Navratri 2022: Ace the garba-night look with these quirky fashion experiments

After a two-year long hiatus, the festival of colours, light and dance-nights is here and there is enough room for people to go all out and glam up for the occasion. The post-pandemic fashion fads have been evolving regularly with a number of fashion content creators setting trends in an era of digitisation. A blend of the ethnic and modern is majorly gaining spotlight amid the need for a balance between comfort and style.

Moreover, people are increasingly looking for alternatives to regulars, may it be a festive or western occasion. Experimenting with available apparels and creating the coolest outfits, which break the conventional code of ethnic and modern is an embraced method. This Navratri too, one can see outfits, which do not really fit the unsaid rule of lehengas and flowy dresses.

‘Ditch your lehengas and sarees'
Ditch your regular lehengas and chaniya choli for some quirky fashion experiments this year, which can suit the new vibe of the season after a two-year hiatus. Expert Arindam Chakravorty, brand head of Aurelia, suggests going for outfits, which are colourful and fuss-free. In addition to long fairy kurtas, choker dupatta sets, long-length ethnic dresses, one can try variations like dupatta over denims.

According to digital fashion content creator Foram Botadra, one can go for jeans and a dupatta, which is draped over one shoulder and has pleats similar to those on a saree at the other end. She also suggests wearing peplum frills with a necklace and mirror danglers. "If your other layers are in muted tones or pastel hues, add to the appearance by donning a mirrored cape. The sophistication of the ensemble will be heightened by a choker and bracelet," adds Botadra.

People are indulging in a lot of experimentation when it comes to ethnic fashion. Chakravorty observes there are new versions of sarees, dupattas and a lot of drama in the sleeves; pairing short kurtis with skirts and sharara is also back in trend.

While sarees can be a fuss for many, people are rocking the look with bold combinations like a shirt or crop top with sarees. High-waisted palazzos also rule the ethnic world as they can be paired with a multitude of tops to achieve a wide range of outfits for different occasions.

"The perfect saree look to go for, when you're looking to quirk up your ethnic outfit, without getting too close to the edge. All you need is an embellished wrap-around crop top and a solid black saree, preferably in black 'cause let's face it, nothing is ever the new black," notes Botadra. For footwear, be free to go ahead with your sneakers and sliders as these are the emerging styles among the GenZs and the millennials.

Botadra and Chakravorty share a curated guide on flaunting a hatke look for Navratri nights:

Dhoti pants
You may wear your dhoti trousers with a tunic or even just a simple T-shirt. It can also be experimented with a short kurti and a contrast dupatta. Accessorise it with vibrant pop-coloured footwear and contrast colour bangles/bracelets. One can go for mojris, jhumkas or a neckpiece.

Bohemian jackets
Experiment with three piece sets with a gilet in various silhouettes. One can pair them with chunky earrings. Small floral prints continue to dominate the boho outfit trends, along with other combinations.

Flared pants
One can pair these with both tight and loose tops. Go with cashmere sweaters, light semi-sheer shirts, or flowy T-shirt tops that may be half tucked in or worn out. One can also pair straight kurta and flared culottes; accessorise with heavy anklets and vibrant footwear.

Ruffled long-skirts
Ruffled skirts, knee-length or long, offer comfort, a feminine touch and an elegant festive look. Look for patterned or floral skirts. A straight-cut skirt with ruched ruffles is also an ideal option for Navratri. These skirts can be worn with short tops and coordinating drapes; can also be mixed up with a wide variety of straight or short Kurti. Accessorise with chunky earrings and bracelets.

Exaggerated sleeves kurta
Kurtas with unique exaggerated sleeves are one of the main highlights of ethnic fashion lately. All you need is some dainty earrings to complete the look.

Also Read: Navratri 2022: Sama rice cutlet, makhana, flax seed chivda and other dishes to enjoy this fasting season