Choosing Your Diwali Clothes: 10+ Traditional & Modern Looks

The most important Hindu festival in the calendar year, Diwali, is the festival of lights and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It is symbolic of helping us remember the new beginnings every year, along with everything bright and beautiful. Diwali is that one time of the year when most of us give a full shift to closets with traditional attire. 

Diwali is the most exciting time of the year for fashion lovers. It’s when homes glow with lights, sweet aromas fill the air, and wardrobes get a full festive refresh. It’s about celebrating new beginnings, joy, and good vibes all around. And what better way to do that than with clothes that make you feel confident, cheerful, and completely in the spirit of the season? 

As the festival approaches, it’s natural to look for outfit ideas that are fun, stylish, and just a little different from what you wore last year. Everyone in the family gets a little extra excited about what to wear.

Women love mixing traditional silhouettes with modern touches from vibrant lehengas and sarees to comfy, chic sets, because Diwali is the perfect excuse to dress up. Men also get in on the festive fashion, choosing kurta sets or sherwanis in bold colors and textures that reflect both style and tradition. Fabrics like silk, georgette, velvet, and brocade make the outfits feel special, while embroidery, sequins, and zari add just the right festive sparkle. 

Diwali fashion is all about enjoying yourself and feeling your best. From family pujas to evening parties, there’s a look for every occasion, and the beauty is in mixing colors, textures, and accessories in ways that feel personal. 

Let's take a look at traditional styles, regional outfit ideas, and more to inspire your Diwali fashion this year.

Traditional Diwali Outfits & Styles

Traditional outfits like lehengas, sarees, and suits remain staples, but modern fashion has introduced many variations that make festive dressing more versatile and creative. 

Women can choose from heavily embroidered lehengas for grand evening parties, lightweight sarees with elegant borders and pre-stitched pleats for ease, or vibrant suits and ghararas that combine comfort with style. Anarkalis and shararas are also popular, offering a regal and playful look that suits both family gatherings and social events.

Fabrics play a key role in elevating the outfit; rich silks, flowy georgettes, plush velvets, and even modern blends are used, often decorated with sequins, thread work, zari, or mirror embellishments to create a celebratory sparkle.

Diwali outfits are also influenced by color symbolism. Bright reds, golds, and yellows are traditionally associated with prosperity and energy, while pastels and muted tones like blush pinks, dusty greens, and soft blues offer a modern, elegant approach. Accessories such as statement earrings, layered necklaces, embellished clutches, and traditional juttis or heels can transform even a simple outfit into a festive masterpiece.

Men’s Diwali clothing has also evolved beyond basic kurtas and sherwanis, with embroidered jackets, bandhgala suits, and paired churidar or trousers giving a contemporary twist to traditional attire. In addition, fusion styles like Indo-Western gowns, pant sets with embroidered jackets, or dhoti-style pants with modern kurta designs are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, offering a perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and style.

How Different Regions Dress for Diwali

India's diverse cultural tapestry is beautifully reflected in the way Diwali is celebrated across its regions, each with its unique sartorial expressions.

In the northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, the festive attire is characterized by vibrant colors and intricate embroidery. Women often choose lehengas or Punjabi suits adorned with phulkari dupattas, rich in traditional embroidery. 

For instance, the Lavender Embroidered Net Lehenga offers a modern twist on traditional wear, combining delicate net fabric with detailed embroidery. Men complement this style with kurta-pajamas or sherwanis, often accessorized with colorful turbans or safas and traditional juttis, embracing the festive spirit with elegance.

Moving south, the southern states of India, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, celebrate Diwali with a more understated yet equally elegant approach. Women typically wear Kanjivaram silk sarees, known for their rich textures and gold zari work. 

The Teal Embroidered Brocade Saree exemplifies this tradition, offering a blend of opulence and grace. Men often don dhoti-kurtas or veshtis paired with angavastrams, completing the look with sandalwood paste and flower garlands, adhering to the region's customs.

In the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Diwali is marked by vibrant celebrations and colorful attire. Women favor chaniya cholis or sarees with Bandhani or Patola prints, reflecting the rich textile heritage of the region.

The Yellow Multicolor Floral Printed Lehenga is a popular choice, combining traditional brocade fabric with contemporary design elements. Men wear kurta-pajamas or dhoti-kurtas, often accessorized with traditional turbans, embracing the festive atmosphere with style.

In the eastern state of West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated with a blend of tradition and simplicity. Women often choose sarees in lighter fabrics like Tant or Baluchari, adorned with minimalistic yet elegant designs.

The Deep Mustard Embroidered Silk Saree captures this essence, offering a rich color palette and intricate embroidery. Men typically wear dhoti-kurtas in serene shades, reflecting the region's understated elegance.

Central India, encompassing states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, showcases a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles in its Diwali celebrations. Women often opt for lehengas or sarees with Bandhej or phulkari patterns, reflecting the region's rich textile traditions.

The Orange Floral Embroidered Silk Gharara Suit exemplifies this fusion, combining traditional embroidery with modern silhouettes. Men complement this attire with kurta-pajamas or dhoti-kurtas, embracing the festive spirit with style.

In urban centers across India, Diwali fashion has evolved to incorporate contemporary trends while retaining traditional elements. Women often choose Indo-Western outfits, pant sets, or gowns, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of these cities.

The Red and Gold Embroidered Pant Set with Jacket is a popular choice, offering a blend of traditional embroidery and modern design. Men often opt for tailored kurta suits, pairing them with slim-fit trousers for a chic appearance, suitable for festive dinners or upscale celebrations.

Each region's attire not only reflects its cultural heritage but also adds to the rich mosaic of Diwali celebrations across India. Whether embracing traditional garments or contemporary fusion styles, the essence of Diwali is captured in the vibrant and diverse fashion choices that adorn the festival of lights.

Dressing for Different Diwali Events

As a multi-day festival with various events and rituals, one will need more than two traditional attires to get through the festivities. What you wear for Diwali can depend on the specific event or how traditional or casual you want to be. Here's a guide on how to dress for different Diwali events:

• Puja at Home: For the Diwali puja (prayer ceremony) at home, your best bet is a traditional attire like a saree, salwar kameez, or lehenga. Style it with traditional jewelry to complete the look.

• Family Gatherings: Diwali is a time for family reunions. For such gatherings, you can dress in semi-formal traditional attire like anarkali suits or designer sarees, while men can go for stylish kurta-pajama sets.

• Card Parties: It’s safe to say that card parties are an integral part of the Diwali festivities. In urban areas, some people prefer to wear contemporary Indo-Western outfits like palazzo pants with a kurta. Accessories like statement earrings or a stylish stole can add a festive touch to your look.

• Special Dinner or Party: If you're attending a formal Diwali dinner or party, it’s an opportunity to dress up in your finest. Women can wear designer sarees or lehengas with intricate work, while men can opt for elaborate sherwanis.

Saree vs Lehenga: Making the Right Diwali Choice

While the grace of a saree is unmatched, the lehenga style brings in the drama. Choosing between the two depends on personal style, comfort, and the type of celebration you’re attending. Both sarees and lehengas are stunning traditional Indian garments; however, there are some factors to consider.

Sarees are renowned for their timeless elegance and versatility. They consist of a long piece of fabric, typically ranging from five to nine yards, which is draped around the body, offering a graceful silhouette. Sarees can be styled in various ways, from traditional drapes to contemporary pre-stitched versions, catering to different preferences. Fabrics like georgette, chiffon, and silk are popular choices, each providing a unique drape and feel. 

For instance, the Purple Embroidered Brocade Saree offers a rich texture with intricate zari and sequin work, making it suitable for formal Diwali gatherings. 

Lehengas, on the other hand, are a three-piece ensemble comprising a flared skirt (lehenga), a blouse (choli), and a dupatta. They are often associated with a more regal appearance and are favored for their structured design and ease of movement. Lehengas tend to give a more youthful and celebratory vibe, making them an excellent choice for festive occasions like Diwali.

The Orange and Mint Mirror Embroidered Silk Lehenga exemplifies this with its intricate embellishments and luxurious fabric, perfect for evening celebrations. For a more contemporary look, the Dusty Pink Embroidered Lehenga offers a chic silhouette with delicate thread work.

Both sarees and lehengas have their unique charm and suitability depending on the occasion and personal preference. Sarees offer a classic, elegant look with a variety of draping styles, while lehengas provide a structured, festive appearance that also allows for ease of movement.

All in all, from color to silhouette and structure, the styles you choose for this year's Diwali celebrations will feel best when you embrace comfort and personal expression. Looking for options? Lashkaraa's collections for men and women include minimal and sophisticated Indian suits, sarees, & more.