frenzy

POPxo Recommends: Orange & Purple Solid Semi-Stitched Lehenga & Unstitched Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 2,999) by Inddus available at flat 60% off

4. One For The Last Minute ‘I’ve Got Nothing To Wear’

POPxo Recommends: Rust Red & Green Khari Print Ready to Wear Lehenga & Choli with Dupatta (Rs 2,999) by AKS available at 25% off

5. One For The Love Of Bright Colours

POPxo Recommends: Mustard Yellow & Green Semi-Stitched Lehenga & Unstitched Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 3,279) by Inddus available at flat 60% off

6. One To Paint The Town Rainbow

POPxo Recommends: Multicoloured Khari Print Ready to Wear Lehenga & Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 4,499) by AKS available at 25% off

7. One To Drive The Blues Away

POPxo Recommends: Navy Blue & Green Embellished Made to Measure Lehenga & Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 5,355) by Chhabra 555 available at flat 55% off

8. One In Brown For The Frown

POPxo Recommends: Brown Made to Measure Lehenga & Blouse with Dupatta (Rs 7,155) by Chhabra 555 available at flat 55% off

9. One For The Lover Of Minimalism

POPxo Recommends: Natural Silk Cutwork Tissue Lehenga Choli Set (Rs 19,990) by Fabindia

10. One For The Modern Woman

POPxo Recommends: Sequin Embroidered Cape with Crop Top & Lehenga (Rs 38,800) by Prathyusha Garimella

10 Best Suits For Diwali In 2018

My favourite part about a traditional Indian suit is that you don’t need to worry about mixing and matching. It already comes in a set with a salwar, kurta, and dupatta leaving us free to worry about other things like what mithai to make at home this Diwali. So, here are 10 trendy suits that will make for the perfect Diwali outfits this festive season:

1. I Like To Mauve It, Mauve It

For me, this mauve and gold-printed suit was love at first sight and ‘Place Order’ at the second. I bought it for my office Diwali party and so should you. This floor-length Anarkali kurta with a matching churidar and dupatta has a very soothing look and feel. Let subtle colours do the talking while you do the rocking.

POPxo Recommends: Mauve & Golden Printed Anarkali Kurta with Churidar & Dupatta (Rs 1,049) by Libas available at flat 70% off

2. A Princess Pink

Speaking of subtle colours, this dusty pink suit set with a flared kurta, palazzos, and a net dupatta is a total winner. With a gold border and print all over the kurta, the sleeves on this piece have the cutest net ruffles on them. There isn’t a prettier outfit for Diwali.

POPxo Recommends: Pink & Printed Kurta with Palazzos & Dupatta (Rs 2,579) by All About You available at 40% off

3. Greening With Joy

A dark green Anarkali with tiny polka dots all over when combined with burgundy pink makes a romantic combination that is simple yet exquisite. This Diwali, bring in the puja in this traditional attire and don’t forget to accessorise with gold-toned jewellery to complete the look.

POPxo Recommends: Green & Burgundy Self Design Kurta with Trousers & Dupatta (Rs 3,739) by Inddus available at 45% off

4. Game Up With Gharara

Red is the most auspicious colour in Indian culture. That on the contemporary gharara trend is just so 2018. This suit is 100% cotton and 100% awesome with its cold-shoulder statement sleeves and a delicate contrast print. Opt for juttis with this one and paint the town red in style.

POPxo Recommends: Printed Straight Kurta with Gharara & Dupatta (Rs 3,799) by Biba

5. Proper Patola

An orange a day keeps the doctor away. Or so it seems ‘coz this orange salwar suit is all the therapy you need this festive season. With bright colours and a classic embroidery, look your desi best in this elegant number from Imara. Style it with juttis and jhumkas for a proper ‘Proper Patola’ look.

POPxo Recommends: Embroidered Straight Kurta with Salwar & Dupatta (Rs 4,299) by Imara

6. Gotta Love The Gota Patti

We are seriously crushing on mint green this season, and this fabulous suit is the reason. Suits like these are all about the details. For example, if you look closely you’ll notice that the dupatta’s border has a bright pink lining, and that makes all the difference. Pay attention to such details and enjoy luxe feels for less.

POPxo Recommends: Green Cotton Silk-Jacquard Kurta-Palazzos-Dupatta with Gota Work (Set of 3) (Rs 4,999) by Truebrowns

7. Bandhej Babe

This white anarkali suit comes with a white resham embroidery, a double border matching the work on the neckline, and a contrast orange dupatta in bandhej for that traditional touch. Now all you have to do is pucker up with a red lipstick to nail the festive look in this suit set.

POPxo Recommends: White & Orange Made to Measure Anarkali Kurta with Churidar & Dupatta (Rs 7,160) by Chhabra 555 available at flat 60% off

8. Anarkali Disco Chali

This coral pink and mehendi green suit has ‘Disco Diwali’ written all over it. Light in weight, heavy in glam, this suit will make you an instant hit at the Diwali party. And let’s just face it, when you look good, you feel good. Opt for a sleek bun, chandbalis, and juttis with this piece. You are now just cool clutch away from #OOTNGoals.

POPxo Recommends: Pink & Green Made to Measure Anarkali Kurta with Churidar & Dupatta (Rs 10,178) by Bollywood Vogue available at 25% off

9. Suit Banaras Wala

Splurge on this vintage Banarasi silk suit in a rust-orange colour and brocade work for a truly lit Diwali. The impeccably tailored kurta is made from old silk brocade that naturally decays with age. Its iconic weave is hard to find today, and in an updated silhouette like this no less. Pair it with your favorite statement pieces of jewellery to make the ensemble delectably here and now.

POPxo Recommends: Orange Vintage Benarasi Silk Brocade Pleated Kurta with Pockets (Rs 11,990) by Jaypore

10. Mellow In Yellow

Yellow is such a happy colour, and it brightens up any OOTD irrespective of the occasion. This muted yellow suit features a short chanderi kurti and block printed shararas with a dupatta that has gota patti motifs that lend the outfit an oh-so-sublime look. Wear it in the day with your favorite pair of sunglasses and in the night with an OTT maangtika.

POPxo Recommends: Yellow Block-printed Chanderi Kurta-Sharara-Dupatta with Gota Work (Set of 3) (Rs 12,700) by Tailor And I

10 Best Indo-Western Outfits For Diwali In 2018

The fusion of Indian and western wear is called indo-western. This style is especially popular among millennials. And why wouldn’t it be? Indo-western outfits offer the best of both worlds with a quirky twist, and what are we really without these quirks? If you don’t want to go all-out desi but don’t mind a touch of traditional, then check out these 10 indo-western pieces handpicked by us just for you:

1. Ethnic Skirt + Crisp White Shirt

One of the most popular fusion ensembles is pairing an ethnic skirt and plain white shirt together. Even Bollywood swears by it. All you need are juttis and a statement necklace to complete this look.

POPxo Recommends: Pink & Golden Printed Maxi Flared Skirt (Rs 897) by Ira Soleil available at flat 50% off

2. Statement Top + Solid Palazzos

This contemporary take on ethnic tops takes ‘long sleeves’ to another level – the ground floor. Pair this maroon top with palazzos and accessorise with heavy drop earrings or a maangtika and make a bold statement this Diwali.

POPxo Recommends: Maroon Printed Top (Rs 1,350) by Faballey Indya available at 25% off

3. Printed Dhoti Pants + Solid Tunic

Dhotis are not just for men. Get your hands on these printed dhoti pants and we assure you that heads will turn in your direction. Wear it with a solid tunic for a truly fashionable fusion look.

POPxo Recommends: High-Waist Printed Dhoti Pants (Rs 1,499) by Ajio available at 40% off

4. OTT Palazzos + Basic Top

Speaking of fashion, these magenta and golden flared palazzos are a hoot these days especially when paired with a chic top or shirt. We suggest, you style these flaming hot palazzos with a solid crop top, either full sleeves or no sleeves, and look lit af.

POPxo Recommends: Magenta & Golden Printed Flared Palazzos (Rs 1,619) by W available at flat 55% off

5. A Skirt + Top Set (Minus The Dupatta)

This orange skirt and top coordinate set will be a conversation starter at this year’s Diwali party. The printed silk between the lehenga skirt’s pleats is eye catchy, just like the ruffled hemline of the top. Glam up with a statement necklace and earrings.

POPxo Recommends: Orange & Navy Silk Woven Design Lehenga Choli (Rs 1,749) by AKS available at flat 65% off

6. The Desi Pantsuit Look

Brace yourself for the Indian version of the pantsuit this festive season. All it takes is a coordinate set and an ethnic jacket to nail the look. This Diwali, get your hands on an ethnic jacket like this embellished longline shrug and give a desi makeover to your OOTD.

POPxo Recommends: Wine Embellished Longline Shrug (Rs 1,800) by Faballey Indya

7. A Kurta Dress + Slim Belt

2018 has been all about the kurta dress. Bollywood celebs have been wearing their kurtas as dresses without any bottoms underneath. Take this green and gold-toned fit and flare dress for example. Cinch a slim belt around it, we recommend a coffee-brown belt and see the difference it makes to your look.

POPxo Recommends: Green & Gold-Coloured Self Design Fit and Flare Dress (Rs 2,099) by House of Pataudi available at 30% off

8. Western-style Lehenga Choli With One-Shoulder Poncho

At the beginning of the year, we gave a fashion forecast for everything ethnic and said that ponchos are going to rule the trends. Well, look who’s right! This one-shoulder poncho-style lehenga (without dupatta) is hot from Deepika Padukone’s latest collection and it is sheer brilliance.

POPxo Recommends: Peach-Coloured Printed Lehenga Choli (Rs 2,149) by All About You available at flat 50% off

9. High Slit Kurta + Trousers

Another Indo-western fusion hot among the celebs involves a maxi top and trousers. They are wearing wide-legged pants with pretty much everything. Put yours to good use this Diwali by styling it with a high-slit kurta. Alternately, you can just buy this black and pink tassels set and be done.

POPxo Recommends: Black Pink Tassels Set (Rs 2,500) by Bunaai

10. Cape Kurta + Salwar

When it comes to Indian wear, Ajio has stood out to be one brand that never disappoints. Take this one-sleeve kurta for example. This cape kurta with an asymmetrical hemline is so trendy that the wearer would definitely feel like a superhero. Pair it with a salwar.

POPxo Recommends One-Sleeve Asymmetric Cape Kurta (Rs 2,800) by Ajio available at flat 65% off.

Didn’t we say this list has got you covered? Shopping for Diwali clothes has never been this easy. To complete your Diwali look, put your best foot forward with these comfy and stylish heels and flats perfect for the festive season. And don’t forget to accessorise with one of these fabulous potli bags that will go with all your Indian wear. Happy shopping! Happy Diwali!

This story was updated in 2019.