You know you love the ‘desi’ dress up game when you start counting down days for ‘shaadi’ season to start, as soon as it’s over. Let’s thank the stars that wedding season ain’t over yet, there’s a couple of months to go. And when it is time to say goodbye, a long list of festivals awaits. Also, don’t forget that one friend who picks the middle of summer to have a destination wedding. So, if you’re a big fan of dressing up in your best Indian wear, you’re in luck all year ‘round. Speaking of Indian wear, it usually takes 3 steps to get to the final look. The first, where you spend days looking at Kareena’s on-screen saris and Alia’s off-screen lehengas. The second, where the outfit is with masterji for final alterations. And the last, where you’re scouring websites, or making weekly trips to Lajpat Nagar, just to find the perfect accessories.
The actual garment gets most of your attention, doesn’t it? For some, like for me, the accessories are what brings the whole look together, what it’s all about. There are days I pick out my favourite enamel jhumkis from Colaba and make it my mission to put together a look around it. From passas to juttis, there’s so much these baubles do for your ‘desi’ look – take a look at these Indian accessories, designed to own the spotlight.
1. Red Hot
They’re a gorgeous shade of red, are hand-embroidered and would look incredible with any solid coloured lehenga or anarkali. Keep it classic and wear it with black; or wear it with pink to add some quirk to your look.
Price: ₹ 600. Buy it here.
2. Arm Candy
From sangeets to taash parties, this pearl-embroidered potli is going to be the star wherever you take it. Pair this quaint piece with a yellow churidaar suit for a day look. For the PM, wear it with a pastel shade saree and pearl earrings (you can never have too many pearls, amirite?)
Price: ₹ 4,600. Buy it here.
3. Choker Hold
This beaded beauty is all things statement – multi-coloured beads, pom-poms and a fringe! Wouldn’t this be perfect for a casual outing with a white kurta and wide-legged pants?
Price: ₹ 489. Buy it here.
4. Ring Me Up
A one-of-a-kind piece, this statement kundan ring is definitely on my wishlist for 2018. This ring and a breezy linen kurti-dress in a summery shade = perfection.
Price: ₹ 5,400. Buy it here.
5. Love In The Pair
This pair of studded anklets is just what you need to spice up a dull outfit. Tip: wear these with a solid-hued maxi dress and a pair of juttis. From western to desi in seconds!
Price: ₹413. Buy it here.
6. Wedding Worthy
When you’re dancing along to ‘London Thumakda’, this pair of pearl-drop earrings is going to get all the “hai main marjaava’s” Trust me. Traditional, with a modern twist, this pair deserves all the attention in the world.
Price: ₹1,799. Buy it here.
7. Belt It Out
If you’re a serial shaadi go-er, you need this traditional Indian kamarbandh. Add this ‘Goddess motif’ belt to your lehenga/saree to elevate your Indian wear game.
Price: ₹10,060. Buy it here.
8. Mirror Mirror
Not your average maangtika, is it? This statement hair accessory is loaded with embroidery work, mirror work and pearl embellishment – just what you need to brighten up your Indian look.
Price: ₹2,200. Buy it here.
9. Happy Feet
Yellow is the colour of the season, and these juttis sure do justice to it. A pair that would go with anything you choose for the day, these flats are indi-chic and also super-comfy! Tip: Club these with a yellow anarkali and a yellow potli bag to go mono-tone.
Price: ₹2,940. Buy it here.
10. Feeling Vintage?
Tuck this into your tresses before attending your next desi gig, for a quaint 50s touch. Style it with a lace saree or lehenga and watch your Indian look transform!
Price: ₹719. Buy it here.