Festive occasions are all about embracing your ethnicity, making a statement in a culturally-rooted look with your own individualistic style. Indian ensembles of the yesteryear era represent more than just a passing vogue. From the sari to the sharara, the silhouettes have been as individualistic as the wearer, symbolic of the culture and charm that is timeless. Sentimental and antique ensembles make special occasions even more cherishable. Reprising an old-world silhouette for the modern mandate of festivities is one way to look a class apart from the crowd and garner attention for the style that is personal to you.
With umpteen iterations of Indian silhouettes, a gathering can be a sea of the same run-of-the-mill designs. If you are someone who seeks a statement that is effortlessly unique, the resurgence of ancient-inspired silhouettes can add a distinct personality to your festive look. Here’s a lowdown on silhouettes you can consider to imbibe a sense of old-world charm in your Diwali looks.
Pheran Kurtas
This native Kashmiri attire is enhanced with zari needlework or brocade accents on the yoke for an imperial appeal. Festive iterations of today range from quaint minimalistic to cosy up in a low-key affair to the styles exhibiting ingenious craftsmanship, making for a perfect choice for extravagant festive affairs. A contemporary spin on the 15th-century staple of Himalayan valleys, the tropical printed rendition by Sage Saga is an ideal option for a Diwali high-tea or hors d’oeuvre. Daljit Sudan taps into the heirloom’s originality by customising the ensemble in velvet with aari embroidered panels. Consider the look for conventional family rituals.
Choga & Farshi
Pooja Rajgarhia Gupta
Aseem Kapoor
A sartorial look that has traveled ages, the choga and farshi set gives us a peek into the times of opulence. This long kurta from the 19th century and the bottom wear of the Begums of Awadh in the 17th century, the farshi pajama has been reprised in the festive segment. Pooja Rajgarhia Gupta gives the choga a nonchalant vibe with sorbet colours and light fabric, ideal for a temple visit. Similarly, Aseem Kapoor gave it a tribal-inspired charm with shells and fringes, to offset the bright stripes that can transition into a card party in the evening. Heena Kochhar’s pair of embroidered farshi pants can be invested in as a traditional possession that you can pass on.
Dhoti
Gopi Vaid 
Devnaagri
The nostalgia evoked by heirloom ensembles reinstates is a reminder of how some things remain unchanged even as the way of celebrating become unconventional. A kurta and dhoti ensemble can be deemed as an attire that reinstates a sense of revelry that is true to its roots. Gopi Vaid’s bright and blingy creation is refreshing yet culturally rooted look for Diwali festivities. Similarly, Devnaagri doesn’t let the dhoti look demure, pairing it with a meticulously embroidered kurta.
Kalidar
Abhishek Gupta 
Ajiesh Oberoi
If there’s a carefully preserved kurta that has been passed down to you, there are chances it would be a quaint kalidar. Abhishek Gupta makes a case of a sartorial treasure with a Parsi embroidered kalidar ensemble that can be a part of your celebrations on Diwali as well as an upcoming wedding you would have RSVP’ed to. Ajiesh Oberoi’s take on the kalidar can be seen with a shorter hem and wide-leg pants, offering something refreshing from what we’re accustomed to, yet reminiscent of an old-world charm.
Angrakha
Shyam Narayan Prasad 
Bairaa
A wrap-around modest neckline and voluminous flare sum up all elements of this royal heirloom ensemble. Popular court wear from the 1800s, the angrakha narrates the story of aristocracy and royalty. Bhumika Sharma serves a throwback-worthy statement with a floor-length creation, in an eye-pleasing red tone, offering a perfect look if you’re having an intimate Roka ceremony on Diwali. Shyam Narayan Prasad creates a lightly layered ensemble that boasts of old-world richness and trans-seasonal charm. On the other hand, Bairaa’s Mughal-inspired lexicon added over the ancient attire makes it ideal for auspicious rituals at home and the traditional Diwali feast that follows.
