With Diwali being around the corner, we are already in the festive mood, but can’t wait for what’s coming ahead (especially the new fashion buys). We’re already tracking the new trends, the latest collections by our favourite designers, the trending colours and all the bright festive fashion.
Between vibrant-hued kurtas, embroidered classics, and new-age fusion ensembles, the festive season has a lot to offer. Luckily, our editors and curators have an amazing eye for design and a remarkable sense of style. In the spirit of the shimmering festival, we asked 5 fashion insiders from Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop to share their personal style for the festive season, their favourite picks and designers, what they are wearing this Diwali and how they are styling it.
Personally, I gravitate towards wearing lightweight kurtas in the brightest colours I can find and accessorise them with chunky gold jewellery. But let’s take notes from those who have mastered the art of festive dressing and kickstart our Diwali Shopping.
Ritu Bakshi [Lead Curator -Home & Living]
Anita Dongre 
Aster
Personal Style: “I believe in keeping comfort and ease above style! Clothes, no matter how stylish and trendy, will not look good on a person who is uncomfortable wearing them. I also prefer sticking to basics that are timeless, rather than blindly following trends.”
Favourites: “My go-to designer for ethnic wear is Anita Dongre. I love her silhouettes and they really compliment my body type. I attend quite a few Diwali card-parties, so these outfits are perfect.”
Styling advice: “I like to keep it simple and fuss-free. When it comes to jewellery pearls are my favourite. I generally opt for a necklace or a pair of earrings and am currently in love with the brand Aster.
Ankita Bedi [Head – Marketing]
Gulabo By Abu Sandeep 
Plum Blossom
Personal Style: “I gravitate towards easy and effortless silhouettes that have a hint of drama. Neutral hues always have my heart since I can play around with accessories. But I adore pieces that have an unexpected element of surprise to them, like frills and ruffles.”
Favourites: Gulabo by Abu Sandeep is my go-to for the festive season. With the use of breathable fabrics, they assure comfort and style.”
Styling advice: “This ruffled shirt has a hint of embroidery that gives it festive vibes. It gives the perfect put-together and chic look without trying too hard. I will be styling it with dhoti pants and a pair of juttis.”
Sonia Rijhwani [Senior Curator – Fashion]
Personal Style: For me, festive dressing means fusion styles, that merge tradition and contemporary elements. I want to embrace the festivities in all their glory while still feeling comfortable and young.”
Favourites: “I love this decadent brocade pantsuit by Kshitij Jalori. Everything by the designer is very timeless, rooted in culture and what really sets his designs apart are the contradictory elements.”
Styling advice: “I’m going to style this piece with a pair of brogue, some contemporary jewellery from Kichu and keep my hair sleek and pulled back.”
Priya Majmudar [Art Director]
Anita Dongre 
Coral Haze
Personal Style: I’m a devotee of the print trend. Especially when it comes to ethnic wear, printed outfits are the way to go! They are simple yet fashionable.”
Favourites: “Anita Dongre is my favourite designer for Indian wear. Not only are her pieces stunningly beautiful, but they will definitely remain with me for years to come.”
Styling advice: “My Mantra is to keep my look simple. So I will be pairing my favourite Kurta with juttis and dainty jewellery “
Simran Malhotra [Senior Fashion Stylist]
Ekaya 
Mahima Mahajan
Personal Style: “My personal style is a little on the maximal side when it comes to festive clothing. I love it when block prints and embroideries come together especially on genuine hand-woven fabrics.”
Favourites: “It’s hard to pick just one favourite! For a day-time look I opt for designers like Pleats by Kaksha & Dimple, because of its light fabrics and fine motif embroideries, Ekaya for it hand-woven, block printed and embroidered styles or Adah as I adore the prints. For evenings, I love the juxtaposition of prints and embroidery created by Punit Balana. I also like Mahima Mahajan, Nakul Sen and SVA by Sonam and Paras Modi for their maximal approach in design.
Styling advice: “My personal favourite brands when it comes to jewellery are Aster, Vastraa and Riana. They have magnificent ethnic styles and a wide variety to choose from. For day time festivities, a statement mang tikka and a ring will complete the look, and for evening celebrations I like to adorn a choker set or long Kundan necklace along with a statement cuff. I also like wearing big flowers like Lotuses or Lilies in my hair as they complete a head to toe statement look.”
Adah 
Vastraa 
Riana 
Riana
Go ahead and begin your Diwali Shopping
From minimal aesthetics to maximalist looks, there’s so much inspiration to take from these fashionable insiders. I’m definitely stealing these looks for the 5 days of Diwali this year. Take these editor-approved picks as they are or tweak them to suit your personality.
If you are looking for inspiration to spruce up your home for Diwali, or want to take away the best host title with eye-pleasing decor; read our previous article: Home Decor Guide To Brighten Up Your Diwali.
As a special something, we want to give you a 10% discount. Use the code BLOG!0 and get your Diwali outfits on Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop.