#ExtraFestive: Easy Indo-Western Outfit Ideas To Switch It Up In Style

A pre-draped saree is Indian fashion's greatest gift to us, in my opinion. Who doesn't like looking like a Bollywood diva without the fuss of draping six yards of fabric around their waist and safety pins biting their skin? Enter pre-draped sarees, with nothing to stress over, just a skirt (or pair of pants) with pleated ghera to jump into and a sorted pallu that doesn't need any effort to stay put on your shoulder. 

This one from Swtantra comes in a pants style so you simply have to pull it on. It also comes with a bronze sequin belt for those who enjoy the cinched waist silhouette when wearing a saree. The ombre colour of the satin is enough to make a bold statement but if you are planning to keep all eyes on you, don't be shy of experimenting with metallic tones for the blouse and some sleek jewellery to tie the whole look together.

For those looking to have a fusion moment, a white button-down paired with an embroidered lehenga or pair of trousers is a fail-proof Indo-Western outfit idea. The subtlety of the white tones down the drama of the bottom and is any day a comfortable option over any fitted blouse that clings to your body. Also, you have the option of mixing and matching your plain shirt with the lehengas or ethnic trousers that already exist in your closet instead of spending money on something new. So get going on that closet cleanse.

You can buy this set from Abhishti if you feel cleaning your wardrobe is not on your festive radar. It has a wrap-styled shirt and a pair of straight Zari pants in a peacock hue that completes the look with elegance without looking OTT. The key to acing your look is some statement jewellery and nice pair of shoes.

Probably the most loved trend when it comes to Indo-Western outfits. The flowy cape adds an element of sophistication to a co-ord and looks more polished than carrying a dupatta. The idea is to make it look more put together and ditch the dupatta that always needs help carrying around on your shoulders.

We found this printed red sharara set from Kalakaari By Sagarika that comes with a lightweight dupatta cape, perfect for wearing on Rakhi or pre-wedding functions like mehendi. Dress up this look a bit more with oxidised silver jhumkas and a clutch bag and make heads turn on any occasion. 

Yes, you read it right! Two of our favourite things, ethnic and jumpsuit do exist together! For fashionistas who don't want to compromise on style but still want a comfy outfit, an ethnic-inspired jumpsuit is all set to be your next best clothing investment! For those not-so-traditional Diwali parties or destination wedding festivities, an ethnic jumpsuit should be on your wishlist for all the right reasons- it looks super fun and chic, is comparatively lighter than embroidered ensembles and would get you compliments any time you wear it for your great styling sensibility (you can thank us later).

We spotted this jumpsuit from Label Aditi Hundia that looks extremely cute with its halter neck and also has smocking on the back, which makes it even more comfortable to wear because of the extra stretch. It is available in two colours—a bright coral and a deep grey if you feel coral is too much colour for you. Team this with a pair of sea shell earrings for a beach wedding (like the ones below) or simple hoops if you plan to let the jumpsuit do the talking. For footwear, a stylish pair of flats is the way to go if your day involves lots of dancing.

Nope, this isn't a long shot if you ask us. A blazer set can very well be your next festive outfit if you choose one correctly. Firstly, the fabric should be something plush (in other words, should look expensive). Secondly, let the plain solid colours take a backseat and move toward prints or embroidery because you are in celebration mode and a plain blazer would just not cut it. Thirdly, find your fit. While an oversized blazer might be an ideal choice since it looks really cool with the buttons open with a matching blouse under it, there's nothing set in stone and you can very well choose one that fits you like a glove if that's your vibe.

Baise Gaba as a brand does the most sought-after Indo-Western clothing pieces. Their designs have a refreshingly modern vibe to them while also carrying the traditional touch, be it with the help of prints or patterns. This printed blazer from them has our hearts for its vivid pink all-over print and the hand-embroidered buttons on the front that pack on the 'Indo' feels in the fit. Accessorising is a must for this look, think of layering neck pieces of different lengths for giving your neck an elongated look. A potli bag would be a nice touch to sum it all up.

It looks modern yet traditional, is comfortable to wear and looks fab! What more could you want from your festive outfit? If your traditional clothing wardrobe has you bored of repeating the same lehenga silhouette but you still can't get over skirts (obviously), then a draped skirt is exactly what you need to spend your money on next. It looks like a dhoti pant, only more comfortable to wear and looks overly chic. 

We found this Zardosi embroidered set from Soup by Sougat Paul which looks absolutely stunning with the cropped top with angel sleeves and draped skirt with the gold buckle. This outfit looks like something off the runway and with the contrast of prints going on, be careful not to overdo the accessories. A pair of studs and pumps can be your best friends for this look.

Corsets don't seem to be going out of fashion any time soon and are great additions to your wardrobe because they look nice. We have seen Indian fashion designers display their interpretations of this Western silhouette several times over the past two years or so with lehengas, sarees, or even shararas, and have to say, it's hard to not give into the idea of a desi corset.

Saanjh by Lea has the best corsets that can be worn with a lehenga or with a pair of jeans for your date night post the festive season (because we love clothes that can be worn for different events). We found this mermaid lehenga set for your card party shenanigans during the Diwali days, doubling for your best friend's engagement party. The lehenga is quite OTT and doesn't need much help in the accessorising department, you can style it with a pair of diamond earrings and black heels to keep the spotlight on the outfit.

A gown can be worn for a festive outing if styled well. The only thing to make sure of is that it flatters your body shape and the colour compliments the occasion, i.e. light or pastel colours for the day and dark or metallic colour for the evening. Invest in a statement accessory like a pair of earrings, a belt or a clutch that would take the look from zero to a hundred in an instant.

This satin gown from House of Fett would look absolutely stunning paired with a pearled collar (like the one we found) when you want to add some drama to your look but still look sophisticated.