The Great Indian Festive Season is upon us and the countdown for Navratri has already begun. Amidst the spree of gift-buying, customary house cleaning and ceremonies, you often tend to overlook your festive wardrobe. If you’re tired of endless shopping trips to upgrade your wardrobe with the right outfits, here’s a handy day wise list of fashion essentials you can stock up on.  After all, why must your hectic festive social life be a hindrance to making a fashion statement?

 

If you want to steer clear of the traditional done-to-death chaniya choli and dress tad differently this time, you’ve come to the right place. Mix and match traditional and contemporary outfits, flaunt the nine yards even on dandiya nights (if you can manage it!) and experiment with accessories and hairstyles to make a lasting impression with your sartorial choices.

 

Up your fashion game this Navratri with this carefully curated list of Navratri fashion staples:

 

 

 

 

Day 1:

 

Day one, also known as Pratipada or Ghastasthapana, signals the arrival of the Goddess and the start of the festival. To mark the beginning of the auspicious nine days to come, the 1^st color of Navratri is yellow signifying freshness, enthusiasm and positivity making it truly a color befitting the celebratory feel of the day. You can begin your festive sartorial journey with a golden yellow pure South silk saree. Complement the jaw-dropping beauty of the garment with subtle yet stunning accessories such as a maang tika or chandbali earrings and potlis and get ready to make heads turn from day one of Navratri!

 

Day 2:

 

Green being the colour of Day two or Dwitiya, you too can opt for ravishing outfits in the soothing colour that denotes harmony, fertility and nature. Stock up your wardrobe with a gorgeous subtly embellished green ghagra or a pure georgette saree for your evening soirees. Create a knockout ensemble with one-of-a-kind tribal oxidised jewellery that accentuates the green shade of your outfit. 

 

Day 3:

 

The color of day 3 of Navratri is synonymous with timeless sophistication and balance. We’re, of course talking about grey and its many moody variations. Flaunt your elegance in a dark grey pure silk saree or an ash grey pure silk salwar kurta with embroidered dupatta. Keep your accessories to a bare minimum with a pair of elaborate dangler earrings and a fashionable clutch and let your personality do the talking. 

 

Day 4:

 

The 4^th day is a celebration of energy and creativity in vibrant shades of orange. And there’s no denying the beauty of a classic Kancheepuram silk saree in deep orange hue as a fashion staple. Pair it with a black or deep red embroidered blouse to bring out the color of the saree. For added effect, wear some statement jewellery and look simply resplendent in the festive glow.

 

 

Day 5:

 

White or the colour of Panchami stands for purity and peace. And of course, perfection which is what your sartorial choices should exude on this day. Add a pure South silk saree in white or a white chiffon salwar kameez to your wardrobe for this day. Accessorize it with a maang-tika or a stylish kamarbandh and a contrasting potli bag in vibrant hues to add some oomph to an otherwise understated classic look. Or ditch accessories altogether and opt for flower power with a traditional gajra with fresh white flowers!

 

Day 6:

 

Navratri is now in full swing and to match the energy and festive vibes, the day’s colour is red that stands for power, passion and desire. Nothing expresses passion like a Kancheepuram pure silk saree in deep, sensuous red. For your garba nights, an integral part of Navratri celebrations, swap the saree for a blood red ghagra with sand brown borders and dupatta. Indulge in some stellar accessories like an embellished potli, statement jewellery such as chunky earrings, long neckpieces and bangles to up your fashion game. 

 

Day 7:

 

It’s day 7 and your social calendar is choc-a-bloc with invites to garba nights! It’s time to step out, dressed to the nines in shades of royal blue-the colour of the 7^th day! Display your coolth and confidence in an exquisite royal blue Anarkali suit in pure georgette & lots of mirror work and embroideries. Infuse this traditional outfit with a contemporary twist and pair it with a fuschia pink jacket that speaks oomph. You can also try ethnic fusion with dhoti skirts or wraparound skirts and twirl away for a memorable night!

 

Day 8:

 

It’s time to look pretty in pink on day 8 of Navratri. Channel your inner fashion goddess in a salmon pink ghagra choli with a rose pink-gold zari border. Or go completely traditional with this subtle yet attention-grabbing  Ikkat saree. An embellished clutch with crystals or mirror work and statement pieces can glam up your look. Make a style statement with just one stunning jewellery such as a maang-tika or a kamarbandh and grab eyeballs around you! 

 

Day 9:

 

The last day or Navami is here but the celebrations are still on! True to the spirit of the worship of the most powerful goddess in the Hindu pantheon, the colour of Navami is purple, which denotes luxury and power. Celebrate Navami in a regal deep purple South silk saree or a rich violet ghagra with golden choli. Complement the colour with silver or oxidized jewellery, a nosepin and a simple gajra and see how your striking ensemble comes together for a stunning final look. 

 

Let us know your Navratri fashion plans for this year. And for our friends from far-east aka Bengal, we will soon be bringing an elaborate fashion guide for 5 days of Durga puja! Watch this space for more.